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Hello, I have a 1971 Tilt/Telescoping steering wheel column that is saddle in color. I want to change it to black. Whats the best way to do that? Also, whats the best paint to use. I don't mind, or am afraid of doing the work, I just want to do it once tho. I don't want it easily chipped or scratched. Thanks.
Last edited by Radman2112; Dec 13, 2018 at 10:33 AM.
Reason: Forgot a word
I just swapped a Tilt/Tele column into my 70 C3 this last weekend. I bought it online and rebuilt it with as much attention to detail as possible. I didn't want the Tilt/Tele to look like it didn't come factory with the car.
For paint, I used the rattle can dyes that Corvette America sells. First I used Aircraft Stripper to strip the old paint from the metal parts. I then primed the metal parts with metal primer and used a primer specifically for plastic on the plastic lower bowl. After that, I did three coats of the aforementioned dye followed by three coats of satin clear, also from Corvette America.
In the end, I think it turn out very well.
Last edited by Tiberius; Dec 15, 2018 at 03:15 PM.
Thanks. Looks really nice. I know you just finished this, but what about durability? Do you think it'll scratch easily? I've noticed that paints like Rust-Oleum and krylon look nice, but don't really have a hard shell that doesn't scratch. I'm not taking about it taking a beating either, just the occasional knock or bump.
Last edited by Radman2112; Dec 15, 2018 at 03:44 PM.
I'm pretty happy with the durability of the paint and clear coat. I don't think it would chip or scratch any easier than the original paint used at the factory. If you let the paint cure correctly, you shouldn't have any problems.
Just for your FYI, I ended up using 1.5 cans of the color and one can of the satin clear.
Tiberius, thanks for the info. I will do the same. I assume (and you know what they say when you assume), you totally took the column apart. Was that very difficult?
Yes, I totally took the column apart. It's not terribly difficult because there's a good amount of info out there, such as the 3 papers Jim Shea (he's a member on this forum) did concerning the column. The reason I took mine apart was because I was replacing all the bearing (two uppers and one lower), and cleaning all the dirty grease out of it. If your Tilt/Tele column is in good shape, or if you're buying it already reconditioned, then you could probably get away with only taking the upper portion (horn cover, lock ring, steering wheel, and upper shield) off to paint separately from the lower portion. However, if you are OCD like I am, then I would recommend you continue to disassemble, at least the turn signal housing (what the stocks and key tumbler are in) and bearing housing. The bowl cover and adapter can be left on the column and painted as such.
If you do decide to undertake this, shoot me a PM and I'll help out as best I can.
Thanks very much. I'm probably as meticulous (aka OCD) as you, so I will be taking the column apart. I have a few other things to tackle first. I appreciate the offer and I will keep it in mind. Thanks again.
Steering Wheel Column Color
