So I am now at the stage of finishing off the steering wheel project. Looks very nice if I say so myself. I need advice on whether I should apply a clear product over it.
I have two different ones on hand,Krylon Acrylic Crystal Clear and PlastiKote Universal Clear Coat 1000.
Thank you Bill
I did, but I used a base/clear paint system. Not sure what paint you used but I guess if you do and the clear doesn’t take you will have to sand it out and re-shoot the colour. The clear will add extra layers of clear paint and should provide more wear resistance. Bonus is it will come out nice and shiney.
Yeah I’m thinking the clear has to be compatible. Most clear on its own will yellow.
I’ve stated to restore my steering wheel. The wheel itself is in really good shape, no cracks or chips. The clear has browned and i’d Like to clean it up so the metal trim line around the outside of the wheel shines.
I’ve watched the Autorestomod YouTube videos on steering wheel restoration and their work on the metal trim doesn’t thrill me. They believe steelmetal duct tape is the best solution, but their exact knife cut leaves a ragged edge. I’m thinking of trying to get through the acrylic with rubbing compound and trying to leave the old metal in tact…if possible.
So two questions
Any advice for getting to the metal or (hopefully not) what to replace it with.
What is the best acrylic to use to cover the metal trim?
Thanks!
I used a sterling silver strip typically used by jewelers for repairs. It comes in a roll just about the right size for one steering wheel. I think the width is about 1/8" but the dimension was given in millimeters width. Cut it with an exacto knife at 06:00 on the wheel and it will be hidden from view when the car is parked with the wheels pointing straight ahead. Obviously silver is more expensive than mylar, but it wasn’t that bad and you are not going to hurt it by sanding or polishing…
Thanks Royce, didn’t know it existed in rolls. Looks like a great option. What did you finish it with?
Dupont Imron clear in a Preval sprayer.
I would suggest looking into different clear coats that actually had a hardener in it. I don’t think you will be satisfied with how those products will wear with repeated handling over time. Get you a 2k clear coat like this product from amazon, it’s basically an actual automotive grade exterior clear coat that you push a button on the bottom to release the hardener in the can.
Could you use marine varnish or would it react with the steering wheel? As far as durability there isn’t much better.
React with the wheel? I’m looking for whatever will yellow/brown the slowest. It will go over sterling silver (thanks Royce!) and the wheel material.
Appreciate the ideas so far!
OK fixed my typo so it sounds like I speak English. Wondering if there would be an adverse reaction with the resin that the steering wheels are made of. I may have to try this on an old one I have laying around.
Like Spar Varnish? Maybe back in the brass era or for a Beach Boys Woody. For a steering wheel that is going to be handled and expected to live inside the hot/cold environment of a car the best thing to use is a 2 part automotive clear. I used 2 part clear on mine and it still holds up 8+ years later.
Gonna keep the discussion here since I started it here.
Working on restoring my steering wheel. Converting it (back ?) to standard from XR7. I ordered the wood grain insert decals from john’s. They are about 1/8” too short on each arm. They replied back that they shrink over time- offered refund. They have no more material. West Coast did not have them in stock.
Any idea where to find them?
Carlisle. You may not find those parts at Carlisle, but you should bring your Cougar.
