I am starting a resto project on a 1961 super 88 holiday, exterior Turquoise mist and interior several different shades of green. I need to do something about my steering wheel, it his very bad, and dont want to just cover it, or apply a fix that only lasts a few years. I called this place "quality Restorations Inc." and got a quote of, oh wait, you better sit down, 900 bills, OUCH. Anyone here have any other recommendations? Many thanks in advance.

 

Steering wheel restoration is notoriously expensive, and the quote you received doesn't surprise me. I've routinely heard of people paying more than $500.

If all that's wrong with yours is that it's cracked due to age with perhaps some shrinkage revealing the metal base, but it still steers the car just fine, but you find it too ugly to look at regularly, I'd get one of those leather-wrap things at the local auto parts store, put it on, and live with that for however long. There's a lot of other things I'd rather spend nearly $1000 on before I'd spend it on restoring a steering wheel. It's kind of the "last thing" you do in a restoration before you start showing it at AACA shows.

 

Hey all, I just saw a steering wheel restoration kit at Eastwoods, has anyone tried this, and does it last

 

I just did a quicky job on mine with the PC7 epoxy that is in their kit. Then cleaned and painted with their plastic/vinyl prep and paint. I'm sorry I rushed it, as it came out better then I thought it would.. Been better if I took more time. Vee out any cracks pretty deep. Epoxy filled good with no shrinkage. Used a Dremel and sanding discs and drums.I planned on installing a period correct steering wheel cover anyway. Wear a mask when sanding.
Can't speak for longevity though.

 

900.00 is actually right on par for a quality restoration. I've seen much higher quotes. Saw a steering wheel restored for a 48 that cost close to 2500.00, but it looked like it was worth every penny. What Jaunty says is right - that's not a surprise. It might be to you but remember, the older parts are much harder to come by, so restoration is often the only realistic alternative to putting on the wrong wheel.

EDIT: FYI, most restoration shops will give you a warranty on their work.

 

Hey all
I think what I am going to do, for under a 100, use the repair kit from eastwood, and save up for the "real deal". that way I will have a temp fix, but know the good wheel is just down the road.

 

I did a restoration on a 55 steering wheel a few years ago using PC11 (very much like PC7 only white in color)It was done as described by m371961 but the finished top coating was sprayed with hardened automotive paint, it has held up well....Tedd

 

I would also recommend the Eastwood repair kit. Oldsguy and I used one of those kits to repair a steering wheel for his 69 Delta 88 many years ago. It worked well.

Also, I put a leather cover on my 71 98 steering wheel. Wheelskins sells them for about $50 in a number of colors. It was a great investment.