Sticky Steering wheels

[Gary R.]

Does anyone have a good method to remove the sticky gummy surface from the black 69-75 steering wheels? I have a couple that were in the garage for years and they all are sticky. The original one in my 72 is like new, why are they breaking down?

Thanks
Gary

[Gene T.]

Re: Sticky Steering wheels

Have you tried Dawn and water ? Just a thought

[Michael J.]

Re: Sticky Steering wheels

I use Goo Gone for things like that, works great.

[Keith W.]

Re: Sticky Steering wheels

WD 40 always works well on those sticky old half peeled off window stickers

[Gary R.]

Re: Sticky Steering wheels

Thanks guys, I haven't tried anything yet. I did have similar issues years ago with the interior panels getting gummy and cleaned them with simple green & hot water. I'll get back once I get around to it, maybe start with the dishwashing soap first.

[Bob W.]

Re: Sticky Steering wheels

Gary I hope you or someone else comes up with an answer to this. As it seems a of lot other members have the same problem as we do.

Bob

[Brian M.]

Re: Sticky Steering wheels

I've used smooth Go Jo P/N 1115 and follow up with a protector of choice.

[Bill C.]

Re: Sticky Steering wheels

Gary

I have had the same issues on several cars

best I have been able to trace it back to is
1 humidity
2 mildew
3 lack of sun light.

Every car I have had garaged for long periods has had the slimy steering wheel
I now have two de humidifiers running in my garage
i cleaned the wheels with dawn and warm water
and since the humidity is down low no more issues

Bill

[Gary R.]

Re: Sticky Steering wheels

Thanks Bill, you may have the answer. These wheels were in my basement hanging on the wall but it's an old basement not sealed so that could be.

[Phillip M.]

Re: Sticky Steering wheels

Gary

I have had the same issues on several cars

best I have been able to trace it back to is
1 humidity
2 mildew
3 lack of sun light.

Every car I have had garaged for long periods has had the slimy steering wheel
I now have two de humidifiers running in my garage
i cleaned the wheels with dawn and warm water
and since the humidity is down low no more issues

Bill

Bill, I'm pretty sure the "slime" is actually plasticizer leaching out of the resin the wheel is molded from. This, depending on the resin/plasticizer chemistry, will naturally occur over time and may be accelerated by excessive temperatures. Efficient removal of slime will depend on the particular plasticizer used, and may require a certain amount of trial and error to determine what works best.
Phil M.

[Randy C.]

Re: Sticky Steering wheels

This happens to a number of steering wheels, not just necessarily Corvettes, of that era. In addition to my '71 Corvette, I have a '68 4-4-2 convertible and both of those steering wheels are fine. But I also have a '69 4-4-2 convertible and that steering wheel is constantly sticky. I've used wax and grease remover to keep it clean but in about six months it's sticky again. I'm going to try the other methods described above to see if they give me more than 6 months before I have to clean again!

Randy C.

[Richard T.]

Re: Sticky Steering wheels

I bought a new 69 and had this issue from day one. Complained to dealer and was told "They're all like that" Rich

[Mark E.]

Re: Sticky Steering wheels

I have an original steering wheel that emerged sticky after being stored for many years with a cover on it. I tried several methods to correct this, with no success.

Then, after about a year of being uncovered, it miraculously returned to normal. I don't really know why.

[Jerry W.]

Re: Sticky Steering wheels

I another life on Saturday nights..( if i was lucky ) i had the same problem..Time solved the problem.