teak wheel - minor scratch

[Oliver S.]

Hello,

unfortunately I hit the steering wheel with the buckle of the seat belt when I fastened it. It caused a little scratch on the wheel, the coat peeled off a bit. And there's a longer but very narrow scratch as is if a needle was applied. What is the best way to fix these?
Is urethane clearcoat sufficient, at least to close the 'wound'?

Regards and merry Christmas
Oliver

[Edward S.]

Re: teak wheel - minor scratch

I restored my wheel last winter, based on some advise I got from someone who had done them before I did the following - got 0000 steel wool lightly went over everything and then order the steering wheel product spray that LIC sells.
Then spent a few days putting on very light coats, letting it dry and then putting on more coats until I got the sheen I was looking for. The wheel came out great most wheels I have seen are too glossy for my taste. At the start I had been looking for info regarding Teak Freaks which I could not find and the board here talked me into trying it myself - am very happy I did. Good Luck.
Merry Christmas and the best of health and happiness in the coming years to all.

[Douglas G.]

Re: teak wheel - minor scratch

According to Volume seven,number one.summer 1980 of The Corvette Restorer there is an article written by Joe Clark who interviewed Phil and Jack Miller who owned the Howard Miller Clock Company that made the steering wheels.According to the Millers,the finishing process consisted of "at least three coats of a catalyic urethane filler and sealer resulting in a smooth finish.This was then topped off by a final coating of a urethane clear coat to insure durability and scratch resistance." I have restored several of these wheels and I caution you on one thing and that is to remove the "dent" that the buckle may have made in the Teak or Rosewood before you apply any finish.The other thing is to use a solvent based finish since I do not believe water based finishes had been developed in the 1960's. Good luck.My phone number is 519 752-0780 if you need more info.