Floyd J Posted November 12, 2023 Share Posted November 12, 2023 I purchased a 29 GM and the owners Dad had taken the steering wheel out of the car over 50 years ago to save it. Lucky me. Now I want to finish it to preserve it for when it goes back on the truck. So what should I do? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
28 Chrysler Posted November 12, 2023 Share Posted November 12, 2023 Many people varnish them. I often used Tung oil or Linseed oil. I think a satin varnish looks better than the high gloss finish. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fordy Posted November 12, 2023 Share Posted November 12, 2023 The ones I have made new rims for just recently have been coated with Tung oil. Reason for this is any scratches from a ring wearer etc just need a rub with more oil rather than a strip and refinish. It "dries" so it is not slippery as I thought an oil coating would be. and it gives that satin sheen. Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bryankazmer Posted November 12, 2023 Share Posted November 12, 2023 There is a difference between tung oil and tung oil finish. The latter is cut with things like linseed oil or varnish. It dries faster but the finish is not as easy to repair Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Floyd J Posted November 13, 2023 Author Share Posted November 13, 2023 Thanks for the advice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Shaw Posted November 13, 2023 Share Posted November 13, 2023 Floyd, It appears to have the original wood. So, I suggest you remove the dark stains before final finishing. Oxalic Acid Crystals (purchased at a local hardware store) will remove the dark stains without changing the natural color of the wood. Dilute the crystals in hot water brush it onto the wood and let is sit for a few hours or overnight as needed. Neutralize the acid with a solution of baking soda, rinse and let it dry before applying the finish. It worked perfect for my badly stained original Buick steering wheel. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuickTom87 Posted November 13, 2023 Share Posted November 13, 2023 6 hours ago, Mark Shaw said: Floyd, It appears to have the original wood. So, I suggest you remove the dark stains before final finishing. Oxalic Acid Crystals (purchased at a local hardware store) will remove the dark stains without changing the natural color of the wood. Dilute the crystals in hot water brush it onto the wood and let is sit for a few hours or overnight as needed. Neutralize the acid with a solution of baking soda, rinse and let it dry before applying the finish. It worked perfect for my badly stained original Buick steering wheel. Do you have any photos of your steering wheel for your 29 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Floyd J Posted November 14, 2023 Author Share Posted November 14, 2023 Thanks Mark, I’ll see if I can locate the stuff and give it a try Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Shaw Posted November 14, 2023 Share Posted November 14, 2023 Do you have any photos of your steering wheel for your 29? Sorry, no it is now my son's car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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