Steering Wheel Repaint

[harrydunn]

Couple of quick questions. I've obtained a mint steering wheel from a forum member than needs no filler. It is black and I need to paint it sandlewood. I'll be having the glove box door scanned so the paint can be mixed and matched.

1) What is your prep process?

2) Should I request a certain type of paint that will work well on these steering wheels?

Thanks.

--Mark

[Longhorn 70]

I hear the prep is the most important part of the repaint. I did one in my truck and thought it went well.... After driving in the summer here in AZ, it started pealing and sticking.

There is a thread here and when I find it, I'll post a link to it here.

[TBONE1964]

Prep it just like you would if you were painting sheet metal panels. I would go with an epoxy based paint as it is more durable.

[harrydunn]

Some 800 grit to rough it up lightly, perhaps?

[dfwright]

Whatever else you do, take lots of pictures, and write up a summary of what you do. I'd love to see the final result. I need to do the same thing at some point.

[Mister-B]

Sand it down with some fine sand paper. Wipe it down with 409 cleaner. Once dry, spray it with a good primer spray paint that's intended for plastic. Then, do several coats of the finish color that is made for plastic. Follow that with a couple of coats of clear coat spray paint for plastic.

That's what I did, and it worked well.

[Longhorn 70]

NOT to hijack, is this the same process for a padded steering wheel?

[bobs409]

I painted one recently and used Rustoleum paint.

I did a test section on a steering wheel a year before that was in my daily driver. I sprayed the part my hand is normally on and after using it all winter, the paint was still like new with no wear.

So... I decided it was good to use from that test. I wet sanded the wheel with 400 grit, cleaned it good with carb cleaner and used Rustoleum primer, then Rustoleum gloss paint. (in my case maroon)

I'm very happy with it so far.

[harrydunn]

Here is the candidate. I scuffed it up lightly last night with a fine scotch-brite type of pad and washed with soap and water. Going to shoot it tonight with some plastic primer I picked up. Having the glovebox scanned soon to mix the topcoat.

[harrydunn]

Got it all painted. Thank you for the tips you guys provided. I think it turned out really well and I'm hoping it will match the steering column . So far it looks very close.

[nasqar]

Looks good. It looks like the details of the ridges came out pretty good. I got the prep and paint from LMC and mine turned out well. I did mine several years ago and no stickiness or wear.

[67ctener]

Lets see that thing un masked

[harrydunn]

Here you go.

[Longhorn 70]

Looking good. How long does it need to dry before you can use it? Watching to see it installed.

[harrydunn]

I checked on it this morning and it was dry to the touch so I'm going to go ahead and install it this evening. That will be 24 hours of drying/curing time. I'll post some pics.

[nasqar]

Nice job on the horn button, you taped it up really good! Waitin for pics as well.

[Tinkermc]

looks very nice

[lil hoodlum]

That came out looking really good!

Good job harrydunn!

[mandojunior]

that looks real nice

[harrydunn]

Here are a few pics from the removal/installation this afternoon. I'm very pleased. The old wheel was TIRED! It will become a piece of art on my wall now. It's beyond repair under the tape.

[Longhorn 70]

Looks great harrydunn. Good job

[harrydunn]

Thanks. It's not a perfect match but it's okay for the people I hang out with. I'm going to touch up the red GMC on the center cap I think. It's a little dull.