1959 Steering wheel texture question

[Tony M.]

I hope everyone is well!

I have enclosed two pictures of my steering wheel that has been painted black for at least 40 years. Can you notice the texture and is this original?

Thanks again!
Tony

steering1.jpgsteering2.jpg

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1959 Steering wheel texture question

I can see a texture, but based on what I see it is not typical of the fine grain usually exhibited on original wheels.

[Tony M.]

Re: 1959 Steering wheel texture question

Fair enough, I smooth it down!

Thanks Patrick!

[Richard M.]

Re: 1959 Steering wheel texture question

Tony, You have your work cut for you on that one. There is some very thick paint on it. I'd suggest paint remover and some time consuming labor. But it'll be nice when it's done.

This thread may help...
https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...d-1959-example

Rich

[Tony M.]

Re: 1959 Steering wheel texture question

Richard,
I started with 320 grit and it is really smoothing out well. I will follow-up with 400.

Richard, I have been using SEM Landau Black for the interior as shown in the pictures. Can I use SEM Landau Black for the steering wheel? I would also use SEM Clear Coat, High Gloss, as a follow-up.

I know, the seats were done by a "professional" twenty-six years ago!!!!
interior1.jpginterior2.jpg

[Richard M.]

Re: 1959 Steering wheel texture question

Tony as long as you prime and seal, anything over that should work.

Rich

[Tony M.]

Re: 1959 Steering wheel texture question

Richard,
I decided to go with a Urethane 2K finish! As you are very well aware, there is lots of effort to get the steering wheel to the point of paint. No reason to chance or compromise.

Thanks again Richard.
Tony

[Richard M.]

Re: 1959 Steering wheel texture question

Tony that's a good idea as it'll be more durable. When I did my Roman red and that turquoise wheel, I had the lacquers on the shelf and had to go with that. Urethane would've been better. Black is ideal to get a good match.

So, you mentioned your seats....

Yes, too bad that restorer didn't know to use the stiff wires along the inner and outer seat bottom beading. It would be some work but you could get the install wire kit from Al Knoch and fix that up.

I did my first seat recovering on my '59 about 34 years ago. Tough on the fingers and hands. Since then I always had Al Koch do them or a local shop I trusted.

Rich

[Tony M.]

Re: 1959 Steering wheel texture question

Richard,
I am 61 years old and realized that little details become more obvious and annoying to me. I thought the reverse would happen with age!!! I see tiny defects that never previously bothered me but now have to be resolved.

I took the initiative to go with black and figured the seats and carpet could be painted with SEM and if the results were pleasing, I'll get new seat covers and carpets from Al Knoch.

Surprising that the late 59 black carpet set is actually a dark green. Al Knoch said they could make it a true black. Hopefully I will make our annual Albany trip this year and pick-up a set of each.

Have a great 4th of July!
Thanks again,
Tony