1969 Steering Wheel Repair/Cleaning
#1
Pro
Thread Starter
1969 Steering Wheel Repair/Cleaning
I acquired a steering wheel from a 1969 C3 several decades ago, and I thought I'd put it on my 1965 coupe (this would have been in the late 70s). There was a minor but significant design difference between the C2 and C3 (I guess, since I never used it).
I hung it on the wall of my dad's garage - an unheated, uncooled, pretty open garage sitting on his property in Southeast Georgia (the land of high temperatures and humidity). So there it sat from about 1978 until recently, when I discovered it, and brought it home.
What I've got problems with is the plastic rim of the wheel - it's deteriorated to the point where if you touch it, it leaves a very unpleasant and sticky residue on your hand. Even after you release it, there's something on your skin.
I've tried dishwashing soap as well as general purpose cleaner, but neither one seems to make any difference. Even if it feels OK after you clean it, it soon returns to that sticky state.
All I really want to do is get it looking good enough to hang from the wall in my garage (which isn't quite as humid or hot as my dad's).
Does anyone have any experience or advice for me on how to get this wheel somewhat presentable?
Thanks,
Steven
I hung it on the wall of my dad's garage - an unheated, uncooled, pretty open garage sitting on his property in Southeast Georgia (the land of high temperatures and humidity). So there it sat from about 1978 until recently, when I discovered it, and brought it home.
What I've got problems with is the plastic rim of the wheel - it's deteriorated to the point where if you touch it, it leaves a very unpleasant and sticky residue on your hand. Even after you release it, there's something on your skin.
I've tried dishwashing soap as well as general purpose cleaner, but neither one seems to make any difference. Even if it feels OK after you clean it, it soon returns to that sticky state.
All I really want to do is get it looking good enough to hang from the wall in my garage (which isn't quite as humid or hot as my dad's).
Does anyone have any experience or advice for me on how to get this wheel somewhat presentable?
Thanks,
Steven
#2
if you google "sticky steering wheel" you will find this is a common issue for many cars with all sorts of solutions. Hand cleaner, lacquer thinner, brake clean spray to name a few.
#3
Safety Car
install a real leather cover and stitch/ sew it on,
most covers are made for a larger diameter/ thickness wheel than early the C3.
I buy a standard 15 leather wrap, then cut app. 1" off the total width,
to correct for the c3 small wheel width. and sew it up !
looks like factory when done. good luck. ... lots of them $10 on epay
most covers are made for a larger diameter/ thickness wheel than early the C3.
I buy a standard 15 leather wrap, then cut app. 1" off the total width,
to correct for the c3 small wheel width. and sew it up !
looks like factory when done. good luck. ... lots of them $10 on epay