[Healeys] How to restore a BJ8 steering wheel

[Roland Wilhelmy]

The horn ring is Bakelite and it responds well to ink, shoe polish and
buffing.

The steering wheel is of more "modern" plastic. It is stronger but
sometimes not strong enough. I used PC3, a two part epoxy material because
that is what was used by the restorers of early VW steering wheels. It
tends not to separate from the original plastic or crack due to shrinkage.
(So far so good). It is quite hard and you'll need to file and sand to
match the contours. That is a lot of work. Also a lot of work is digging
out corrosion at the bottoms of cracks opening the cracks so you get a good
connection between wheel and filler.

I restored my BN1 wheel because replacements aren't available. You can buy
exact replacements for your BJ8 and that's what I would do if I owned a
BJ8. I put maybe 40 or 50 hours of labor into restoring my wheel. I
wouldn't have done it if there were an alternative.

-Roland

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On Sun, Jul 24, 2022, 9:37 AM <rfbegani at gmail.com> wrote:

> Hi Roland:
>
>
>
> Now that my Healey is on the road again, I have been working on the
> interior of the car which is original and in great condition after applying
> polishing creams to the vinyl and other surfaces.  My steering wheel is in
> good condition except where wheel meets the wire.  Most of the Bakelite??
> Or what ever the material is has broken off the wires.  I purchased a
> two-component epoxy sculpting clay in black.  I have used it before to
> reconstruct, seal openings etc.  Once the two components are mixed you can
> mold the clay does not get hard immediately.  I believe I can fill in the
> in the voids and sculp the material to almost match the original mold.
> While the material should match the wheel, or I will rub in Jet black
> leather dye to obtain luster.
>
>
>
> So, what did you use in your restoration?  The horn and housing on my
> wheel are in good condition and the Jet-black leather dye improved the
> surfaces so I could polish and buff to a nice luster.  My horn and
> trafficator work well and looks great. Am not looking for concours
> perfection.
>
>
>
> Bob Begani
>
> BJ8 67
>
>
>
> *From:* Healeys <healeys-bounces at autox.team.net> *On Behalf Of *Roland
> Wilhelmy via Healeys
> *Sent:* Sunday, July 24, 2022 11:04 AM
> *To:* Paul Leeks <paulleeks909 at gmail.com>
> *Cc:* healeys <healeys at autox.team.net>
> *Subject:* Re: [Healeys] How to clean the steering wheel?
>
>
>
> It depends on your wheel. If it is an un- restored original then you could
> try soap, followed by various solvents carefully applied. If the wheel has
> been restored, that is, cracks repaired, etc.,and then painted, it depends
> on the paint what kind of cleaning it can stand. I used black automotive
> urethane and it holds up well, even to brake fluid.  If the surface of your
> wheel has been altered and not just coated you will need to sand it smooth
> carefully. And then possibly paint it if it won't polish up.
>
> -Roland
>
>
>
> On Sun, Jul 24, 2022, 2:55 AM Paul Leeks <paulleeks909 at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Hi all
>
> In the process of working on my 100/6, I seem to have contaminated the
> steering wheel with either oil or brake fluid from my hands.
>
> It now has a nasty matt finish :-(
>
> Can someone recommend the best way to clean it up?
>
> Many thanks
>
> Paul Leeks
> 100/6 BN4
>
>
>
>
>
> *Paul Leeks*
>
> *paulleeks909 at gmail.com* <paulleeks909 at gmail.com>
>
> *07718 523778*
>
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