Reply To: Re:62 F-85/Cutlass/Jetfire Steering Wheel Restoration

[macf85]

I used Rust-oleum’s Painter’s Touch gloss paint in the spray can for both my steering wheel and metal & plastic portions of the dashboard. It’s made for multiple base materials and for indoor or outdoor use. This paint flows out well and is pretty easy for non-professional painters to use. It’s been very durable so far. I separate my key from the chain when I’m driving so the chain doesn’t scratch the dash. If you can’t find a color you need you could probably go to an automotive paint shop and have them match the paint you need. Take the glove box door to the paint shop as a sample. I think most shops now are capable of mixing a small quantity and putting it in a charged canister similar to regular spray bomb cans.

I did the painting about three years ago when I filled the cracks in the steering wheel with 2 part epoxy like J-B Weld. The steering wheel does have some hairline cracks again but not real noticeable. The paint is still glossy but I don’t put many miles on the car. If you’re on a budget, like most of us are, I think it’s more cost effective to fill the cracks & paint it. Steering wheels are easy to remove and redo again if necessary…a heck of a lot cheaper than $2,000 that you could spend on something else you need for the car. Make sure all the surfaces you paint are sanded smooth and prep cleaned thoroughly. Any bare metal should be primed with a primer that is compatible with your top coats.