5 replies to this topic

[PaulColeman]

We've got a 1976 Mini 1000 with the original steering wheel. Although we probably won't fit it I'd still like to restore it so that if we ever go to a classic car show we can put it back on. It looks to be made of some kind of plastic but I'm not really sure and the outer coating has worn off over the years from being handled. What I wanted to know was what's the best way to restore it? Does it need painting and if so do I need a plastic primer?

Thanks, Paul.

[LTSwaby]

We've got a 1976 Mini 1000 with the original steering wheel. Although we probably won't fit it I'd still like to restore it so that if we ever go to a classic car show we can put it back on. It looks to be made of some kind of plastic but I'm not really sure and the outer coating has worn off over the years from being handled. What I wanted to know was what's the best way to restore it? Does it need painting and if so do I need a plastic primer?

Thanks, Paul.

the original steering wheel is made of metal and can be sprayed or powder coated hope this helps

[PaulColeman]

Metal!!!! I thought it was plastic? I shall have to go and get the magnet out now...

Cheers, Paul.

[Tupers]

the original steering wheel is made of metal and can be sprayed or powder coated hope this helps

The core might be steel but everything you touch is a bakelite plastic type material so powder coating's a no go.

[Daviewonder]

Sometimes what can be mistaken for an outer coating is actually a build up of dirt and grime thats about 1mm thick thats accumilated over the years. Try scraping it of with a plastic spatular to see if it is.

[PaulColeman]

I don't think it's a build up of grime but my eyesight's getting pretty awful so I'll have another look and try scraping it. If it needs painting and it's bakelite I presume it needs a plastic primer or equivalent? Should it just be gloss black?

Cheers, Paul.