Hey guys. I recently required a 442 style 4 spoke steering wheel, stainless with black wheel. The wheel was scuffed and scratched and needed refinishing. I have sanded the black down to the base material. Does anyone know the proper material to use to refinish the black? Spray paint would not stick no matter what I did. Fish-eye and bead as if it were water on a waxed car.

I've seen videos of people using automotive paint on similar situations..... Hoping for something simple, like a step in the prep.

Thanks in advance.

 

You will never be able to paint that wheel rim and have it stay on there. I'd recommend a Wheelskins leather cover, use only Wheelskins, it's very high quality. They have many sizes, make absolutely sure you have the right one. You will have a brand new-like wheel that's a bit beefier, but more modern looking.

 

First off, that is not a 442 specific steering wheel. It was an optional wheel available on a variety of models from 1970-1977 as option code N34, Custom-Sport steering-wheel.

I read that the rim is a vinyl material, so perhaps try using a paint system for that type of material (SEM vinyl dye/paint, perhaps). Be aware that these wheels are notorious for getting sticky over time due to some sort of oil leaching out, so don't be surprised if whatever coating you apply to it starts coming off.

Here's another option that may work better for your situation:
see post #4:
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...estion-134997/

see post #3:
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...-wheel-128658/

Sorry I can't be much more help than that. Good luck with it.

 

Yes. Mine had unbearable stickiness. Clean, get sticky, repeat. As Kenneth indicated, I had the upholsterer put on plastic wrap then a leather cover after he did my interior. The leather cover works great.