TOPIC: Wheel Restoration

I was able to remove the steering wheel from the 1948 Century Sea Maid after long soaking in WD40 and some "tapping". So now that the wheel is off, does anyone know of a restorer of classic steering wheels?

What exactly do you mean by "restoring"? I know a guy who does excellent wood radius work if you need rebuilbing of any sort. Let me know.
Shipster

Centuryboatclub.com will get you there. Wonderful group just like on this forum.

Well Brain I have seen a lot of the work you have put thru your shop. Restoring a steering wheel is easily in your capabliities.
Here is the way I have done a few. They have stood the test of time and I am well pleased with them.
I take a drumel tool and open up any of the cracks that are of any size. V them a little if you can. It you have some very large cracks or a pieces missing V them a little on the edge too. This makes for better blending of the repair agent.
Now I use two different types of repair material. If the crack is large or a piece missing. Get the two part epoxy that is in the tube. Like a Tootsie roll. Then you cut off a piece and knee it together and you can mold it to what you need. This can then be sanded for a smooth finish. (use this only on big cracks)
Second type I use is JB Weld. This really works better that one would think. Sand the wheel and wipe it with Acetone. Mix up your JB and fill and cover everything that needs filling. Don't worry about the mess or if you have too much. After the JB has set a LITTLE then take a rag with Acetone on it and wipe of the excess. Yes this takes a little out of the cracks. But this will fill any hair line cracks and saves hours of sanding. Then I may repeat this step if needed. Until your filling is close to what you want. Sand and prime with a few coats put your finish on.


D