The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Steering Wheel Repair

What kind of epoxy works best? Mine (1947 3600) has a couple cracks I need to take care of. Also, what paint - or does it matter?
Thanks!

Have you looked using the search function at the top of this thread? This was discussed less than 6 months ago. Stovebolt Search can be your best friend.

Epoxy is Epoxy. Some are more stiff and easier to "mold". JB, PC7, Por 15, 3M..... Two part Epoxy.
There are other products people have used. Body fillers. They are plastic/resin based. Like Bondo. Not as strong as Epoxy. Sometimes on a steering wheel, you don't need strong, just "filler" that won't crack over time. Time will tell which is best for you and your climate. I think Epoxy is the best choice after doing all the work it takes to make a wheel look good.

I think that discussion that Martin was referring to included refinishing the wheel with bedliner material. It can be applied either smooth finish or textured, and unlike epoxy, is somewhat flexible so the old cracks don't telegraph back through the finish.

Paint doesn't matter but I would suggest a urethane as it will resist wear better than an alkyd or enamel.

Click this link for my build thread and it will take you to Page 7 where I describe and demonstrate fixing a steering wheel.
https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/1128589/7.html

Thanks for the info guys! I DID try the search, but it did not bring up anything on SB - just Google results. I've redone steering wheels before, but it has been a few years. I wasn't sure if this particular wheel is plastic or rubber, so I wanted to know which epoxy people are using. I have even used JB on a couple of tractor steering wheels, but wasn't sure about using it on this wheel.

Dachshund, don’t use the search engine at the very top of the page. Use the Search in the line just above the thread header. The one at the very top is a Google Search. The one just above the thread header is a Stovebolt search.🛠

I used a 3M 2 part epoxy on my wheel. Unfortunately, it was too tough. I have very fine hairline cracks that are visible if you look closely. It looked really good (still does, but it’s not perfect), but I will try something more pliable next time.

I went through several of the previous threads on this topic and three products seem to stand out as the clear favorite.

The feedback appears to be around workability and if the product might be too hard causing it to not flex and eventually cracking or popping out (the liquid 2 part Epoxy, see Fox's post above).

POR 15 Epoxy Putty $33.54 plus shipping on the POR 15 site.
JB Weld - Less $5 at Walmart. Appears to be a favorite choice probably because of price and proven history
Eastwood repair kit (PC-7 Epoxy, Adhesion Promoter, PRE Painting Prep) $52.99 on Eastwood site. Just to buy the PC-7 Epoxy is less than $10.

I think I am going to give the cheap JB Weld a try for mine. Work time does not rush you. Sandable, Paintable.

I used the PC-7 Epoxy (not from Eastwood Kit) on my '51 steering wheel and was happy with the results. It was easy to apply, sanded well, and only required a second application on a few small pin hole areas. I followed up with high build primer, wet sanded, then applied enamel topcoat and clear coats. I was very happy with the results.