Oldsnut73

My 1973 sport steering wheel is really sticky. I've cleaned it and it will be OK for a few weeks and then its sticky again. Anybody else have this problem.

oldcutlass

Welcome to the site, its a common issue. They all do it over time.

oldspackrat

I thought this was BS until I tried it but WD40 works well to remove the stickiness. Let us know the results.

rcorrigan5

I'll give WD-40 a go, too. The steering wheel on my '69 4-4-2 gets real sticky, too. I understand that the steering wheel can be restored and the "sticky" will go away, but at a cost of around $800. I'll try my luck with WD-40 first!

Randy C.

Greg Rogers

I used to use armour all or similar when my wheel got sticky. It worked good for a week or so then came right back. I think I was just turning the "sticky" to smooth. Then I tried lacquer thinner. It dries it out right away but then comes back again after a week or 2. I continued to wipe it down with lacquer thinner and it still comes back but seems less and less each time. I think by using armour all and such I was adding more "grease" or "goop" or whatever you want to call it to outgas later.

RetroRanger

i had one that I cleaned real good w Dawn and water it nver got sticky in the year or so i used it.

the one i have now is super sticky so i will give the dawn a go again and see if it works as well as the first one.

nsnarsk65cutlass

I've used gasoline seems to work for a while.If vehicle is used every day it stays away longer.

4speed455

I had the sticky wheel. I wiped it down real good with 90% rubbing alcohol. It still wasn't sticky three years later when I sold it.

Ozzie

If you don't mind the non-stock aspect, a lace-up "real" leather cover will solve the problem.

scrappie

Maybe there is a company that restores steering wheels that could replace the rubber part or coat it with something?
I have a sticky one too.

joe_padavano

I've had this problem for 40 years. The best product by far to clean the stickiness is auto paint precleaner, such as Pre-Sol or similar products. These are the same as Goo Gone, but sold in gallon cans at auto paint stores. Simply wipe on and off - no scrubbing or effort. How long the wheel stays clean is a function of how often you park in the sun - the heat causes the rubber rim material to outgas. If the wheel has ever been coated with Armor All, it will be even worse.

Tedd Thompson

Has anyone ever applied a couple coats of clear shellac? That would keep the oxygen from the surface and perhaps keep it from oxidizing. It will stick to just about anything and I know that it will seal off oozing pitch on wood surfaces and seal stains from transferring on most any surface, might be worth a try..... Tedd

joe_padavano

Gawd, I hope not. That's a good way to destroy the wheel.

rml442

I agree with Ozzie, wrap it up. Ordered Wheelskins Custom Black Leather Steering Wheel Cover. Cleaned my wheel with Dawn to prep wheel for covering. Cover is a tight fit and takes about 2 hours, I took mine off the column. I'm very pleased with the look and feel of the cover. I like the added thickness and feel of the leather. I'm planning on ordering more for my other sticky wheeled 442's.

72w442

I clean mine with enamel thinner and it works for about two months depending on humidity.

I have thought about the repro wheel, does anyone have any experience with them ?