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Steering Wheel Restoration Kit

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RestoreThemAll

Jedi Warrior
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I used their kit and it worked OK. The wheel started to have hairline cracks where the repairs were done shortly after the car was done. Maybe another try and some more experience would have made better results. the epoxy is easy to work with and sanded out smoothly. rather inexpensive way to go versus buying new or professional repair.
 
RestoreThemAll said:
I'm thinking about restoring my BJ7 steering wheel with a kit. I noticed this POR-15 kit on the Holden web site.

https://www.holden.co.uk/displaypro...1356&agName=POR-15+Paint+System&pCode=094.935

Does anyone have any experience with restoring a bakelite steering wheel? Is it worth the time or should I just buy an aftermarket? I would like to show it at least the first year before I drive it.
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I've seen a couple repaired by their owners with JB Weld and they came out pretty good.
Patrick
 
I have restored my BJ7 steering wheel but used West System epoxy since I had it and fillers already. I don't believe the steering wheel rim is bakelite but some type of molded plastic. It appears to keep shrinking over time and since there is a metal core, the plastic cracks. You can repair it but expect some of the cracks to reappear over time. I put a leather cover on mine because I like a thicker grip and that way I won't see if there are new cracks.
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The aftermarket original type steering wheels are supposed to be very accurate and well made if you decide to go that route. Apparently they have a mold line (small ridge) which you will want to carefully sand off.

Cheers,
John
 
John Loftus said:
It appears to keep shrinking over time and since there is a metal core, the plastic cracks. You can repair it but expect some of the cracks to reappear over time.

Cheers,
John
Click to expand...

On the metal core there are metal clips that hold the metal "banjo strings" to the metal rim. The best thing to do is to braze those clips so they cannot move. That's what causes the rim to crack.
 
Braze the clips...great tip. I already use a leather cover, though a new one is in order with the full restore. Thanks guys.
Dale
 
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