my 1967 Cutlass Supreme black steering wheel is cracked where the spokes meet the rim and also along the length of the two spokes. I have seen some good youtube videos on rehabilitating these steering wheels. I plan to use the POR 15 two part epoxy putty. I think this stuff will work great unless someone else has any of the suggestions.



These videos suggest using a dremel cutting tool to cut a deep V into the cracks. I assume this in order to remove the destabilized material. Correct?


here is my main question –I assume that if I just need to remove the destabilized materials I can just aggressively put a screwdriver into the cracks and remove any loose stuff. Is using the screwdriver approach okay? It would save me a lot of time and mess. Someone who has rehabbed steering wheels before didn't even use a screwdriver. He said just stuff the POR15 in.



The videos say to use a good quality paint. I plan to use Rustoleum Universal Bonding Primer and Stops Rust Gloss Black followed by a Rustoleum Automotive clear.


Thanks for your time and opinions.

 

Try your bowling alley they fix ***** use the same stuff.

 

Thanks, Gerald. A very creative and useful idea. I'll do that.

 

Hi Gerald- Do i need to use a dremel to clear out the cracks or just fill the cracks with the stuff? Have you restored a wheel with the bowling alley stuff? Will good quality spray paint hold up?

 

I did mine with an 2 part epoxy dough, very similar to the JB Weld epoxy that is kneeded together to activate it. Sorry its packed in a box or i would tell you the name and show you a pic. I washed my wheel with dish soap, Dawn set it in the hot sun to be sure it was dry. Use a stiff brush or some kind of brush to get deep as possible into the cracks then clean it with an automotive wax and silicone remover as good as possible in the cracks. If there is any loose material you would want to get it out. I did not open up the cracks anymore than they already were. Fill the cracks, forcing the mix deep into the cracks and leave a very small mound over the crack to sand smooth when dry. When you have the cracks filled and sanded smooth to your liking you can prime it, i used epoxy primer. If you can still see any unfilled cracks you can use a glaze type automotive filler, reprime after this is sanded smooth. Let the epoxy dry at least an hour before you paint, my guy at the paint store gave me 4 ounces of PPG gloss black, i already had the reducer. The wheel looks, i know you cant tell from the pic but it turned out pretty nice.
Good luck
Steve

 

came out pretty nice

 

Steve- Thanks so much for all the detail. i appreciate it. i will be using your tips.

Your wheel looks great. The gloss paint makes it look great. you re-painted the whole wheel, right?

Did you apply a clear to it? How long ago did you do this?

Thanks, Charlie