I have 2 steering wheels. I would like to get at least one refreshed like new. I dont think i have the skills to do that and make it look 100%. Any suggestions on who could do this? LIke should i call local carpenters?

 

 

 

Edited June 26, 20213 yr by Wally

Actually it's not that hard to do. They're not real wood anyway 😉

I think there is some wood in there, but put it this way... Nobody should worry about termites. 

so gloss black on metal and an "wood" some lacquer i assume?

I used a satin black on the spokes

I lightly sanded the rim and restained it then some spray can urethane

What he said.

 

The wheel rim is a type of resin that has wood fibers impregnated. A good way to clean it is a soapy solution in the kitchen sink and VERY GENTLY rub it down with a fine steel wool. You don't want to damage or remove the wood fibers. Strip the spokes and hub to bare metal and finish out as @Patcon mentioned.

@Wally There is a guy on Facebook that offers this as a service. Its not cheap, but the photos look good. Links below. 

https://www.facebook.com/Datsun-240Z-Steering-Wheels-100916391333259/

@Patcon @Captain Obvious Are there any common challenges or problem spots to look out for when refinishing? And does this faux wood refinish like real wood? Looking for a used wheel to put on my 280z, but 100% of the wheels I see up for sale need some TLC.

Its easy to over sand.  Not exactly like wood but I found it stained out ok

6 hours ago, Muzez said:

And does this faux wood refinish like real wood?

Here's a couple of close-up pics of my wheel in process some years ago, one with it stripped and one with it stained and topped with a coat of clear lacquer. The preferred clear coat today is usually spray polyurethane. I used a hand-rubbed oil base stain.

Edited July 27, 20213 yr by jfa.series1

Going to check out out this week. Is there anything to look out for with regards to the center gearing where the hub connects to the steering wheel? Or with the electrical for the horn? 

On 7/27/2021 at 9:58 AM, Muzez said:

@Wally There is a guy on Facebook that offers this as a service. Its not cheap, but the photos look good. Links below. 

https://www.facebook.com/Datsun-240Z-Steering-Wheels-100916391333259/

@Patcon @Captain Obvious Are there any common challenges or problem spots to look out for when refinishing? And does this faux wood refinish like real wood? Looking for a used wheel to put on my 280z, but 100% of the wheels I see up for sale need some TLC.

i have message this person. no response as of yet. i will update with ETA's and price if he responds