Original Steering Wheel Restoration

[Jolls]

Hi Team,

I have searched the site and located a thread that discussed this subject; however, it refers to a thread on the old site that no longer links. I have done a stack of research outside of here and am 75% through the restoration process.

The steering wheel I have had a previous attempt at restoration using bog; it wan't successful and it must have been sanded with 80 grit paper as it has deep scratches all over it.

The process I used was to open up the cracks to a "v" shape using a dremmel grinder. I then filled the cracks with araldite and let that set before using a file/dremmel/sandpaper to bring dress the araldite back down. This took a fair bit of elbow grease but it looks OK now. I still have some deep scratches though.

My current plan, subject to input, is:

• Spray the steering wheel with etch primer, then spay putty and rub back with 400 wet to ensure all of the scratch marks are filled
• Another coat of etch primer, rubbed back with 800 wet
• Three coats of black 1K (Acrylic)
• Block it back with 1200 wet
• Three coats of clear
• Sand by hand with 1200 wet
• Buff to high gloss by hand with cutting compoundt

My question is: will the approach above provide a durable finish or am I better off taking it to a paint shop to have it done in 2K once I have finished all of the prep work?

Cheers
Jolls
 

[fcute]

Much better off doing it in 2k far less shrinkage with primers and fillers, will handle the heat from the sun and is as tough as nails. Unlike acrylic which is always moving and quite fragile. Acrylics are not what the used to be and no development has gone into them for the past 30 yrs.

[Jolls]

Thanks, my concern was that it would be too soft for the job.

I'll see what the local paint shop wants to do the job.

[Jolls]

Hit a bit of a snag with the steering wheel. Theprevious owner had attempted to repair it using bog and sanded it with either 80 or 120 grit paper. I rubbed it back with 400 wet but struggled to get the scratches out. I decided to hit it with some spray putty to fill the scratches.

I washed it down and then hit it with Prepsol; so far so good.

I hit it with etch primer and in several places the primer crazed. So I rubbed it back and hit it wtih Prepsol again and this time tried a primer/putty. Same result.

My best guess is that the "plastic/hard rubber" steerign wheel has absorbed a heap of oil/grease over the last 65 years.

For those with more experience what is the recommended procedure to get the oil out so I can get it finished?

Cheers

[fcute]

I do not think it is oil causing the problem, acrylics are known for this or if it's had enamel on it it will do the same thing. Because so much thinners is needed it softens what's underneath then it frys up or crazes. Best bet is to strip it down to the plastic, then apply a 2k primer filler, these also act as an isolator. The 80 and 120 grit scratches won't come out with 400 too fine, it needs to be stepped up slower. Start with 180 dry then 240 dry, maybe a light scuff with 320 dry to finish off but do not go too smooth or the 2k primer won't have anything to key into. 400 wet to 600 wet is generally prep sanding for colour. I usually go a quick 400 wet grit to chop  primer filler down leaving enough to finish off with 600 wet  without rubbing through.

Hope this helps.

[Jolls]

Thanks,

There was certainly no paint left on it as it had been well sanded with 240 before I hit it with the 400. The major area of craze was on top of the steering wheel boss between the horn ring and the honeypot. This was definitely back to plastic as it had a fair amount of cracking with repairs done. The other area was at the top of the wheel, so both in the same line. Regardless of how much I ponder what went wrong it doesn't change the fact that I have no choice but to sand it back to the base and start a gain.

Such a simple job has now chewed up so may hours. But the prep is 90% of a quality job so back to it!

 

[my8thholden]

Jolls ...My panel mate did my steering wheel , not sure what his prep was , the wheel was in pretty good condition but finish was PPG 2 pack current Toyota Pearlised white ...to me it looks smick , love it ..a big looking 50's white wheel ...