65iceblue
Member
Posts: 42
Loc: Georgia
Reg: 10-07-06
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06-30-12 08:31 PM - Post#2243142
I'm needing to repair small cracks/splits in original steering wheel (65 Impala SS). Am wondering if regular Bondo body filler won't work as well as epoxies promoted by Eastwood and typical "restoration kits"? Am I on wrong track? Also after repair, I'm wanting to paint using high quality aerosol can (don't have spray gun equipment). Would appreciate advice on painting procedure, what kind of paint, wet sanding grades, etc. Can I get some advice on this project? Thanks.
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 Vaughn
"11th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 13637
Loc: Colorado Springs, CO
Reg: 08-08-04
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06-30-12 08:41 PM - Post#2243148
In response to 65iceblue
Bondo doesn't have the strength that epoxy does. If dinged by something (like a wedding ring for example) it will chip rather than resist that type of wear.
Epoxy is better. It doesn't have to be the Eastwood brand or other more expensive brands - it just needs to accept paint well, and sand well.
Paint procedures are just like regular car paint procedures - sand, fill, prime and paint. There are enough books out there on the subject. You might want to get a color that you can clear over.
You can do a good job with spray bombs, you just need quality paint with a good nozzle, you should heat spray cans to room temperature (70s) and shake really well.
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ruscar
Member
Posts: 50
Loc: GA
Reg: 12-22-06
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07-04-12 10:00 AM - Post#2244425
In response to 65iceblue
I have read that many people have use JB weld with good results. Also, if the cracks are really small they open them up a bit with a hacksaw blade as to get enough surface area for the epoxy to hold on to.
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cdmhenry
Very Senior Member
Posts: 2255
Loc: Minden, NV.
Reg: 09-14-00
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07-04-12 10:07 AM - Post#2244430
In response to 65iceblue
As stated, Bondo is a poor choice. Epoxy paste adhesive is better.
Be sure to sand the crack area back to fresh, uncontaminated material. The years of dirt and skin oils will prevent decent adhesion.
Allow at least 24 hours for the epoxy to harden fully before sanding or priming.
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66cayne
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 1810
Reg: 08-06-08
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07-05-12 06:15 AM - Post#2244664
In response to ruscar
I have restored two wheels in my garage- 65 SS wheel and 66 Biscayne. The 65 was more difficult because you have to remove or tape the metal rings on the SS steering wheel. JB weld works fine. Epoxy paste is good too but it sets up really fast so you have to use small batches and apply quickly. Don't use a hack saw blade to open up the cracks. The blade is too wide. Try a thinner blade like a keyhole saw. I also used some Crazy Glue on many of the thin cracks. It flows into the cracks and sets up strong. Still looks good 10 years later. Sand the repairs and wipe it down with acetone. Apply several light coats of Krylon spray can color then clear coat. Good to go..
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 aghaga
"4th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 1531
Age: 58
Loc: Altavista, Va.
Reg: 07-05-08
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07-05-12 10:13 AM - Post#2244725
In response to 66cayne
The last step I used on mine was to clear coat with Duplicolor ceramic clear. After making sure the clear was fully cured, a few days, I wet sanded with 2000 and then polished with 3M compound. (Yellow bottle---Step One) This gave the steering wheel a deep gloss finish.
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66cayne
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 1810
Reg: 08-06-08
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07-05-12 12:31 PM - Post#2244761
In response to aghaga
Good tip.. nice clear coat is a must. Keeps the paint from wearing too.
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65iceblue
Member
Posts: 42
Loc: Georgia
Reg: 10-07-06
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07-06-12 03:32 PM - Post#2245233
In response to 66cayne
As usual you guys have come up with excellent info, very much appreciated. As far as the 4 chrome separators, is there an easy way to pry them off without distorting shape and making me wish I had taped them? Also, I was thinking of opening the cracks up enough for filler using a thin cut-off disc on my dremel? Right track or wrong track?
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aghaga
"4th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 1531
Age: 58
Loc: Altavista, Va.
Reg: 07-05-08
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07-06-12 05:33 PM - Post#2245268
In response to 65iceblue
I used the green masking tape and trimed along the edges of the rings with a razor knife.
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Vaughn
"11th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 13637
Loc: Colorado Springs, CO
Reg: 08-08-04
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07-10-12 02:54 PM - Post#2246688
In response to aghaga
Dremel and cut off will work, you just have to be careful not to gouge the material - which is a little hard with a cutoff wheel. A handheld keyhole saw is a better idea, because you can control how much material is coming off the wheel.
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