'61-'70 steering wheel restoration

[sideoilerfe]

Is there a trick or special type of paint/coating to use on these steering wheels to restore them? The one on my '70 has no finish left and my hands are always dirty after I drive it. Any suggestions and/or pics would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[71PA_Highboy]

Eastwood has a steering wheel restoration kit... Maybe that will work for you.

r/

eric

[convincor]

I thought POR made something also but didn't see it as a kit on there website.
They do have putties that would probably work well for filling cracks.
Oops, just looked again and found the kit.
http://www.por15.com/prodinfo.asp?grp=SWRK&dept=11
But then again, the "kit" is $92. The putty alone is $22
http://www.por15.com/prodinfo.asp?grp=PU&dept=10

[Trampus67]

I have heard of people using bondo and the normal auto body paint. Bad Idea? that was what I was going to go with.

[71PA_Highboy]

Yep... Bondo is not flexible enough....

The auto paint is a good idea.

r/

eric

[sideoilerfe]

Thanks guys. Mine really isn't cracked that bad, just in the middle where the spokes connect to the wheel. That kit might be what I need. So I guess regular auto or high quality spray paint will work right?

[kaptnkaos]

There have many posts about this subject before...

I have heard that JB weld works well to fill in the cracks.
You have to use a triangle file to file the cracks V shaped so it will adhere.
Then you can file and shape it with sand paper...
Clean the surface really well, with alcohol or another good degreaser that doesn't leave a residue.
Primer the wheel with a "self etching" primer, sand it with 400 grit before spraying a finish coat of your desired color.
Sand with 400 grit between coats the clear coat if desired.
I've heard that works pretty good...

KaptnKA S

[ToughOldFord]

A good steering wheel cover will take care of it too.

[Gunz]

Dennis Carpenter has reproduced the black steering wheel.

At one time (haven't checked recently) Automotive Paint Supply stores carried a special steering wheel paint that once applied, would not wear off. Used car dealers bought 1000's of gallons of this paint.

Look in Hemmings Motor News (hemmings.com) in the "Services Offered" section for steering wheel restoration supplies.

Also look in this section "Ford Parts, 1954 and up."

[Banjo]

I did a steering wheel with JB Weld about 3 years ago, but it's been sitting inside so not exposed to sun, but it held up. I veed the cracks w/small files, then drilled very small holes in on an angle (to give the JB Weld an area to flow into and maybe provide grip). trick is don't go too much, fill it just shy once, and very lightly go over it again and leave a little shy of flush to allow paint to build back up to level heigth or you could use a tad of bondo then as it would be extremely thin. I love stock steering wheels and dashes on old cars, that's something that I always enjoy. banjo.