Restoring steering wheel

[Aaron Juhl]

Hi all,
I am restoring a 1941 JD B. The hard rubber grip is completely gone (bare metal) on half of the steering wheel. I have tried contacting Minn-Kota, who used to provide this service, but they are apparently no longer in business. Does anyone have any ideas about how to restore the grip on the steering wheel, or know of anyone else who does it? I"m sure it would be easier and/or cheaper to just buy a replacement, but I also like the idea of using the same steering wheel that grandpa and great-grandpa did.
Thanks,
Aaron

 

[Scott 730]

www.minnkotarepair.com

The website still works. What makes you say they are not in business?

 

[Aaron Juhl]

Thanks Scott, but I called the phone number on the website and there is a recorded message stating that they are no longer in business.
Aaron

 

[FBH44]

Not sure how you"d do this, but I had [still have] an old cracked steering wheel that stillhad all the pieces on, just had lots of cracks and gaps. I got a can of black truck bed spray coating at O"Reilly"s, and sprayed on coat after coat of black. Sanded down between coats, and sprayed again. I probably have 6 or 8 coats on, and couldn"t be happier with it. It is a black, grippy, slightly textured feel, looks good, feels great. Very tough, very solid.
Might take you a lot of work, to figure it out, but if it means sentimental value to you, you ought to be able to build up the layers, it ought to work somehow.

 

[Aaron Juhl]

Thanks! I like this idea. I think you're right that the trick would be to build up the layers to the sort of thickness that I want. But it might not bother me if it doesn't turn out as thick as the original was. It would be thicker than the current bare metal!

 

[shadetreegarage]

There is an epoxy product that comes as a flexible roll or block with hardener (WalMart or auto supply stores). I have used it to repair extensive cracks in steering wheels, just put it on the wheel and shape (squeeze) to the profile you want. It can be filed and sanded after hardening and has worked well for me several times.

 

[Kent Petersen]

call detwillers they have new steering wheeles for $50.00