32Pontiac6 Posted February 1, 2015 Share Posted February 1, 2015 I would be interested in getting any advice/help/experience the group may have on restoring steering wheels for early 30's GM cars. Specifically, I am restoring a 1932 Pontiac. Any advice here? Anybody have experience with the Eastwood or POR-15 restoration kits?Any help appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MochetVelo Posted February 1, 2015 Share Posted February 1, 2015 A photo would be helpful. Is it a wood wheel? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
32Pontiac6 Posted February 1, 2015 Author Share Posted February 1, 2015 A photo would be helpful. Is it a wood wheel?No, it is 'plastic' 'Bakelite'. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bhigdog Posted February 1, 2015 Share Posted February 1, 2015 JB weld, sand, prime paint............................Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bhigdog Posted February 5, 2015 Share Posted February 5, 2015 "Any help appreciated."But not enough to acknowledge it..........................Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
28 Chrysler Posted February 5, 2015 Share Posted February 5, 2015 I use a marine epoxy. This can be applied when your project is wet and damp fingers help work it in.First clean and notch the cracks ( it was notched deeper than the #3 photo)Then a rinse the dust offNext is to force the epoxy into the cracks and let hardenSand and refill if necessaryOn this wheel I used POR15 as a primer then painted with a black epoxy paint.This has held up for over 4 years so far. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry Schramm Posted February 5, 2015 Share Posted February 5, 2015 Nice job on the steering wheel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary_Ash Posted February 5, 2015 Share Posted February 5, 2015 It helps to widen the cracks and make them deeper before filling. The ones that go through to the steel core should be sanded out to get the rust off the core. A hacksaw blade will widen the cracks. Abrasive cord or tape can be used to get deep down in the crack. I've used JB Weld or PC7 to fill the cracks, sanded and refilled several times to get the surfaces completely smooth. The guy who paints for me primes with epoxy primer, then uses single-stage acrylic enamel (DuPont Centari) with a clear overcoat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nick8086 Posted February 6, 2015 Share Posted February 6, 2015 (edited) http://www.qualityrestorations.com http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/interior-electrical/1407-restoring-factory-steering-wheels/I found these links on line... or just epoxy IT AND PAINT...Hot-rod has older post for the back yard fix.... Edited February 6, 2015 by nick8086 (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rick60 Posted February 6, 2015 Share Posted February 6, 2015 I used JB Weld and the above techniques 15 years ago. The wheel is still perfect. I noticed that the sanding process made me physically ill. I don't know what my wheel was made out of. I've spent my adult life in auto repair shops so I really don't notice chemicals and combustion odors. I was wearing a dust mask but not a respirator. There was something released when I sanded that wheel that made me ill. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ragtp66 Posted February 7, 2015 Share Posted February 7, 2015 I have found two guys that specialize in steering wheel restorations. #1 Doug Lepak stwheels@shaw.ca you can email him and he does have a website pricey VERY pricey but the work appears flawless and he rebuilds them using carbon fiber so I can understand the cost.Regards, Doug LepakThe Steering Wheel Guy8449-14 AveEdmonton, AlbertaCanadaT6K-1X3780-450-1397GST# 843045477web site: www.stwheelz.com <http:/<wbr>/www.stwheelz.com> \#2 http://www.qualityrestorations.com/ dennis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
32Pontiac6 Posted February 10, 2015 Author Share Posted February 10, 2015 "Any help appreciated."But not enough to acknowledge it..........................BobBob--Sorry for the delayed thank you. Been busy restoring other parts and have not been back to acknowledge the help. Yes, it is truly appreciated.Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
32Pontiac6 Posted February 10, 2015 Author Share Posted February 10, 2015 I use a marine epoxy. This can be applied when your project is wet and damp fingers help work it in.First clean and notch the cracks ( it was notched deeper than the #3 photo)Then a rinse the dust offNext is to force the epoxy into the cracks and let hardenSand and refill if necessaryOn this wheel I used POR15 as a primer then painted with a black epoxy paint.This has held up for over 4 years so far.Thanks for the photos and advice. Your wheel looks like it is in similar condition to mine. The marine epoxy idea is a good one. Some of those marine products are amazing. I used some to revive some of the soft wood on my car and it did an amazing job. Thanks for the advice.Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
32Pontiac6 Posted February 10, 2015 Author Share Posted February 10, 2015 Thanks for the link. The work is amazing. I am thinking I do want to try doing it myself but better keep a guy like this in my back pocket just in case.... Thanks,Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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