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Old 05-18-2010, 01:34 PM   #1
Dennis/Arkansas
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Default Steering Wheel Restoration Hint

Thought I'd share a hint to aid in restoring a '40 Standard steering wheel. I should state that I cannot afford a new reproduction steering wheel. When filling the numerous cracks with PC-7 I had no choice but to fill in the incised lines on the 2 spokes. I agonized (I frustrate easily) over how to recreate the lines. After several failed attempts, I stumbled on a tool for checkering gun stocks. I bought one off of eBay that cut 14 lines per inch. That is very close to original. I tested it on one spoke's bottom side and cut all new lines. It worked well. I still need to do a little finish work on them but I am pleased with the outcome. The lines come out parallel and the depth of cut is limited by the design of the tool. I've attached a couple of pics. Hope this helps someone.
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File Type: jpg P1010002.jpg (76.2 KB, 104 views)
File Type: jpg P1010004.jpg (48.7 KB, 100 views)
File Type: jpg P1010005.jpg (107.0 KB, 79 views)
File Type: jpg P1010006.jpg (101.9 KB, 82 views)

Last edited by Dennis/Arkansas; 05-18-2010 at 01:42 PM. Reason: Add pics
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Old 05-18-2010, 01:42 PM   #2
34ragtop
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Default Re: Steering Wheel Restoration Hint

thanks for the tip i will pick one up for my wheel
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Old 05-18-2010, 02:09 PM   #3
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Default Re: Steering Wheel Restoration Hint

Looking Good....
Jim
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Old 05-18-2010, 02:11 PM   #4
1938 Woody Cape Cod
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Default Re: Steering Wheel Restoration Hint

Thanks great tip. Bob
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Old 05-18-2010, 03:27 PM   #5
Cecil/WV
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Default Re: Steering Wheel Restoration Hint

Glad mine was okay.
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Old 05-18-2010, 03:31 PM   #6
Dennis/Arkansas
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Default Re: Steering Wheel Restoration Hint

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Yeah Cecil, so am I. This "simple" restoration is taking its toll on me! Dennis/Arkansas
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Old 05-18-2010, 05:13 PM   #7
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Default Re: Steering Wheel Restoration Hint

Brilliant!
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Old 05-18-2010, 07:30 PM   #8
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Default Re: Steering Wheel Restoration Hint

AWESOME tip !!!!!!!!!!1
Thanks !!!
Cheers
Tp
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Old 05-18-2010, 10:21 PM   #9
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Default Re: Steering Wheel Restoration Hint

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awesome tip !!!!!!!!!!1
thanks !!!
Cheers
tp
x2!
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Old 05-18-2010, 11:36 PM   #10
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Default Re: Steering Wheel Restoration Hint

what is this PC-7 that you used to fill the cracks ? I need to repair my steering wheel too. Tim
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Old 05-18-2010, 11:41 PM   #11
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Default Re: Steering Wheel Restoration Hint

What a good solution to a difficult problem.
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Old 05-18-2010, 11:50 PM   #12
Dennis/Arkansas
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Default Re: Steering Wheel Restoration Hint

Timcharles, PC-7 is a 2 part epoxy available at most hardware stores. It sets slowly allowing plenty of time to work with it. While still wet, you can smooth it out with a finger dipped in lacquer thinner. Dennis
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Old 05-19-2010, 06:07 AM   #13
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Default Re: Steering Wheel Restoration Hint

It might be easier to find a "thread repair" file at your local hardware or auto parts store than to find a gun checkering file which would most likely be a mail order item.
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Old 05-19-2010, 07:53 AM   #14
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Default Re: Steering Wheel Restoration Hint

Another method of smoothing,is to lay waxed paper over the pc-7,and work it to shape.It won't work on compound curves,because the wax paper will wrinkle,and leave marks in the filler.On a simple curve,you can press against the filler with something flat,or roll it with something round.If you have no air bubbles between the filler,and paper,it will be very smooth when cured.DO NOT try to peel the paper off until fully cured.When cured,the paper will peel,without lifting the filler.
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Old 05-19-2010, 03:12 PM   #15
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Default Re: Steering Wheel Restoration Hint

JB Weld is good stuff for steering wheel cracks too. I've done two wheels with it.
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Old 05-19-2010, 07:26 PM   #16
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Default Re: Steering Wheel Restoration Hint

Some great tips here. I have a newer wheel to repair and today I tried to find PC-7 in the area. Checked ACO, Ace, Home Depot and even WalMart... none of 'em had even heard of it. I heard JB weld also works pretty good too. I'm not in a big rush so will keep looking around for PC-7, somebody in the area must have it.

Ron
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Old 05-19-2010, 07:33 PM   #17
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Default Re: Steering Wheel Restoration Hint

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Originally Posted by raceron1120 View Post
Some great tips here. I have a newer wheel to repair and today I tried to find PC-7 in the area. Checked ACO, Ace, Home Depot and even WalMart... none of 'em had even heard of it. I heard JB weld also works pretty good too. I'm not in a big rush so will keep looking around for PC-7, somebody in the area must have it.

Ron
I have bought PC7 at my local ACE Hardware. JB Weld is good stuff, but it has no static hold.In other words, it does run off the object it is on. It does not work very well for fill. PC7 will stay where you put it until it hardens.
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Old 05-19-2010, 08:31 PM   #18
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Default Re: Steering Wheel Restoration Hint

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Originally Posted by jerry grayson View Post
I have bought PC7 at my local ACE Hardware. JB Weld is good stuff, but it has no static hold.In other words, it does run off the object it is on. It does not work very well for fill. PC7 will stay where you put it until it hardens.
JB Weld worked fine for me. This is the first wheel I did.



This is the second.



Both had heaps of cracks.
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Old 05-20-2010, 02:41 AM   #19
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Default Re: Steering Wheel Restoration Hint

That stuff sounds and looks pretty good. I'm going to have to try another ACE hardware for PC-7, I'm in a small town and they don't have it at the local ACE.

Thanks.
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Old 05-20-2010, 12:36 PM   #20
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Default Re: Steering Wheel Restoration Hint

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Originally Posted by Bassman/NZ View Post
JB Weld worked fine for me. This is the first wheel I did.




This is the second.



Both had heaps of cracks.
Don't look now, but when you reinstalled it, you put it on the wrong side!!!
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