steering wheel repair

[steve-0]

found this link in a jeep forum. i think i will try it.   

http://thisoldjeep.21.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=238

[Tapper02]

Steve,
 Did you ever get around to trying this method?  I looked around and couldn't find any M.E.K., but found a substitute at Home Depot called Industrial Maintenance Coating Thinner that is intended for "Use wherever MEK, Toluene, Xylene and VM&P Naptha are recommended".  Well, needless to say it didn't do jack cr*p when I put it on my steering wheel.  So unless I can find the real deal, I guess I'll have to settle for a dull/old looking steering wheel.

-Tom

[KC]

I use Acetone, works great.
KC

[steve-0]

i haven't tried mek yet.
if they don't have it at home depot they should have it at a paint supply store.

[Tapper02]

Thanks KC...I took the M.E.K. substitute back and exchanged it for some acetone.  Now that's what I'm talking about!  

At first I just applied it with a rag, rubbing in one direction like was described in the jeep thread but I wasn't getting the results I wanted.  So, I switched to just 'painting' it on with a small artist's brush. I worked the bottom side first then turned it over and repeated on the top.  The bottom looks fantastic, but the top is a little rougher and not as glossy.  Obviously it started out rougher b/c it was exposed to the elements more than the bottom.  The trick is to make sure you don't put on so much that it runs around the side of the wheel...the acetone will take some of the plastic with it and when it re-hardens you'll have a raised area in the shape of the run/droplet.  It's easy to fix but if you apply lightly and go slow it won't run. 

KC, what technique did you use?

I'll post some pics tomorrow.

-Tom

[Tapper02]

Okay, so here are the before and after shots.  The lighting was a little different, but you get the gist:

Topside before


Topside after


Underneath side before


Underneath side after

[Hinrik]

Guys, I would advise against using MEK on plastic or rubber parts. Its a very strong solvent and can soften
plastic there by making damage if not carefully used and with thick rubber gloves. Its used in the aviation
industry, and many of us try to use it as little as possible.

Hinrik
(Aircraft mechanic)

[scotty71]

There is a company in Australia that repairs / restores steering wheels to as new condition.

I have had one of my other vehicles steering wheel done by this company and the quality of their work is excellent.

They do accept orders from overseas.

They aren't the cheapest but the quality of finish speaks for itself.

Website - http://www.pearlcraft.com.au/