Steering wheel restoration

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Slow Smoke Moke
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Steering wheel restoration

Post by Slow Smoke Moke »

Chaps,

The steering wheel needs restoring. No cracks but just worn and having lost it's nice shiny surface. Does it need to go to a restorer or can it be done at home?

I've found sufficient articles about sanding and painting but also another about restoring bakerlite(?) by running a blowtorch over it.

Comments welcomed.

Nick
Nigel(no top)Sykes
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Re: Steering wheel restoration

Post by Nigel(no top)Sykes »

Is that what they're made from?......Bakelite?
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Slow Smoke Moke
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Re: Steering wheel restoration

Post by Slow Smoke Moke »

Not sure to be honest......
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Tim
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Re: Steering wheel restoration

Post by Tim »

I'm not sure what the plastic is, but it has a hard smooth outer layer and a softer inner layer, once the outer layer wears away the inner one deteriorates quickly.

I have a Mk1 wheel that has been restored by painting it with black two pack enamel. It has worked really well in that the hard smooth (possibly a bit too glossy) surface has been restored. The only problem is that whowver did it didn't fix the cracks first, so they show through. If yours is crack free, I reckon this would be a good solution.


Tim
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Slow Smoke Moke
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Re: Steering wheel restoration

Post by Slow Smoke Moke »

Thanks Tim.

Do I need any specialist equipment to be using two pack?

Nick
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Re: Steering wheel restoration

Post by Jez »

Nick

Back when I did my coach building apprenticeship the use of 'two pack' necessitated the wearing of a full face mask and breathing apparatus, as using that stuff without proper gear will quickly and painfully send you to the undertaker. Seriously !

Two pack is isocyanate based, there is a clue in the title !

Jez
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Nigel(no top)Sykes
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Re: Steering wheel restoration

Post by Nigel(no top)Sykes »

This is true..separate air fed mask and full body suit plus gloves for that stuff
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Slow Smoke Moke
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Re: Steering wheel restoration

Post by Slow Smoke Moke »

Just had a natter with some of the chaps in this neck of the woods who can do something similar and have all the kit.

Solved, thanks for the warning.

N
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Tim
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Re: Steering wheel restoration

Post by Tim »

You don't have to have an air fed mask. There are a few high quality full face masks that are rated for use with isocyanate based 2 pack that don't require an air feed. For example the Sundstrom SR200 used with the correct filters is rated for spraying isocyanate up to 40 hours per week.

You can get 2 pack mixed up in a pressure pack these days. My local automotive paint supplier does them. They have a special can with a seperate compartment for the catalyst. You pull a trigger on the bottom of the can, shake it thoroughly and spray it on. You only get one go per can though, as once its mixed it starts to harden.

Tim
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Doug G
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Re: Steering wheel restoration

Post by Doug G »

There are two cracks in my steering wheel. One on either side of the hub.

What is the suggested method to fix/glue this?
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Tim
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Re: Steering wheel restoration

Post by Tim »

I've never done it but people grind the crack out and fill them with epoxy type fillers. Then sand everything smooth like doing body work. You'd have to use the right type of filler, otherwise it would probably just crack between the filler and the original material.

I'm certain if you google it you'll find a dozen youtube videos showing how to do it.

Tim
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Doug G
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Re: Steering wheel restoration

Post by Doug G »

Will investigate
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