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Hi everyone, I can't seem to find the answer here or anywhere so thought I'd start a new post. The plastic/vinyl backside of my 78 F150 (Custom, 2wd, non tilt, no cruise) steering wheel is disintegrating. The silver plastic trim on the horn pad is cracking away as well. I know I can get a new horn pad and screw that on. But can we replace the plastic/vinyl backside of the steering wheel? I don't want to replace the entire wheel because it is the original wheel that my Grandpa and my Dad used while they each owned this truck (cracks and all, call me sentimental).
Maybe buying a used wheel and swapping this back cover is an option? Any info is appreciated.
Well after a quick walk to the parts shed, I looked over a spare steering wheel I had on the shelf. Once you remove the pad, you will see 4 small metal tabs bent over. I am not sure if straightening them will let you pull the back side cover off.
Of course you will have to have the steering wheel removed from the steering column 1st. Steering wheel puller time, if you do not own one rent/borrow it from most parts houses with a tool loaner program.
Then good luck finding that part for sale by itself.
Well after a quick walk to the parts shed, I looked over a spare steering wheel I had on the shelf. Once you remove the pad, you will see 4 small metal tabs bent over. I am not sure if straightening them will let you pull the back side cover off.
Of course you will have to have the steering wheel removed from the steering column 1st. Steering wheel puller time, if you do not own one rent/borrow it from most parts houses with a tool loaner program.
Then good luck finding that part for sale by itself.
Thank you so much for that info. Good to know. It may be one of those deals where the tabs were melted into the plastic. I've seen that on other dash pieces. But yes, probably not going to find just a backing piece. I appreciate your time!
Well do not tap out so easy, I have another steering wheel (with cracks in it) and I am willing to see if the back side cover is in good enough shape to try and take it off. Let me get back in the parts shed this afternoon (once it cools off a bit) and see what I can get taken apart for you. Interested?
Well I looked over the couple of spare steering wheels I have, they are in to good a shape to be taking that part off of. But in 2 of my parts trucks, those steering wheels have cracks, so I will take a steering wheel off and then get to seeing how to get the back side piece off for ya. TBD
If that doesn't end up working...there is an epoxy designed to repair steering wheels and the like (called Marine something...go figure). I know this isn't a big help, but it's been a long time since I used it. You could fill in the cracks with that and hit it with plastic flexible paint. At least if I'm understanding the problem correctly.
Extra points for you saving it for sentimental reasons. Nothing wrong with that my friend. Good luck.
Well I looked over the couple of spare steering wheels I have, they are in to good a shape to be taking that part off of. But in 2 of my parts trucks, those steering wheels have cracks, so I will take a steering wheel off and then get to seeing how to get the back side piece off for ya. TBD
Thank you for checking!
Originally Posted by JP250
If that doesn't end up working...there is an epoxy designed to repair steering wheels and the like (called Marine something...go figure). I know this isn't a big help, but it's been a long time since I used it. You could fill in the cracks with that and hit it with plastic flexible paint. At least if I'm understanding the problem correctly.
Extra points for you saving it for sentimental reasons. Nothing wrong with that my friend. Good luck.
Thank you. It’s actually disintegrating with chunks falling off the back. Sunlight and cigarette smoke corrosion I’m guessing.
Well I got the steering wheel off the parts truck and took it apart Johnny Cash style...one piece at a time.
So you un-bend the 4 tabs under the horn pad, with a flat tip.
Then you tap them out a bit. One is the back side outer ring for the horn connection and one is the inner ring.
Then you tap the plastic ring/base behind that, it is assembled different than it came apart.
Then you tap off the part you want to replace and that part will be broken in the process But it is doable.
It is not really meant to come apart, they get assembled differently, with a collar betting pressed on AFTER the piece you want to replace is installed. So you are either going to have to replace the complete steering wheel, or come up with something to repair the broken part.
This piece is held on by the collar. And it breaks when removed.
And this piece also.
Here is the collar you need to remove so the black plastic piece can come off with out getting broken.
So if the piece you want to replace is that bad, its new or newer/different complete steering wheel swap time. And then put the old one on the garage wall for a great memory piece.
What about some type of wrap or cover? Maybe some heat shrink laminate like monokote used for model airplanes only thicker or the material used for soft casts for broken wrists etc.. I've seen that stuff be formed/shaped for kids and it is either treated with heat or water (I can't remember) to harden it.
I'm just spitting ideas.
If I ever pull my steering wheel I'll see if our CTE teacher could scan it and 3D print a cover. He said he thinks it can be done.
77&79F250, thank you so much. I appreciate the research and help. I’m sure this is really valuable to other members here too. I will look into reworking the corroding edges. It’s right where my fingers rest naturally. I really like the idea of keeping the old wheel on the wall too. That would be cool. I’m grateful for all the suggestions here. I’ll see what I can do and report back. I’ll keep monitoring for alternatives too. Thanks again!
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