Steering Wheel luster
 

My steering wheel is an original for my 1930 Town Sedan. It's in very good condition with no cracks or chips. BUT...after driving it for a while your hands start to look "dirty". By that I mean the black steering wheel material is coming off on my hands. Not a whole lot, but enough that you can see a slight black discoloration on your hands. Any way to compound it, or polish it, or coat it with something that will restore the original luster (right now it's a very flat dull black color) and seal it? If so, how and what? Thanks for any input.

Re: Steering Wheel luster
 

I just finished my steering wheel this week. I used VHT vinyl paint on the outer ring and spray paint on the center . I’m curious about the durability but my wheel was in the same state as yours. A lot of guys I know just spray paint them. Someone may have better advice Good luck.

Re: Steering Wheel luster
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1683780816

Restored 1938 -1939 Ford Banjo Steering Wheel

Re: Steering Wheel luster
 

As you know, no steering wheel was ever painted from Ford for the A's. But with that said I have painted many and they look great.

I have also buffed many with Meguires 105 to bring back just the luster without paint. Then use Meguirs polish to seal it.

https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-Mirr...167827135&th=1

Re: Steering Wheel luster
 

I have used black shoe polish.

Re: Steering Wheel luster
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1683780816


I like this steering wheel. Was it a direct bolt-on?

Re: Steering Wheel luster
 

[QUOTE=ampico-kid;2225150 steering wheel for my 1930 Town Sedan. right now it's a very flat dull black

Note: The original wheels were black resin coated soybean composition or solid resin with a satin finish not painted. Area 8 of restoration guidelines & judging standards page 4.

I know this doesn't help with black hands, just pointing out that they weren't shinny as some would think.

I'd like to solve the black hands and still keep the original look of the wheel.

I'll look into Maguire's, thanks old 31.

Re: Steering Wheel luster
 

Thanks for the replies. I think I'm going to look into the Maguire's suggestion. I'm kind of hesitant to go the "paint" route. I can just see it in a few years when it starts to get scratches and chips in it.

Re: Steering Wheel luster
 

My steering wheel on my 30 sedan has some chips in the outer diameter. I am considering a leather wrap. Not the commercial wrap that is available but a custom one that is hand sewn. It will have to wait a few months because of other things on my schedule.

Re: Steering Wheel luster
 

The problem with spray painting the wheel is that it should come off the car. The access to all surfaces is poor. Also, you risk getting over spray on the inside of your car. I have painted steering wheels in the past with excellent success. I have several years of use and it still looks nice. I like a gloss black finish best even though it was originally satin. I think it just looks nicer. I would also mention that you can scratch the wheel easily with your belt buckle. I damaged mine the first week but since it is at the bottom facing the floor, I don't see it. I finished sanding the wheel with 320 paper and did not use a primer. If does get scratched you don't want to see gray primer showing through. Use a hard paint such as lacquer or an enamel with a hardner.

Re: Steering Wheel luster
 

Could you post a picture of the steering wheel you may have a soybean one.

Re: Steering Wheel luster
 

Somewhere I heard that coconut oil blends well with the natural soybean in the wheels. I rubbed this into mine after cleaning with a scotchbrite pad and simple green and it turned out great.

Re: Steering Wheel luster
 

Does the soybean wheel have the satin finish produced by the scotchbright pad or does the coconut oil make it shiny?

Re: Steering Wheel luster
 

Nice satin finish and never had a problem with black or oil rubbing off on my clothes.

Re: Steering Wheel luster
 

Thanks for the feedback 30Murray. Might be worth trying on a resin wheel.

Re: Steering Wheel luster
 

I know this thread is over 2 years old, but life just seems to get in the way sometimes, and I never did get to work on this steering wheel problem....till now. Is the coconut oil you mention just the standard garden variety sold in food stores as a substitute for butter? Or is it something specially processed for some other use? If so, where could it be purchased? Thanks.

Re: Steering Wheel luster
 

It is just refined organic in a jar from a food store, solid like butter until warmed up.
I still have the jar in back of a cupboard, haven't found any other use for it.
By the way, my steering wheel stiĺl looks good.

Re: Steering Wheel luster
 

You do as you wish, ...but I would not use Coconut oil because it doesn't really dry, ...which means it will continue to attract dirt and debris that will just rub off on your hands.

Over the years I have restored or refurbished many Soybean wheels (-as have other restorers such as the late Doug Bruce) et.al, and the best I/we have found is to use is Black liquid Shoe Polish to get the color back. After the Shoe Polish has dried for several days, then use Shoe Wax such as SC Johnson's KiWi brand (-or something similar since they are phasing it out) and apply it and then continually work it in by buffing it with a Microfiber Towel. The Shoe Wax & Polish actually absorbs into the Soy and it dries. It will not rub off on your clothes or hands even during humid weather conditions.

Re: Steering Wheel luster
 

Terry:
Very interesting idea. I'd like to try it. Do you use Kiwi clear or black wax after the liquid polish? Thanks very much.

Re: Steering Wheel luster
 

Is the "Shoe Wax" you're referring to black or "neutral" color? It appears that you can purchase it either way. Can buffing with the Microfiber Towel be done by hand? Thanks.