Steering wheel renovation Caterpillar 212 grader

Maybe try sanding what you have til smooth, fill the cracks with epoxy and paint the rim black. That would give you an original look and feel.

[quote="Kurt Bangert post=242670 userid=11660"]Maybe try sanding what you have til smooth, fill the cracks with epoxy and paint the rim black. That would give you an original look and feel.
 [/quote]
Sanding until it stops shedding sounds worth a try, thank you for the suggestion.  I'm guessing that it's only the surface that's deteriorating due to 60+ years sitting out in the sun!

That poses the question though - if I sand it back to solid material, might that be enough?  I will have to give it a go and see what happens. 

I'm not worries about the cracks really - they are just the product of age and (I don't think) will effect its function, but yes, epoxy would probably be a good filler.

Paint with good primer then sand then use body filler for cracks sand prime then paint multiply coats even clear epoxy paint works!

[quote="steeltracs post=242674 userid=730"]Paint with good primer then sand then use body filler for cracks sand prime then paint multiply coats even clear epoxy paint works!
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If I was going for a "looks like new" finish then yes something like this would be the go.  But at least for now I'd rather keep it all looking original if I can. A glossy new looking steering wheel just wouldn't feel right I think.

Then spray with clear satin finish

[quote="steeltracs post=242677 userid=730"]Then spray with clear satin finish
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I will start with some sanding, see what that reveals. Then yes a satin clear coat might be good.  I'd be interested to know what the original material's finish looked like.

Try a roll of plumber's sandpaper a strip 16" and work all the way around buffing like a pair of shoes.

you mean emery cloth tape.  available in several grades. wrap around once dont overlap and you can "walk" it around just by changing the angle of pull on the tape.

[quote="Kurt Bangert post=242670 userid=11660"]Maybe try sanding what you have til smooth, fill the cracks with epoxy and paint the rim black. That would give you an original look and feel.
 [/quote]
Sanding until it stops shedding sounds worth a try, thank you for the suggestion.  I'm guessing that it's only the surface that's deteriorating due to 60+ years sitting out in the sun!

That poses the question though - if I sand it back to solid material, might that be enough?  I will have to give it a go and see what happens. 

I'm not worries about the cracks really - they are just the product of age and (I don't think) will effect its function, but yes, epoxy would probably be a good filler.