[Force61]

I have a 67 SS 396 that recieved an aftermarket grant steering wheel at somepoint in its life. I wanted to go back to the original black standard interior wheel, but new wheels run around $190 not including the horn install kit and horn cap. I decided to find a used one on ebay and restore it, and here's how it went.

I started with a nantucket blue, cracked, and worn wheel. So I'll need to fix the cracks and re-paint




So I started by taking this bit....


and cuting the cracks down to the metal ring. I did this so that the epoxy will bind not only to the wheel, but the ring as well.



I took this epoxy....


and filled the cracks


Here it is after some sanding

[Force61]

Here it is after some paint



And finally in the car!!



I uses 7777 satin black from Lowe's, automotive primer, and clearcoat.

I paid $25 for the wheel (shipped), $26 for the horn install kit and $19 for the horn cap. The Epoxy I got from Lowe's and it cost about $5. I spent a weekend on the project (mainly waiting for primer, paint, and clearcoat to set.)

[Brandan]

very nice post with with some good photos!!!!

[tejasrs/ss]

wow that looks good! I have a steering wheel laying around in my garage, I just may try it. I can't make it look any worse! )

[Microgiant]

After seeing this im going to have to do mine now. More work, thanks

Nice work BTW

BTW Anyone have a nice condition Rosewood Steering Wheel insert they want to sell? Mine was beyond repair. Send me a PM w price.

[Fred Ficarra]

Good work Kelly. Be sure to report back on its durability. Do you take old wheels for restoration?

[Dale8346]

Kelly,
Nice post!!
I am always amazed that more guys don't post a step by step with pictures like you did. We all do so many projects and the details and the products used make it much easier for all who have not done it before.

I would suggest using a 2 stage clear coat since it is in the sun or a regular spray gun clear mixture. That way it does not peel off in the future. But, with how little many of our cars are in the sun, it might not make a difference.

[butternutz68]

Nice job Kelly, I did the same thing a couple of weeks ago only i used the pc-7 epoxy from true value. I also bought my wheel off ebay,thought i would practice on this one before i tackled my original deluxe.

[Moonpie]

Thanks for the highy informative post. I feel like I can try one now.

[bld22663]

If you want to do something different, contact DC Car Care at http://www.dccarcare.com/wsorig.html. The outer ring on my red steering wheel was in real bad shape. I followed their instructions on how to measure my wheel and placed my order for a "Wheelskin" leather cover. Within 3 days it was at my door and man what a difference it made and it only costs about $35. When correctly installed, it looks just like a modern day steering wheel and it will never require painting again and the red matched perfectly. It also fits the wheel so tight (if you measure correctly) that you don't even lose your finger grips on the back. Trust me; this is not one of those old vinyl covers with the wrap around plastic lace. You will need to plan on spending about 2 hours installing it because you have to lace it up using the pre punched holes. Check it out and you won't be disappointed.

[Force61]

Originally Posted by Dale8346

Kelly,
Nice post!!
I am always amazed that more guys don't post a step by step with pictures like you did. We all do so many projects and the details and the products used make it much easier for all who have not done it before.

I would suggest using a 2 stage clear coat since it is in the sun or a regular spray gun clear mixture. That way it does not peel off in the future. But, with how little many of our cars are in the sun, it might not make a difference.

The two stage clear is a great idea. You are right though, I take her out a couple times a week to cruise, then she goes back to sleep in the garage. So excessive sun isnt a constant issue.

[Force61]

Originally Posted by bld22663

If you want to do something different, contact DC Car Care at http://www.dccarcare.com/wsorig.html. The outer ring on my red steering wheel was in real bad shape. I followed their instructions on how to measure my wheel and placed my order for a "Wheelskin" leather cover. Within 3 days it was at my door and man what a difference it made and it only costs about $35. When correctly installed, it looks just like a modern day steering wheel and it will never require painting again and the red matched perfectly. It also fits the wheel so tight (if you measure correctly) that you don't even lose your finger grips on the back. Trust me; this is not one of those old vinyl covers with the wrap around plastic lace. You will need to plan on spending about 2 hours installing it because you have to lace it up using the pre punched holes. Check it out and you won't be disappointed.

That certainly is a great option, sure makes life a lot easier! Personally I'm a fan of the old school look, no wrap, no tweety birds or cherries or whatever, jut plain ol wheel with finger grooves. That kinda of pre-highway-safety-standards, if your head hits me its beyond over, wheel-o-death steering wheel ya know?

[Sauron67MM]

Originally Posted by Force61

The two stage clear is a great idea. You are right though, I take her out a couple times a week to cruise, then she goes back to sleep in the garage. So excessive sun isnt a constant issue.

You will find that shooting with urethane, whether S/S or BC/CC will flow out perfectly like glass and be durable with either product.

[RS3SDL2MG]

THAT LOOK'S GREAT ! turned out great

[1968guppy]

Thanks for your generous post. Looks real good.