Steering wheel restoration

[rolesyboy]

Does anybody know how to restore a standard 'bus' sterring wheel from a Mk1 Mini. Mine has a couple of splits(?) in it above where the spokes join. I was thinking some stopper and paint in gloss black or is that too simple? Cheers. Mark

[mk1]

Easy, plastic padding or any other filler for the cracks. Work it in & rub down. Then give the wheel a few layers of Halfords acrylic black gloss, allow to dry thoroiughly, rub down & repeat the process about 5 or 6 times. You will end up with what looks like a brand new wheel.

[rolesyboy]

Plastic Padding... Cor, I haven't heard or smelt that for years. Thanks Mark. I was just wondering if the paint would rub off too easily.

[mk1]

I have had very good results using the Halfords gloss black. But the thicker the better.

[Matty]

I need to give my steering wheel a bit of a refresh, but Im concerned about the paint chipping off after its painted?

Do you need to apply a primer before painting?

[mk1]

I dont use a primer on steering wheels, as I said above, I rub down with fine W&D (about 400 grit) paint, allow to dry, rub down again & build layers up like that, finishing with 1200 or finer. Chipping has never been a problem, but then I don't wear rings, knuckle dusters etc when I'm driving.

[Matty]

Ah fair enough i'll give that a go, and just remember to take the knuckle dusters off before driving the mini.