<VV> Need steering wheel re-paint advice

[jwcorvair at aol.com]

Hi Bill,

I resprayed my steering wheel and I think that it came out fairly nice. I wanted a two-tone colored wheel with part of the color matching the body paint and the remainder colored to match my interior. I used Duplicolor brand paint to match the body color and Rustoleum to match to interior. I carefully masked off the chrome trim rings because I did not want to remove them. I was concerned that I might damage the old plastic, which can be very brittle. I carefully sanded the original color on my steering wheel to smooth out the hairline cracks and scuff the surface so that the new paint would adhere better. I used a 100 grit paper and light sanding, for only a few minutes. Then I masked everything off and began to paint. I used very light coats so that the paint wouldn't run, and built up the layers. After about three light coats, I gently wet sanded the paint with a 600 grit wet/dry paper. I then painted again, three more light coats, and then wet sanded again. I did this during the winter. It sounds like a lot of work, but it didn't take long for each coat and sanding. Finally, I sprayed my steering wheel with Rustoleum clear paint. Many light coats so that I didn't get any runs. I used a satin clear.?The clear protects the color from wear.

I hope this is of some use.

Joe White (62 sedan, 66 Porvair)
CORSA, RMC


-----Original Message-----
From: Wrsssatty at aol.com
To: virtualvairs at corvair.org; scg-list at tiger.skiblack.com
Sent: Thu, 3 Jan 2008 6:08 pm
Subject: <VV> Need steering wheel re-paint advice



The steering wheel on my '63 convertible needs a re-paint.  The paint, 
obviously from a previous owner's efforts, is rubbing off or chipping off.  The 
steering wheel itself is in great shape with no cracks.  I've decided that I 
want 
to take care of this before Spring.  Is this something the average schmuck can 
attempt or should I send it to a pro?  If the latter, just any old local body 
shop or maybe someone specializing in the antique car hobby (e.g. a Hemmings 
advertiser)?  Does it need to be stripped?  What kind of paint?  And what of 
the little chrome rings on the steering wheel?  Can they be saved or should I 
buy replacements (assuming repros are out there)?  Anything else I haven't 
thought of?
 
Thanks!
 
~Bill Stanley



**************Start the year off right.  Easy ways to stay in shape.     
http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp00300000002489
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