Steering wheel restoration question on finish
 

I've been starting to clean up and get parts ready for my '37 Coupe restoration and have a question about the steering wheels in these cars.


Most of the restored cars I see have very shiny and smooth finishes, much like you'd see on later '40s and up cars. However, my wheel has a very dull and textured finish. The wheel is in perfect shape as far as cracks and such goes. I cleaned one spot and found the surface to be very uniform and in great shape, but not like I typically see.


I'm really tempted to leave it this way. It has a very nice "grippy" feel to it, and in my opinion, it still looks great this way. My only concern with going that route is keeping it clean. I'm curious what type of finish they had from the factory. If they were shiny, and I decided to go that route, what prep would you guys use before painting? Or would you leave it alone?


And yes, I'll be keeping the vintage speed knob. I haven't taken it off yet to restore it, but I'm betting there's a good chance it's left imprints on the wheel. Not a big deal, I can just put it back in the same spot.


Edit to add that the one spot in the bottom picture that looks 'shiny' is just a glare from the sun. The whole wheel is as the first picture shows.



https://i.postimg.cc/0NRcdJvx/20230203-112843.jpg


https://i.postimg.cc/VkbKCW3D/20230203-112919.jpg

Re: Steering wheel restoration question on finish
 

Your wheel, albeit a very nice example has little to no original finish remaining.
I suppose what you do with it is dependent on what outcome you desire.
You do mention "restore" in your post... that leaves no option but to bring it back to its authentic appearance.
I can't help but restore everything to as close to perfection as I am able. That's me.

When I restore these wheels, I use an epoxy primer. I clean it very well with PrepSol.
If there are any spots that need filling, I use a flexible filler designed for modern day plastic bumper covers.

I've attached a photo of one of the wheels I'd restored. Although a '39 deluxe, it should allow you a good example of what "restored" appears as.

Re: Steering wheel restoration question on finish
 

I suppose I'll have no choice. If I leave it alone, it'll probably end up looking like the crappy satin looking wheels they put on new vehicles....where the 'hand' spots get shiny from repeated use, mostly from oils from the skin. That looks horrible.


Thanks for the advice. I've restored a few wheels from the '50s and '60s, and did them as you suggested, with epoxy primer. I wasn't sure about this one though because it doesn't appear to be the same type of 'plastic' that was molded on the later wheels. I guess time has just changed it in a way different than most.

Re: Steering wheel restoration question on finish
 

Focusing narrowly on a '37 deluxe steering wheel, the finish on the wheel in your photos isn't that far off from what shows up in Ford archives photos. The idea, I think, is that wheel itself, the lamp switch face, and the horn button should have the same degree of gloss.


That's what I attempted with my steering wheel restoration/repristination.

Re: Steering wheel restoration question on finish
 

That's what I attempted with my steering wheel restoration/repristination.[/QUOTE]

I love this :)

Re: Steering wheel restoration question on finish
 

Re: Steering wheel restoration question on finish
 

Thank you VERY MUCH for that bit of info, David!
That would make sense to me. The shifter handle has nearly the exact same finish, and so does the horn and light switch that I have for this car. All of these pieces came off of a very low mileage car and have been stored away for a very, very long time.


Oftentimes I see cars 'over-restored', and while I have absolutely no issue with that, the little details like this make a big difference in the overall look, and the subtle contrasts tend to really set cars apart. A satin finish may be in order here.


https://i.postimg.cc/Vsbt8sb0/20230203-133520.jpg

Re: Steering wheel restoration question on finish
 

Your shift lever knob is remarkable given the crispness of the raised portions. Those sharp edges don't last long as the miles add up.

Re: Steering wheel restoration question on finish
 

I took the speed knob off today to continue cleaning, and this is what I saw underneath it. That finish looks to be pretty original, and knowing the knob has been on there for well over 70 years, I'd have to say that this is a pretty good representation of what the original finish must have been.


That supports what you said, David. So I believe you're right.
Just thought I'd throw this out there for future reference.


https://i.postimg.cc/vBv237Lf/20230203-152427.jpg