Steering Wheel Refurbishing

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Dec 3, 2006 | 01:16 PM

jeff5683

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Joined: May 2005

Posts: 388

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From: Florida

Steering Wheel Refurbishing

I've got a 1956 Steering Wheel that has some cracks & areas where chunks are missing. The finish of the steering wheel is no longer glossy and has lost its "rubbery" texture. It is more of a matte & porous texture.
I read somewhere that some people use JB weld to fill cracks and crevasses.
Wanted to get other ideas for filling (if any better) from you all.
Also, what have you used or heard of using to bring back the like-new finish.

Dec 3, 2006 | 01:24 PM

bobj49f2

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Joined: Jan 2001

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From: SE Wisc. (the Rust Belt)

When I redid my wheel I used POR-15 epoxy but I suppose any good fill epoxy would do the same. I then painted the wheel black using an acrylic urethane two part automotive paint. I applied extra coats of clear for added protection. That was over seven years ago and the finish is holding up really nice. The only probem I have is new hair line cracks have formed. I think the original material is still deteriating and loses the bond with the epoxy. I think the only way to assure a crack free recondition would be to completely remove all of the original material and reform the wheel with a modern material like epoxy but that would take a lot of equipment and know how to do. The original material is 50+ years old and wasn't expected to last that long.

Dec 3, 2006 | 02:53 PM

54 gene

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Joined: Jul 2004

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Hi try Eastwood that is were i got mine.

Dec 3, 2006 | 03:26 PM

fking1

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Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 825

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From: Michigan

I used the POR repair kit then had a pro paint & clear coat it. Came out perfect.
Fred

Dec 3, 2006 | 03:48 PM

jeff5683

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Senior User

Joined: May 2005

Posts: 388

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From: Florida

Ahhh.
POR Repair Kit.
Actually has directions and all on the website.
http://www.por15.com/s.nl/it.A/id.1480/.f
I'm sure you could use generic materials and use the same directions... Cleaner, Epoxy Putty, Sand Papers, Primer, Enamel, Polisher
Thanks everyone.

Dec 3, 2006 | 03:57 PM

propane32

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Joined: Feb 2004

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From: walnut cove,nc

9steering wheel

hi, i used eastwoods kit turned out good good luck

Dec 3, 2006 | 05:44 PM

ALBUQ F-1

Fleet Owner

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 27,304

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From: NM

I added up how much POR or JB Weld it would take to do mine (which is pretty badly cracked but no lost material) and it would have cost close to a $100. For each crack you have to grind back at an angle which quickly adds a lot of volume needing replacement. They are repro'ing my wheel and selling them for $130, so it didn't seem like the effort was worth it. In the end I decided to just sand and repaint, and will buy a black leather cover for $10....