1956 to 1962 Steering Wheel Restored - 1959 example

[Richard M.]

The wheel on my '59 was a 1957 Venetian Red. I had a very nicely spoked wheel on the shelf for years.

I've restored a few over time and decided to do this one. I restored a Turquoise wheel a few years ago... Here.

Note that the infamous "grain" does not appear in my results, and I'm ok with that. My main objective has been to recover a cracked and discolored wheel and make it usable again.

Before.....
Notice the cracks at the typical places where the plastic meets the chrome oval trims. The stainless spokes were perfect on this one.
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In order to properly refinish the hub cover, I drill the rivets using a stepped drill size process using my mill with the hub secured to the table. I center punched each rivet for accuracy.
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I cleaned the cracks using acetone and a small stiff brush to remove dirt and to prepare for the plastic epoxy filler. I also cleaned the entire wheel and scuffed it with a Scotchbrite pad. I used long strips the width of the finger grips and used it like a belt wrapped around the wheel to get each one cleaned.

This is the plastic epoxy filler I used. Blue Magic Quick Steel made for plastic.
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Here is after filling the cracks and a overnight cure and sanding. I also media blasted the hub cover and primed it using red oxide.
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Here it is after many coats of the primer/filler and sanding to level out imperfections in the cracks.

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Here traces of the filler are seen but after sanding it gets leveled out.
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After another overnight full cure I then used a Sealer over the primer. This promotes better adhesion of the finish coat.
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After a light roughing up with some Scotchbrite and wipe down with a tack rag, multiple coats of Roman Red lacquer were applied. I used 6 coats on this one, waiting about 10 minutes flash between coats. Also coated the hub cover with a few light coats then a wet final coat.

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After additional overnight curing I then reassembled the hub and cover to the wheel using a rivet head machine screw set. I use a touch of Blue Loctite for added safety. It's a bit tight to get the nuts started in the hub space. I use a magnet to get them started then finish with a 3/8" thin wall nutdriver.
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Another overnight rest under a heat lamp then back in the car. Done.
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[Leif A.]

Re: 1956 to 1962 Steering Wheel Restored - 1959 example

As usual, Rich, quality, detailed work. Very nice indeed!!

[Richard G.]

Re: 1956 to 1962 Steering Wheel Restored - 1959 example

IMHO, When you can repair an original it is always better than a repop.
Nice job!

[Luis B.]

[Richard M.]

Re: 1956 to 1962 Steering Wheel Restored - 1959 example

Luis, Welcome....

We've had much discussion about this over the years. Summary is that there was some light texture/grain on them when new. The plastic is very soft and allegedly wears very easily. It would be difficult to reproduce the texture with paint.

On the red wheel I did below, I experimented using a few processes but failed. I ended up using the red lacquer with smooth finish.

One thing I tried on some sample plates was wrinkle paint over primer. Unfortunately, the lacquer ate right through it.

Here's a thread with much info....

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...-or-No-Texture