Painting a steering wheel

65busser Moderator Custom Title Time!

1,795 posts · joined Nov 2002 · 2 Jul 2003, 9:32 pm

#62537

I want to paint the steering wheel on my split bus white or cream or whatever colour the original light coloured wheel was painted. It's black now, and I reckon someone has given it a coat of black at some stage 'cos there seems to be plenty of paint on it. The question is, how do I get the existing paint off? Can it be sanded without sanding away the ribbed section of the spokes, or is there a stripper of some sort that will work and not damage the wheel? Has anyone done it? I know there are steering wheel restorers, but I could buy a new repro wheel for that sort of money. And while I'm at it, does anyone know the correct colour?
Cheers

www.busnbug.com

fish Wolfsburg Wizard

584 posts · joined Apr 2003 · 3 Jul 2003, 5:28 am

#62591

There are a few restorers around. Hardings in Brisvegas have a guy who will do it. Fairly expensive though. maybe you can powdercote, dunno, maybe too hot in the oven and they melt. just ring around the VW shops. isn't Volkspower down your way? cheers,fish

Drink and drive your a bloody idiot!!! make it home you'r a legend !!!!

vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 3 Jul 2003, 7:13 am

#62596

I think you can onl ysand the old paint off. As stripper will eat into the plastic on the wheel and blasting will also chew it away.

What ever you do paint it with a 2 Pak paint and while yr there do all the other bits as well like the gearstick, handbrake, door knobs etc etc

I read it on FACEBOOK so it must be true

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=91278&page=1#pid848630

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=63561&page=1#pid624099

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=4832&page=1#pid452603

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=60650&page=1#pid574409

tiny oval Learner Dubber

2 posts · joined Jun 2003 · 3 Jul 2003, 8:28 am

#62609

try pearlcraft in Burwoos i think, i have seen wheels done by them and they look great.

helbus Administrator Mad fabricator, paint and body

7,386 posts · joined Sep 2002 · 3 Jul 2003, 8:56 pm

#62774

Pearlcraft is in Blackburn, 100m from my place.
Yes you can get pearl, or you can get two pack
I would suggest sanding with 180 grit sandpaper or 120 if that is not working well, ensuring to sand over again with the 180.
Aryldite is used to fill the cracks.
Then off to your friendly painter for paint.
😀

EJ22 into Bay Microbus - Finished project build thread- click on this spot here for info

65busser Moderator Custom Title Time!

1,795 posts · joined Nov 2002 · 3 Jul 2003, 9:28 pm

#62787

Thanks all. Helbus, you reckon the 120 or 180 will not eat into the wheel itself? I don't know what it's made of. Would it be plastic, 'cos I'm concerned about the ribbed section on the face of the spokes.

www.busnbug.com

helbus Administrator Mad fabricator, paint and body

7,386 posts · joined Sep 2002 · 3 Jul 2003, 9:47 pm

#62796

Thats what the guy at pearlcraft does!

EJ22 into Bay Microbus - Finished project build thread- click on this spot here for info

waltermitty Legend when my beer goggles are on

1,993 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 11 Jul 2003, 5:58 pm

#64703

I have read that the one of the POR epoxy self leveling paints works a treat, very very hard and flexable brush on but the brush marks dissapear. I have used other POR product(chassis paint ) and it works a treat.
MitChElL😎.

23 windows ...8 too many!

Guy_H Officially Full-On Dubber

232 posts · joined Mar 2003 · 5 Aug 2003, 7:28 pm

#71026

If you are going to restore, the correct epoxy is PC7, you may have to import it from the states. It has the same flex / expansion / contraction as the original wheel. Use other stuff & you risk flex cracks (over time).

If you want to save the drama & expense (spending up to 10 hours reshaping the grooves!), Flat 4 have had them made brand new (& they are perfect)

http://www.aussieveedubbers.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=7065

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