Torching a Steering Wheel

[JackIIA]

Anyone ever heard of this technique to refurbish a bakelite steering wheel. You literally run a low propane flame over the wheel to melt the resin. I know people do it when restoring tractors, but no idea how it would work on a LR steering wheel.

While paint is OK with me, a few people have noted it starts to flake. I want to keep the original look rather than wrapping the wheel.

'Flaming' it sounds way too easy. So, anyone ever tried it?

[JackIIA]

Here is a vid of a guy using this technique:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6EzbxVrX98


This second video is totally unrelated and a potential waste of your time, but awesome.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rp7RdQ9YgG8&playnext=1&list=PLBD92E24C9B422495&index=38

[AU_88]

I imagine it would work. If I were you I would try and find an old steering wheel on it's very last leg and try it on that or just try it on a very small place on your steering wheel. Let us know the results.

[Eric W S]

Anyone ever heard of this technique to refurbish a bakelite steering wheel. You literally run a low propane flame over the wheel to melt the resin. I know people do it when restoring tractors, but no idea how it would work on a LR steering wheel.

While paint is OK with me, a few people have noted it starts to flake. I want to keep the original look rather than wrapping the wheel.

'Flaming' it sounds way too easy. So, anyone ever tried it?


It's not bakelite per se. It's something similar. Torching will not stabilize the deterioration as well. It will be a cosmetic fix at best.

Recast the wheel. Expensive but solves the problems.

[mrdoiron]

.......

This second video is totally unrelated and a potential waste of your time, but awesome.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rp7RdQ9YgG8&playnext=1&list=PLBD92E24C9B422495&index=38

This is a riot...

[Donnie]

Anyone ever heard of this technique to refurbish a bakelite steering wheel. You literally run a low propane flame over the wheel to melt the resin. I know people do it when restoring tractors, but no idea how it would work on a LR steering wheel.

While paint is OK with me, a few people have noted it starts to flake. I want to keep the original look rather than wrapping the wheel.

'Flaming' it sounds way too easy. So, anyone ever tried it?
Bakelite is a thermo-set plastic, that is: it cannot be reset. Look in Hemmings, there are folks that can do you a real job...If U torch the wheel you will most likely not be happy...Donnie

[Terrys]

This second video is totally unrelated and a potential waste of your time, but awesome.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rp7RdQ9YgG8&playnext=1&list=PLBD92E24C9B422495&index=38

I believe that was filmed at Solihull, but using the new methods implimented by Tata

[mrdoiron]

I believe that was filmed at Solihull, but using the new methods implimented by Tata

Yes, understand this is the new model for reference again :

[JackIIA]

Yeah, it took me a while to realize it was a spoof. I thought they were making some kind of a mold (!). Loved the calipers. Nice touch.

Eric - I'm guessing you had a banjo wheel if you had it recast?? I've got the newer style, which I know can still be bought (but no idea if it's 'britpart' quality). The original has some nice heft to it.

The cracks in the wheel are very small, few, and I believe, not structural, but the finish is pretty much toast. Sounds like painting is my only real option for keeping the existing wheel (short of the expensive route of a recast).

Looks like the general consensus is that torching is not a real option.

Thanks gents.

[Hormel]

The cracks in the wheel are very small, few, and I believe, not structural, but the finish is pretty much toast.

This is the perfect case for Ike's steering wheel cover. I think every Series should have one. They are thin and solves the appearance or sticky wheel issue. (my apologies to the hosts if they carry something similar but I have not found anything better than this).

http://www.roversnorth.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5137

Have a good new year.
John

[RoverForm]

anyone have info on who does wheel refurbs?

[Eric W S]

anyone have info on who does wheel refurbs?


What do you mean by Refurb?

Sand epoxy and paint - there's quite a few.

Recast the wheel - not so many at all. Took me time to find a company that didn't want over a grand...

EwS

[RoverForm]

What do you mean by Refurb?

Sand epoxy and paint - there's quite a few.

Recast the wheel - not so many at all. Took me time to find a company that didn't want over a grand...

EwS
sorry... yeah, i meant recast. who did you use?

[Eric W S]

Kips motor company. Google them. Took about 3 weeks.