Steering wheel rebuild - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Andy4639 · 01-24-2017, 04:35 PM

I bought this wheel this past weekend and plan to get it fixed for the Ramp Rat. Anybody ever done a factory wood wheel. My plan is use wood puddy to fill in the cracks and then sand it down to the right diameter and stain it.
Anybody got any good wood working tips for me?

ubtripn · 01-24-2017, 06:06 PM

I don't know if this helps but when restoring firearms I used the sawdust I generated and mixed it with wood glue to fill in cracks and you could not see it it worked so well but those are larger spots.

Ben_Yeaton · 01-24-2017, 06:09 PM

Thats a great tip. The sawdust will end up staining like the wood, and be much more attractive than straight glue. I've done this when plugging holes with dowel; cut flush and sand smooth after glue has been applied. Makes for a very clean finish. Good luck!

Andy4639 · 01-24-2017, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ubtripn

I don't know if this helps but when restoring firearms I used the sawdust I generated and mixed it with wood glue to fill in cracks and you could not see it it worked so well but those are larger spots.

I may have to cut up some wood are go by a local cabinet shop and get some saw dust! Thanks for that tip.

toolboxchev · 01-25-2017, 12:26 AM

Hey Andy,

Just thought I would throw out an alternative idea, Epoxy! Is the original wood? I cannot tell for sure in the pics, even sawdust wood mix with the epoxy and be solid as a rock, there is very few things that stuff will not bond to and then if you do not have a good match it can take paint also.

Andy4639 · 01-25-2017, 06:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toolboxchev

Hey Andy,

Just thought I would throw out an alternative idea, Epoxy! Is the original wood? I cannot tell for sure in the pics, even sawdust wood mix with the epoxy and be solid as a rock, there is very few things that stuff will not bond to and then if you do not have a good match it can take paint also.

Thanks. Yea I think I will go with some Epoxy in the mix.

I'm debating now weather to stay as is are wrap it in leather like I did my 67 Chevelle wheel in my 71. My hands get cramps easy now from the corpal tunnel in both so I wrapped the 71 to make it thicker. I'm wondering if I should do this one as well but I don't drive it near as much though.
Hope it shows up this weekend like it's saying.

NC_John · 01-25-2017, 07:26 AM

Search the HAMB board. Those guys do a lot of that. From a few threads I read on there I used this:

http://www.pcepoxy.com/our-products/...oxies/pc-7.php

Supposed to be very resilient against shrinking and cracking. I'll warn you though - its tough as nails when it sets and is painfully slow to sand. I got so tired of working with it I put the steering wheel up to work on again when I retire.

Andy4639 · 01-25-2017, 07:52 PM

Been doing some reading up on my steering wheel buy. I got the wheel today so I plan to try and rebuild it myself.
I'll update as I go and find more info on this.
I found this link on rebuilding them.
I'm going to give it a try and see what happens.

http://www.secondchancegarage.com/public/482.cfm

Andy4639 · 01-25-2017, 08:42 PM

More reading and some more info. Has anybody used this stuff. I found it on another forum.
PC-7 Paste Epoxy Two-part epoxy adhesive paste (bonding agent, sealant and filler)
Apply indoor and outdoor with a temp range of 35 to 115 degrees F
Can be painted, stained, and machined after fully cured.
Sold at Home Depoe to.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/PC-Produc...-100649633-_-N

Andy4639 · 01-25-2017, 09:22 PM

I'm wondering if I just fill up the gaps with the epoxy and then take the wheel to a friend of mine who does hydro dipping if he could do it in a wood grain for me? Hmmmmm this maybe a good solution and a lot less work.

Andy4639 · 01-26-2017, 09:25 AM

Eastwood kit.

NC_John · 01-26-2017, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy4639

More reading and some more info. Has anybody used this stuff.

see post #7

tommys72 · 01-26-2017, 09:53 AM

If its real wood Andy, probably more trouble than its worth to actually dip it.

http://k2forums.com/discussion/532/dipping-wood

If its resin or whatever with simulated wood, dipping it would be easy and quick.

Andy4639 · 01-26-2017, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tommys72

If its real wood Andy, probably more trouble than its worth to actually dip it.

http://k2forums.com/discussion/532/dipping-wood

If its resin or whatever with simulated wood, dipping it would be easy and quick.

From what I can tell from looking at it it's the simulated wood. I'm going to call my buddy today and ask about dipping it.

tommys72 · 01-26-2017, 10:09 AM

Id say get her fixed up and go for it then.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=J1K9oMRIV-s

Andy4639 · 01-26-2017, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tommys72

Id say get her fixed up and go for it then.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=J1K9oMRIV-s

That's the video I looked at yesterday that turned the light on!

tommys72 · 01-26-2017, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy4639

That's the video I looked at yesterday that turned the light on!

I wish he wouldve peeled the tape off to show the whole things after unmasked.

Andy4639 · 01-26-2017, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tommys72

I wish he wouldve peeled the tape off to show the whole things after unmasked.

Yea that would have been nice but it got me to thinking none the less!

Andy4639 · 01-26-2017, 09:46 PM

I got some epoxy putty tonight going to let the wheel sit inside tonight and hopefully tomorrow night start on it.

Andy4639 · 03-01-2017, 07:23 PM

Well I have been waiting for a day to do the sanding and this afternoon turned out to be it. it was raining when I got home so I opened the garage door up and sanded it down to get it ready for the final cover. It's not a perfect job but for what it will be going in it will be fine.
I'm going to have a local guy do it for me. It's not going to be your everyday wood grain wheel!

I'll post it when he get's done with it.

tommys72 · 03-01-2017, 08:45 PM

Gonna dip it?

Andy4639 · 03-02-2017, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tommys72

Gonna dip it?

That's the plan. The guy said he could do it and keep the outside ring cleaned off to. I'm going to do it and see how it does.

Andy4639 · 07-31-2017, 07:18 AM

Well after several trips and talking with the owner he didn't feel like it would work getting it dipped. So I have been looking and decided this past weekend to stain it.
It's going to take a while to get the same color on it but I think it will work.
I bought 2 of these stain pens at Wal-Mart and started on it. Stain, dry and sand til I get the color right. It's going to take awhile but it worth it. These wheels are $600 new if you can find one.
I also bought a hub for it and painted it to go in the 64 SS Impala.

Andy4639 · 07-31-2017, 08:40 PM

I got it all hooked up and everything is working.
I still have some rubbing, sanding and staining to do but that can all be done in the car.

01-24-2017, 04:35 PM	#1
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Steering wheel rebuild I bought this wheel this past weekend and plan to get it fixed for the Ramp Rat. Anybody ever done a factory wood wheel. My plan is use wood puddy to fill in the cracks and then sand it down to the right diameter and stain it. Anybody got any good wood working tips for me? Attached Images __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

01-24-2017, 06:06 PM	#2
ubtripn Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 1,280	Re: Steering wheel rebuild I don't know if this helps but when restoring firearms I used the sawdust I generated and mixed it with wood glue to fill in cracks and you could not see it it worked so well but those are larger spots.

01-24-2017, 06:09 PM	#3
Ben_Yeaton Registered User Join Date: May 2014 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 141	Re: Steering wheel rebuild Thats a great tip. The sawdust will end up staining like the wood, and be much more attractive than straight glue. I've done this when plugging holes with dowel; cut flush and sand smooth after glue has been applied. Makes for a very clean finish. Good luck!

01-25-2017, 12:26 AM	#5
toolboxchev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: 2nd left past the stump on a dirt road. Posts: 2,629	Re: Steering wheel rebuild Hey Andy, Just thought I would throw out an alternative idea, Epoxy! Is the original wood? I cannot tell for sure in the pics, even sawdust wood mix with the epoxy and be solid as a rock, there is very few things that stuff will not bond to and then if you do not have a good match it can take paint also.

01-25-2017, 07:52 PM	#8
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Re: Steering wheel rebuild Been doing some reading up on my steering wheel buy. I got the wheel today so I plan to try and rebuild it myself. I'll update as I go and find more info on this. I found this link on rebuilding them. I'm going to give it a try and see what happens. http://www.secondchancegarage.com/public/482.cfm __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

01-25-2017, 07:26 AM	#7
NC_John Registered User Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Rockwell, NC Posts: 1,639	Re: Steering wheel rebuild Search the HAMB board. Those guys do a lot of that. From a few threads I read on there I used this: http://www.pcepoxy.com/our-products/...oxies/pc-7.php Supposed to be very resilient against shrinking and cracking. I'll warn you though - its tough as nails when it sets and is painfully slow to sand. I got so tired of working with it I put the steering wheel up to work on again when I retire. __________________ 1970 C-10 LWB "Blu" Instagram (current build pictures) 70_nc_c10

01-25-2017, 08:42 PM	#9
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Re: Steering wheel rebuild More reading and some more info. Has anybody used this stuff. I found it on another forum. PC-7 Paste Epoxy Two-part epoxy adhesive paste (bonding agent, sealant and filler) Apply indoor and outdoor with a temp range of 35 to 115 degrees F Can be painted, stained, and machined after fully cured. Sold at Home Depoe to. http://www.homedepot.com/p/PC-Produc...-100649633-_-N __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

01-25-2017, 09:22 PM	#10
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Re: Steering wheel rebuild I'm wondering if I just fill up the gaps with the epoxy and then take the wheel to a friend of mine who does hydro dipping if he could do it in a wood grain for me? Hmmmmm this maybe a good solution and a lot less work. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

01-26-2017, 09:25 AM	#11
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Re: Steering wheel rebuild Eastwood kit. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

01-26-2017, 09:53 AM	#13
tommys72 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: springfield mo Posts: 3,075	Re: Steering wheel rebuild If its real wood Andy, probably more trouble than its worth to actually dip it. http://k2forums.com/discussion/532/dipping-wood If its resin or whatever with simulated wood, dipping it would be easy and quick. __________________ United States Marine Corps 2000-2011 Iraq and Afghanistan veteran Just living life now and enjoying it and my wife, daughter and son

01-26-2017, 10:09 AM	#15
tommys72 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: springfield mo Posts: 3,075	Re: Steering wheel rebuild Id say get her fixed up and go for it then. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=J1K9oMRIV-s __________________ United States Marine Corps 2000-2011 Iraq and Afghanistan veteran Just living life now and enjoying it and my wife, daughter and son

01-26-2017, 09:46 PM	#19
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Re: Steering wheel rebuild I got some epoxy putty tonight going to let the wheel sit inside tonight and hopefully tomorrow night start on it. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

03-01-2017, 07:23 PM	#20
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Re: Steering wheel rebuild Well I have been waiting for a day to do the sanding and this afternoon turned out to be it. it was raining when I got home so I opened the garage door up and sanded it down to get it ready for the final cover. It's not a perfect job but for what it will be going in it will be fine. I'm going to have a local guy do it for me. It's not going to be your everyday wood grain wheel! I'll post it when he get's done with it. Attached Images __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

03-01-2017, 08:45 PM	#21
tommys72 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: springfield mo Posts: 3,075	Re: Steering wheel rebuild Gonna dip it? __________________ United States Marine Corps 2000-2011 Iraq and Afghanistan veteran Just living life now and enjoying it and my wife, daughter and son

07-31-2017, 07:18 AM	#23
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Re: Steering wheel rebuild Well after several trips and talking with the owner he didn't feel like it would work getting it dipped. So I have been looking and decided this past weekend to stain it. It's going to take a while to get the same color on it but I think it will work. I bought 2 of these stain pens at Wal-Mart and started on it. Stain, dry and sand til I get the color right. It's going to take awhile but it worth it. These wheels are $600 new if you can find one. I also bought a hub for it and painted it to go in the 64 SS Impala. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.



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07-31-2017, 08:40 PM	#24
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Re: Steering wheel rebuild I got it all hooked up and everything is working. I still have some rubbing, sanding and staining to do but that can all be done in the car. Attached Images __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

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