VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 epoxy glue for 32 steering wheel

Is there a epoxy glue that people prefer to use in repairing a steering wheel spoke that is cracking as it joins the the steering hub.

Thanks,

Jay

I've tried a couple and never had good results, that is why I started remolding the 31 to 37 steering wheels. Let me know if you would like a wheel....I think I have a couple left in my next order. I sell them for $295 plus your core and shipping.

Bruce

Hi Bruce,

just sent you a pm.

Jay

In the past I have used JB Weld and body filler on the wheel cracks. Both were long term fixes. The key is to widen the cracks so you can get a good clean bonding surface. Takes some time to get cracks filled and smoothed. I painted with black lacquer which is likely what was used to seal the surface when the hard rubber wheels were originally produced.

I used the same method as Chipper used. Over 10 years now and holding up well.
Richard

Richard and Chipper,

Thanks, I will try some JB....

I might mount the steering wheel on a Black and Decker Workmate table, and peg it so that the steering will can be slightly drawn apart a bit, apply JB, then reset the wheel to add some tension to it to keep it together..

Jay

I don't believe you can draw it apart and you might cause further damage by clamping it. Just vee out the cracks with a Dremel and use a filler. Paint it black when done. I did this with mine and it is holding up ok.

Jay will find out that there is a steel core when he gets the cracks opened up a bit. I am sure that there are folks not wondering if there is a steel core "Why are there cracks?" The answer is because the hard rubber eventually shrinks enough for the stress to result in cracks.

And that is the reason that I picked the material I did, for when I over mold the steel core....so this will hopefully not happen.

what kind of black paint did you use on the rubber

I used JB WELD on my wheel and sprayed it with Rustoleum satin black.It looks great after two years.

Thank You

You might try using vinyl paint to cover cracks after the JB..Works great on plastic, really holds up to abuse...Wouldn't believe how well it works on plastic, I used to paint vinyl seats with it, no problem...Folks couldn't believe I changed the color with a "rattle can" ...Just a thought...And you can get it at any auto parts store...Lasts for years...

I even use it to restore etched plates on old machines...I use paint remover to get rid of the old "stuff"...Spray the vinyl paint, then use 600 grit or finer on a surface plate to bring the brass lettering back...Finish with clear coat....As a side note...Check out the way they restore old license plates...

Can you guide me to more info on how license plates are restored, per your mention above?

This a great youtube video on restoring licence plates.