C3 steering wheel cleaning
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 45
Likes: 2
From: Rockford IL
C3 steering wheel cleaning
My newly arrived 1970 coupe has a sticky steering wheel.
Any thoughts on how to clean it without destroying it?
I looked for a steering wheel cover; the only one I found is from Corvette Mods, and costs $159, and I don't really like how it looks anyway.
Thanks for all the help for this noob!
Any thoughts on how to clean it without destroying it?
I looked for a steering wheel cover; the only one I found is from Corvette Mods, and costs $159, and I don't really like how it looks anyway.
Thanks for all the help for this noob!
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
If it has been sitting in direct sunlight for years, the black plastic is reverting to what it was before it was plastic......OIL. It's a very slow process, but once it starts, you can't really reverse it. You can clean the part with detergent...or maybe even use a volatile cleaner to remove the goo on the surface. But, in short order, the goo will return.
That is only my 'assessment' from your description of what you see. But, that is what I suspect.
Try to clean it with a few things. After that, just replace it. Or, you can do what most folks do when they get rid of 'original' parts....sell them at a swap meet for absurd money!
That is only my 'assessment' from your description of what you see. But, that is what I suspect.
Try to clean it with a few things. After that, just replace it. Or, you can do what most folks do when they get rid of 'original' parts....sell them at a swap meet for absurd money!
Pro
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 583
Likes: 196
From: Wisconsin
Here is a link to threads/posts about sticky steering wheel and how to solve. Scroll thru them and you will see how others fixed the stickiness. There have been quite a few threads on the subject. Good luck and post back your results.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...rchid=70703771
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...rchid=70703771
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 5,252
Likes: 767
From: Waterford WI
I cleaned the steering wheel on my 70 with Dawn and elbow grease 5 years ago. Stickiness has not yet returned. I have one on my 71 I cleaned with lacquer thinner 4 years ago. No stickiness since. I would do either again. Lacquer thinner worked easier.
There are reproductions available, but the quality of those is lacking.
There are reproductions available, but the quality of those is lacking.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 935
Likes: 433
From: Dutchess county New York
My newly arrived 1970 coupe has a sticky steering wheel.
Any thoughts on how to clean it without destroying it?
I looked for a steering wheel cover; the only one I found is from Corvette Mods, and costs $159, and I don't really like how it looks anyway.
Thanks for all the help for this noob!
Any thoughts on how to clean it without destroying it?
I looked for a steering wheel cover; the only one I found is from Corvette Mods, and costs $159, and I don't really like how it looks anyway.
Thanks for all the help for this noob!
Cheap 70% rubbing alcohol is my go to cleaner. Did the job on mine real nice.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 935
Likes: 433
From: Dutchess county New York
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer