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Steering Wheel Restoration.

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PAUL161

PAUL161

Great Pumpkin
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Even though the TF is getting a new wheel, I started to restore the old one. Redoing the wheel isn't a problem as I have done it before on two antique American cars using an epoxy filler for cracks after grinding them out. One was a 32 Chevy and the other a model A Ford. Being the wheels were black, epoxy paint was easy to get for the final finish. This wheel however is a gold color and I have no idea where to get epoxy paint in that color. I looks like wood, but it's a form of plastic. Here's a couple shots of starting the process. It's a lot of tedious work, but it fills in lax times and kind of enjoyable at that. PJ

After grinding out cracks in two of many areas.
Wheel1.jpg

wheel3.jpg


Photo 1 at the start of filling.
wheel2.jpg


A filled crack before final sanding.
wheel4.jpg
 
That looks great!
I have a used wheel on the way for my TR, you've inspired me to give it a try.
What grit are you using for the final sand?
 
I use 220 at first then 400 for the final. I use dental tools in a mini grinder to rout out the cracks. A lot of filing is done after that also. Biggest problem is getting the right color and right type of paint to finish it with.

This is the epoxy I use.

epoxy.jpg
 
Is the paint in a rattle-can, or can I spray it through my detail gun?
Hardware store item or specialty paint shop?
 
The paint I used years ago on the Ford and Chevy steering wheels was Sail Boat paint. Part A and part B epoxy and believe it or not, hand brushed on. The finish was perfect. Ever see the finish on a sail boat? I haven't found a paint yet for this wheel. I'm going to look at Eastwood's products and see if they have something to finish it with. PJ


THEY DON'T!
 
Here's a collage of the wheel that's done so far. For some reason, the collage program made the edges a little wavy. The outer rim has to be painted, as the repairs made it impossible to retain the original materials look. I'm ordering the paint from Moss tomorrow. The soda straws are to protect the polished spokes. More later. PJ


tfswheelcollage2.jpg
 
Just re-finished the hub base as it had hammer marks from the past by not using the proper puller. The primer is zinc chromate.

5-24-20101tfhubbase400.jpg
 
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