Steering wheel repair

[def38]

Another thing that should work (and it takes paint) is BONDO, AKA body filler.

Mix, smear it into cracks and sand prime and paint to choice.

If it wants to droop and sag simply wrap with wax paper until it sets up and then sand/grind to shape.

I think this may be the best and most economical choice. (Canadians are so smart...ever notice the grappling arm on the space shuttle? Yup, big old red maple leaf on the arm). :thumbsup::flag-navy:

 

[dannoGT]

As stated by PILOON When fixing the steering wheel on the Model A(same thing as tractor) we filled in the cracks and gaps with bondo then sanded smooth and sprayed everything with clear coat turned out really nice!

 

[stingray1]

I agree bondo /body filler works best.

 

[def38]

OK folks, its gonna be Bondo for my M-F steering wheel.

Thank you everyone.

 

[def38]

Inasmuch as I'm rebuilding the steering wheel on the M-F 231 and I plan to cover the wheel portion with a black stitched on leather cover, I have a choice regarding the paint color for the rest of the wheel. As you know, the M-F 231 is red, black and a sort of light gray (wheels). I have given some thought to Jet Hot coating the exhaust system in polished chrome like color, (the BMW motorcycle exhaust system is chrome over nickel over copper over steel and after 15 years, looks terrible so it will get Jet Hotted at some point). Maybe a matte silver for the wheel spokes similar to the grill shell?

I also have a polished stainless steel grab handle that I will install as an assist when mounting up (I'm 80 and need a bit of help when assuming the operating position).

Any thoughts?

 

[aczlan]

I wonder if the JB would crack and fall out? It is very tough however.

I have a knife with a hollow handle that the end of broke about 10 years ago. I filled it with J-B Weld and it's been fine ever since.

Aaron Z

 

[George2615]

OK folks, its gonna be Bondo for my M-F steering wheel.

Thank you everyone.

I'm a little late to this party but I have successfully used bondo to repair many steering wheels. Mainly automotive wheels. Once hard, the bondo is easy to shape and form with a file and sand paper. Then a coat of primer, re-sand and several light coats of paint.

 

[MitchellB]

My old Ford steering wheel always left my hands black after using it. I got one of those cheap automotive steering wheel covers and wrapped it. It has held up great for years now, and may work for you after you repair your wheel.

 

[ray66v]

I have used probably a thousand gallons of body filler. Bondo may be easy to use here, but it's by far not the best way to fix it.

Yes, it can work. But, Bondo is not waterproof, it's soft, and inflexible.

Definitely, some type of mold able epoxy would be better. We have some neat stuff in the body shop. But, it's not practical for the public to use them.

I would find something at the hardware store, as close to the color of the wheel as possible.

As mentioned, JB Weld is a good choice.

 

[the old grind]

Easy for me to say, because this source is within an hour's drive, but new wheels don't need bondo or paint. If your shaft is either 7/8" 36-spline or 11/16"-13/16" tapered w/3/16" keyway there's something at Steiner. Might depend on someone's budget or value of their time, but ..
Steiner Tractor Parts - Search Results for Steering Wheel