Is there anyone yet around who rebuilds tractor steering wheels?

[Gambles]

I think I know the answer to this, but I thought I'd run this past the group before I buy the epoxy. Is there anyone who rebuilds the old rubber-coated steering wheels? For those of you itching to recommend this company, Minn-Kota has shut their doors, actually quite a few years ago. When putting the subject in a search engine, one or two companies come up, but they seem to be extinct also. To anyone, saying "Buy a new one", I probably would if I could find one.
The subject is an Oliver 440 tractor. I posted a reply in the Oliver section under "Oliver 440 steering" if you wish to view it.
I suspect I will be buying the epoxy (or similar product), sand paper, paint and see how much time I can put into it. TIA.

 

[Mark Poss]

I think Jerry Trcka from Evergreen Restoration is restoring steering wheels. Same guy that does gauges for tractors. I don’t have his phone number handy you’ll have to google it

 

[Dean]

I think I know the answer to this, but I thought I'd run this past the group before I buy the epoxy. Is there anyone who rebuilds the old rubber-coated steering wheels? For those of you itching to recommend this company, Minn-Kota has shut their doors, actually quite a few years ago. When putting the subject in a search engine, one or two companies come up, but they seem to be extinct also. To anyone, saying "Buy a new one", I probably would if I could find one.
The subject is an Oliver 440 tractor. I posted a reply in the Oliver section under "Oliver 440 steering" if you wish to view it.
I suspect I will be buying the epoxy (or similar product), sand paper, paint and see how much time I can put into it. TIA.

Since the demise of Minn-Kota Repair, I know of no one restoring either steering wheels or seat torsion springs.

 

[Rich'sToys]

I think Jerry Trcka from Evergreen Restoration is restoring steering wheels. Same guy that does gauges for tractors. I don’t have his phone number handy you’ll have to google it

https://www.evergreengauges.com/

 

[MSD]

https://www.evergreengauges.com/

 

[IHC pickups]

Since the demise of Minn-Kota Repair, I know of no one restoring either steering wheels or seat springs.

 

[IHC pickups]

Contact Steering Wheel Bob in NJ. He restored 2 wheels for me off 74 IHC 200 PU. Excellent work I highly recommend him.
Google him

 

[prairiecarr]

I think Jerry Trcka from Evergreen Restoration is restoring steering wheels. Same guy that does gauges for tractors. I don’t have his phone number handy you’ll have to google it

EverGreen Restoration has an ad in Farm Collector that says they do steering wheel recovering. 715 520 7876.

 

[Gambles]

Contact Steering Wheel Bob in NJ. He restored 2 wheels for me off 74 IHC 200 PU. Excellent work I highly recommend him.
Google him

Steering Wheel Bob's Pricing for Steering Wheel Restoration​

• A "just paint" restoration starts at $750.
• The typical starting price for a simple restoration is around $800. This generally denotes a wheel with fewer cracks and without complex trim rings or other features that require more detailed restoration work.
• A wheel with multiple cracks, severe checking or deterioration, and/or a partially exposed core will usually run between $800-$950.
• A wheel that has to be reconstructed (large pieces missing, damaged core, etc.) starts at $900.
• Downsized and grafted wheels start at $1,650.
• Shipping is not included in the above prices, but even with insurance is usually about $75.
• As a veteran, Bob is proud to extend a discount to Military & Law Enforcement.

Too bad I'm not in the military or in law enforcement, cuz I could sure use the discount.
But thanks for your recommendation.

 

[NDIHC]

Steering Wheel Bob's Pricing for Steering Wheel Restoration​

• A "just paint" restoration starts at $750.
• The typical starting price for a simple restoration is around $800. This generally denotes a wheel with fewer cracks and without complex trim rings or other features that require more detailed restoration work.
• A wheel with multiple cracks, severe checking or deterioration, and/or a partially exposed core will usually run between $800-$950.
• A wheel that has to be reconstructed (large pieces missing, damaged core, etc.) starts at $900.
• Downsized and grafted wheels start at $1,650.
• Shipping is not included in the above prices, but even with insurance is usually about $75.
• As a veteran, Bob is proud to extend a discount to Military & Law Enforcement.

Too bad I'm not in the military or in law enforcement, cuz I could sure use the discount.
But thanks for your recommendation.

Ouch! I need to learn the steering wheel restoration trade!

 

[JOCCO]

Shaking my head here is this a joke post?

 

[Steve Metcalfe]

Bobs is more for the high end automotive market. I have a friend with a 1955 Eldorado that he restored and he spent around $1200 for refurbishing the steering wheel on it. It’s also a $150,000 car so having the correct wheel is crucial.

 

[sandcastle1]

Shaking my head here is this a joke post?

wondering why you think steering wheel restoration is a joke? not trying to be offensive with this question.

 

[redtom]

I had a Farmall 340 with a typically cracked open wheel with rusty spokes insides the cracks. I sandblasted the heck out of any rusty metal I could see, filled the cracks with bondo and painted it black. It's been 20 years of show use and it still looks good. Now, keep in mind, I don't grab it and pull my full weight up when I get on board.

 

[JOCCO]

wondering why you think steering wheel restoration is a joke? not trying to be offensive with this question.

I get steering wheel resto, but the prices like 1200 for a tractor wheel? Many people just buy a replacement.

 

[JOCCO]

Bobs is more for the high end automotive market. I have a friend with a 1955 Eldorado that he restored and he spent around $1200 for refurbishing the steering wheel on it. It’s also a $150,000 car so having the correct wheel is crucial.

Somewhat explains this better.

 

[Gambles]

I get steering wheel resto, but the prices like 1200 for a tractor wheel? Many people just buy a replacement.

That would have been my first choice. But (it seems) nobody makes a replacement direct-fit steering wheel for the Oliver 440.
I also called one of the steering wheel restoration companies listed on this thread. I was told that they couldn't help me "because I don't have the mold for it." While the $1200 dollar company might fix me up, I can't part with that much money for a small tractor.
So I've decided to do the repair myself. I'll be getting some two-part epoxy, sand paper and paint and see how "bad" I can fix it.
Here is what it presently looks like.

 

[Blackhole49]

I think I know the answer to this, but I thought I'd run this past the group before I buy the epoxy. Is there anyone who rebuilds the old rubber-coated steering wheels? For those of you itching to recommend this company, Minn-Kota has shut their doors, actually quite a few years ago. When putting the subject in a search engine, one or two companies come up, but they seem to be extinct also. To anyone, saying "Buy a new one", I probably would if I could find one.
The subject is an Oliver 440 tractor. I posted a reply in the Oliver section under "Oliver 440 steering" if you wish to view it.
I suspect I will be buying the epoxy (or similar product), sand paper, paint and see how much time I can put into it. TIA.

I went the epoxy/bondo route on the wheel on my 49 Pontiac. Filling the cracks and deformities was no problem. After several sandings and re paintings, I could never get the finish the way I like and gave up. My car certainly isn't worth Bob's prices.

 

[Blackhole49]

I went the epoxy/bondo route on the wheel on my 49 Pontiac. Filling the cracks and deformities was no problem. After several sandings and re paintings, I could never get the finish the way I like and gave up. My car certainly isn't worth Bob's prices. View attachment 64759View attachment 64762

Compared to what I started with tough, I'm happy.

 

[treeman53]

I went the epoxy/bondo route on the wheel on my 49 Pontiac. Filling the cracks and deformities was no problem. After several sandings and re paintings, I could never get the finish the way I like and gave up. My car certainly isn't worth Bob's prices. View attachment 64759View attachment 64762

I think your car is certainly worthy of the high priced steering wheel! She's a beauty!