Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

vitesse · Joined: 03 Jun 2013 Posts: 561

I saw on Wheeler Dealers once where they took an old plastic moulded steering wheel that had split away in places from its metal former??? Don't know if that is the right way to describe it?

But this guy dipped it in something and it filled all the gaps and recoated the rest of the wheel, then he sanded it down and it was like new.

I can't remember what car it was but would really like to find the person who did the repair if anyone has any idea?

Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22811 Location: UK

An old-car parts business up Lancaster way began offering a steering wheel re-furb service a few years back. I'll see if I can find their details. I imagine there are DIY kits available too (from Frost perhaps?)

RJ
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alec.elliot · Joined: 28 Feb 2012 Posts: 58 Location: Worcestershire

My steering wheel (1936 Morris 8 Series 1) has had all of its plastic covering removed. Any ideas how I can give it a nice, durable, shiny coating? I have looked at a product called Plasti Dip. Its a spray paint type of thing but the finish always looks matt not gloss. Any ideas?

All the best

Alec

ukdave2002 · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 4267 Location: South Cheshire

You do need to ensure that the strength in the wheel is still there; I've seen them crack and split because the join (normally welded) between the steel rim and the spokes has corroded. If the steel is all good then the plastic is just like bodywork; epoxy fill shape and paint.

Coincidentally enough I want to put a smaller steering wheel on the MGA, its almost 17" in diameter and if you have long legs it pins you down.

Wanting to maintain the original look, I've been thinking of obtaining or making a 14" hoop of steel, cutting the original wheel spokes, welding to the new hoop, then make a rim cast with some MDF ; 2 pieces machined with a router and then sandwiched with the steel hoop as the filler, and pouring an appropriate resin in...has anyone done something similar?

Dave