The P71 steering wheel has a thick squishy rubbery coating, and the slick outer surface has mostly worn off, exposing the porous foam underneath. It’s thick & would be uncomfortably large with an aftermarket cover stitched on. Is there anyway to restore the original surface?
Dissolve the foam with MEK (or something) and start over by building it up and then put a leather wrap over that. Just spitballing it here.
Buy a nice used one on eBay or elsewhere? I heard Ford made quite a few of those :P
In reply to therieldeal :
They’re not that cheap though, $150-$200 seems to be the going rate.
I know a lot of upholstery shops rework them from the steel up, but I don't know what the process looks like.
RossD said:Dissolve the foam with MEK (or something) and start over by building it up and then put a leather wrap over that. Just spitballing it here.
The wheel on the car has a chunk missing, exposing the steel rim. Honestly, it’s about the thickness of a vintage steering wheel, so stripping down to bare steel & lacing a cover onto it would work - except it would be nowhere as thick as stock, which would make the spokes/controls in an awkward position.
car-part.com shows $50 for a low mile replacement.
I would replace rather than repair.
Replacement is the answer but a very thin leather rewrap can make a world of difference it just cost 40-60$ depending on teh wheel and the supplier.
Send it to my friend Jin from Sweidit..........and end up with a work of art.
John Welsh said:car-part.com shows $50 for a low mile replacement.
I would replace rather than repair.
Does it have cruise? The ones I’ve seen with cruise are much higher than that.
Actually, I just had an idea - what about plastidip? It should be pliable enough to not crack, and I think it would adhere to, and cover over, the porous core.
Pete Gossett said:Actually, I just had an idea - what about plastidip? It should be pliable enough to not crack, and I think it would adhere to, and cover over, the porous core.
I think the constant touching and oil from your hands will quickly start peeling it away, and you'll end up with even more of a mess than before.
In reply to Pete Gossett :
IS your airbag shape the same? Rebolt your airbag into these wheels. I suspect the price of $50 does not include the airbag. Also at $50 might not include cruise switches. Call to confirm.
2004 Gran Marq with 85k miles from here
Allgeier Auto Parts USA-OH(Cincinnati) Request_Quote 800-745-3378
Asking $50 (probably more to ship.
Gray $50
Fleetwood Motors Company VARA USA-VA(King-William) Request_Quote 1-800-800-6826
Handlebar tape from a bicycle shop.
In reply to John Welsh :
Nice, thanks!
Pete,
At 3:00-ish today I will be picking up a part from a full service JY in Cleveland, OH. A part that I sourced via ca-part.com
What year is your P71? Show me what your current airbag shape looks like. I'll see what I can find out from this yard.
What color wheel would you like?
A wheel from up north means no Sun/Heat damage like you get in MS.
In reply to z31maniac :
I don't have inta-book-itter, how would one reach this friend. I absolutely hate the air bag wheel in my car and already picked up a non bag wheel with cruise buttons but it needs a wrap.
In reply to John Welsh :
Thanks John!!!
It’s a 2006. Here’s a pic of the airbag & wheel. Black or gray would work, but I’ll pass on tan. I’m not aware of any other colors, but here’s my cell: 765-714-
Number saved and edited via Mod powers
Yeah, I guessed at 2004. Seems that 2006 has different speed control switches.
Car-part has little to nothing listed for 2006. I emailed back to the JY I am working with your picture and a request for availability/price.
In reply to John Welsh :
Thanks John!!!
In reply to Pete Gossett :
JY wrote back...
DON’T HAVE THE WHEEL I AM SORRY TO SAY :/
In reply to John Welsh :
Bummer. Thanks for checking though!
It took me 6 months to find a decent SLT Laramie wheel in a yard for my 96 Dodge ram. Seems every one had turned to goo. Once I found one, i gladly paid the $20 they were asking.
Just keep looking, a low mile one will turn up eventually.
I picked up a can of Plastidip and went to work on the steering wheel this afternoon, since I really don’t have anything to lose.
I sanded down the entire rim until there was none of the original “skin” remaining, then roughed up both spokes completely.
Before sanding:
After sanding:
I used the whole can & sprayed it on thick & wet. I’m letting it cure overnight & will see how well it seemed to adhere tomorrow. Though it’ll be next weekend at the soonest before I can install it.
Streetwiseguy said:Handlebar tape from a bicycle shop.
Golf club tape seems to last longer. Handlebar tape just ain't what it used to be.
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