03-28-2012, 11:21 PM
(03-28-2012, 11:43 AM)Masterblaster7212 Wrote: Whoa now;
I did just that last year with an old junk yard wheel .
I used a 1970 cougar rim blow steering wheel with alot of cracks in it.
After 45 hours or body work and alot of sweat I finally finished it.
The wood graining came out ok but the staining part was a night mare.
I got on several websites and tried to replicate it to get the correct color as the dash board.
It came out looking like a chocolate bar in color.....brown with no wood grain swowing up in any sort of a contrasting color.
I used a special epoxy to do the repairs from a steering wheel repair kit.
Later this spring I just noticed that the cracks are showing under a magnifying glass so I assume that the Colorado winter took its toll on temperature changes in the garage.
Special Note: If I would ever do it again I recomend that the whell be sent to a plastics company where they have a plastic welder. This is the best way to do the repairs according to the "rimblow buddy" restorations guy. I wouldnt do it again for all the tea in China......lol Never again
Ill gladly pay for it out the hiny.
The photo is when I finally had finished what I did. Note the chocolate looking rim section.(second photo).the black came out great.
I found a ginger colored rim blow wheel (top photo) last winter I plan to use that has no cracks at all.
I will sell this black one soon and I will send this ginger one to the "rim blow buddy" for a color change and proper woodgraining restoration.
Thanks for your info , There are many things I don't mind tackling but being the rarity of the wheel , I think having a pro do it may be the best route for me too.