Cracks in steering wheel

[Lion hunter]

Anyone have any idea on how to cover up the cracks in a steering wheel? The wheel is white and it's original so I want to keep it. I was thinking of filling them in with white caulk or 5200. Is 5200 sandable at all once it sets?

 

[jakebrake]

Re: Cracks in steering wheel

as crazy as this will sound. you'll have to make sure it's the same shade of white...yes, there are more than one shade of white. Maybe pc-11 (epoxy. can be obtained at home depot)

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: Cracks in steering wheel

I picked out paint with my wife once, up to that point white was white. I have been informed that is not true and to pick my knuckles up off the floor. What is pc-11?

 

[clintmn]

Re: Cracks in steering wheel

as crazy as this will sound. you'll have to make sure it's the same shade of white...yes, there are more than one shade of white. Maybe pc-11 (epoxy. can be obtained at home depot)

It's unlikely you'll be able to match it as plastic normally yellows with age. Don't panic, make your repairs then respray the whole thing with a paint that sticks to plastic such as Krylon Fusion. Unfortunately, this paint comes in a limited assortment of tints... I beleive their white is what you would call "white-white" or "appliance white. HTH

 

[Rickairmedic]

Re: Cracks in steering wheel

PC-11 is a 2 part epoxy that you knead together and then fill the crqcks in the wheel with . You will also want some files to open and clean the cracks somewhat before filling with epoxy then simply sand to shape prime and paint whatever color you wish .


Rick

 

[clintmn]

Re: Cracks in steering wheel

Anyone have any idea on how to cover up the cracks in a steering wheel? The wheel is white and it's original so I want to keep it. I was thinking of filling them in with white caulk or 5200. Is 5200 sandable at all once it sets?

I got some stuff at Menards called PowerPoxy, and the marine version is white. It's ok, I guess, but seems a little slow curing unless I go way past the 50/50 resin/hardener ratio. I think you have 2 considerations: Workability; your ability to sand or shape it once whatever you choose hardens, and flexibility and adhesion to the inside of the cracks. You see, your steering wheel will probably continue to shrink as the volatile organic compounds in the plastic evaporate. A more flexible repair may last longer, but will never look as good. A perfectly shaped epoxy repair may show some cracking in as little as a year or two. It's gonna depend on how much time you want to spend, and do you want it to look good from 10 feet or ten inches? PS whatever you decide,definitely keep the original wheel. IMHO

 

[Rickairmedic]

Re: Cracks in steering wheel

PC-11 is what the pro's use when restoing classic steering wheels it works great and will last a long time if done right as I said before you will need some files to get into the cracks and open them and clean them so the epoxy sticks well. Then simply pack it into the cracks let it cure sand to shape prime and paint done .


Rick

 

[jakebrake]

Re: Cracks in steering wheel

yeah, what rickairmedic said. think of it as jbweld, but a whole lot less ugly.

 

[clintmn]

Re: Cracks in steering wheel

PC-11 is what the pro's use when restoing classic steering wheels it works great and will last a long time if done right as I said before you will need some files to get into the cracks and open them and clean them so the epoxy sticks well. Then simply pack it into the cracks let it cure sand to shape prime and paint done .


Rick

Oops- my bad; I forgot to add that the impermanance of the repair is largely affected by how many hours a year it will spend in the sun, and that simply resealing it with the paint should slow that down some. And of course, a kneadable epoxy will be easier to work with than a runny one, resulting in less sanding. It wasn't my intention to scare him away from doing it right.

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: Cracks in steering wheel

I was curious if the krylon fusion would stick with hands rubbing on it and all. Has anyone done it yet?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Cracks in steering wheel

i think the new rustolem spray that sticks to anything might be better. i have had good luck with just plain old rustoleum.

 

[thrillhouse700]

Re: Cracks in steering wheel

Mighty Mend-it!!!!!

 

[sparticus]

Re: Cracks in steering wheel

Billy would have been proud of ya!

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Cracks in steering wheel

On old cars we use body filler, then sand, seal, and paint. The result is a mint looking wheel. Body filler is easier to sand than epoxy and it doesn't shrink.
This works only on the older style resin and hard rubber wheels. I'd opt for epoxy or POR-15 for a more modern plastic wheel.
Here's a good link to the process with the POR-15 kit:
http://www.mustangmonthly.com/techa...mustang_steering_wheel_restoration/index.html
Kit:
http://www.por15.com/STEERING-WHEEL-REPAIR-KIT/productinfo/SWRK/

The POR-15 kit is a bit pricey, and you could very well use any putty type epoxy, but like I said above, body filler is easier to sand and holds up just fine.
I've restored several hard rubber type antique tractor wheels with it as well.

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: Cracks in steering wheel

Didn't even think of bondo. I got a new can sitting in the shop! Worth a try.

 

[freeisforme]

Re: Cracks in steering wheel

I used bondo on an old Attwood wheel from the 60's that had some cracks. The best part is that it dries fast and don't shrink. I tried using the POR 15 kit once and it was tough to sand. Bondo is quick and seems to last just fine. A car resto guy turned me onto it years ago.
I painted mine with automotive paint, it was a half white, half metalic blue wheel. If you wrap the bondo with Saran wrap, it will come out smooth an shiny. I cheated and saved myself some sanding by filling in a few cracks and taping over them with packing tape shiny side up. In most cases the joint was perfect the first time. You can also use filler primer to fill minor imperfections too. I used a flex agent in the paint too since I figured it would flex a bit or be expanding and contracting a bit in the sun.

I suppose if you search "Bondo steering wheel repair", you'll find some others using it too.

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: Cracks in steering wheel

I used the bondo and it turned out pretty well. Not mint but I am satisfied. And the fusion paint really fills in any hairline cracks or scratches.