The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Interiors repairing cracked steering wheel

I have ground out the bakelite around all the cracks. Now I am seeking the proper filler to restore the wheel to good-as-new. I know JBWEld will work, but I really need quite a bit of filler. Alternatives??

POR-15 makes an epoxy putty for this purpose. There are some You Tube videos that show it for steering wheel restoration.

I went with a structural panel adheasive on mine. I wanted somethoing that would stay a little pliable to absorb the vibrations which I believe are what leads to the failures in the first place.
When it cured it sanded just like the bakelite...

I used PC7 (an epoxy). It turned out beautifully but two years later, I do have some very minor cracks that have reappeared. So minor you really have to look for them. We'll see what five years looks like.

Check out the paint area of your favorite big box lumber store.
Likely you will find an epoxy filler(not the plastic wood type)
that will work just fine. And way less expensive than what POR and other suppliers sell.

PC-7 is the same epoxy that Eastwood use to sell. Hardware and places like Lowes or Home Depot also carry it in small amounts too. It is an epoxy and a hardener that you mix together.

John

X3 on the PC-7. Used it on my VW wheel restored in 1999 and truck wheel in about 1995, still look good. Easier to use than JB because it stays put, does not level out.

Mar-Ktech,

Do you remember if you used the generic PC-7 paste in the two little cans? They have a new product that is marketed to be used in high stress automotive applications. Your successful years in service story is good information to know.

http://www.pcepoxy.com/our-products/paste-epoxies/pc-7.php

I think it was in two cans that looked like the ones in your link. Hardware store stuff as I remember.

Please note I edited the date on the VW wheel to 1999. I drive it several times a week, but it does not spend a lot of days in the hot sun.

After fixing the cracks in my steering wheel with these epoxy recommendations what should I put over it and how best to clean up the old wheel? Steering wheels from the suppliers are so expensive! Is there a specific finish that will hold up over the years? Mine is basically sound just dingy and dirty with a few cracks.

thanks,
lane

I cleaned mine with water, wiped it dry, and sprayed it with 321 primer in a rattle can. It sticks to anything, even the 'mystery' material that these wheels are made of. I then painted it with Rustoleum 7272. I should have used the other color that is a better match for the wheel, mast and shifter arm.

thanks Carl ..... now I won't have to buy a refurbished one!

Your welcome. I just now saw your post name. My truck's name is Sweet Pea!

So I can't call mine sweet pea then .... just kidding! My first name is Lane and we live on a country road named 'Sweet Pea Lane' so I had to use that for my handle. I am in the early stages of restoring [but not all original] a 3/4 ton 46 chevy pickup. This website and the 'sharing' is phenomenal. Told my wife it renews my belief that so many people do so many good things. thanks again .....

Only if you paint it pea soup metallic green.

Which rustoleum color is more right? I can't see spending $36 plus shipping for a half pint of the "right" color.

I thought the same thing until I found factory second steering wheels offered by Jim Carter (part #CB509B). Since I planned on painting the black steering wheel the proper color, I figured it would be easy to repair any small flaw. The wheel I received for $120.00 was darn near good enough to use as is. I am happy with the purchase as saving the $120 to repair my old cracked original wheel simply did not make sense to me at the cost of the replacement.

I plan on painting the wheel with Rustoleum #7272 to match the steering column and shift lever. After drying for at least one week, I will top coat with automotive catalyzed clear. Should make the paint very durable. Use same process on column and shift lever.

My steering wheel is in need of restoration. It has multiple cracks. These are thin gaps. If I were to buy some epoxy, what procedure do I need to follow to repair it. Should I widen the cracks or just try to force the epoxy into the cracks as is? If yes how do I widen them?---need a clue---Jack

You tube is your friend...look up videos. Without a doubt, you need to "V" out the cracks to give the epoxy some space to work its magic. A "V" shaped dremel bit/tool is the perfect instrument to open up the cracks.

I should have mentioned that I also painted by column and shift lever with Rustoleum #7272. So, all parts match each other. Not sure how well #7272 will match 60 year old original paint. But, it is close to the correct color.