Ideas for polishing my Steering Wheel ? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**hooverfish** · 10-16-2016, 07:30 PM

I've tried using fine rubbing compound and that's helped but it takes a lot of rubbing.
Thought maybe someone knows a better way.
My wheel is black and I don't want to remove it for the polishing.
I would appreciate any ideals.

davepl · 10-16-2016, 08:00 PM

I think I'd pull the wheel, chuck it in a vice, and machine polish it with a rag ball on a drill or something similar. Not removing the wheel is probably false economy in terms of time saved.

You could also start with a heavier grit of compound and then finish up with finer stuff.

Gromit · 10-20-2016, 10:33 PM

Here you go.. (original GM steering wheel Vapor buffing patent pdf document attached).

Don't try this at home though without a big ole vapor canister breathing apparatus or preferably separate supply.

Shortcut is just to buy the OEM repro

Gromit · 10-20-2016, 11:29 PM

Make that "OER" not "OEM"..

**71CHEVYSHORTBED402** · 10-21-2016, 12:21 AM

As I understand it, you can sand using light grit sand paper to 2000 grit and the finish will look as good as new. I bought an extra steering wheel which is great, but for some reason it's a bit dull. I've already ordered 2000 grit and plan to test the theory on a reject first.

On a side note, I've read the same applies to belt buckles.

Can I ask what compound you are using?

**Blue/72** · 10-21-2016, 01:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402

As I understand it, you can sand using light grit sand paper to 2000 grit and the finish will look as good as new. I bought an extra steering wheel which is great, but for some reason it's a bit dull. I've already ordered 2000 grit and plan to test the theory on a reject first.

On a side note, I've read the same applies to belt buckles.

Can I ask what compound you are using?

Yes I've done this on 5-6 wheels and they have always turned out great. Started with 500 grit for bad scratches and worked up to 2500 grit or so

10-16-2016, 07:30 PM	#1
hooverfish Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Lexington, Ky Posts: 2,113	Ideas for polishing my Steering Wheel ? I've tried using fine rubbing compound and that's helped but it takes a lot of rubbing. Thought maybe someone knows a better way. My wheel is black and I don't want to remove it for the polishing. I would appreciate any ideals. __________________ Larry 84 Chevy SWB, "Roy", dark blue orig paint, 6 cyl auto, PS, 88,000 miles. 72 Highlander LWB "Olive" med olive over lt yellow, air, 77,000 miles (sold) "It's a sorry man who can't find his wife a good job"

10-16-2016, 08:00 PM	#2
davepl Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Redmond, WA Posts: 6,332	Re: Ideas for polishing my Steering Wheel ? I think I'd pull the wheel, chuck it in a vice, and machine polish it with a rag ball on a drill or something similar. Not removing the wheel is probably false economy in terms of time saved. You could also start with a heavier grit of compound and then finish up with finer stuff. __________________ 1970 GMC Sierra Grande Custom Camper - Built, not Bought 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Coupe 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Convertible

10-20-2016, 11:29 PM	#4
Gromit Registered User Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Central Coast, CA Posts: 500	Re: Ideas for polishing my Steering Wheel ? Make that "OER" not "OEM"..

10-21-2016, 12:21 AM	#5
71CHEVYSHORTBED402 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern Nevada Posts: 7,129	Re: Ideas for polishing my Steering Wheel ? As I understand it, you can sand using light grit sand paper to 2000 grit and the finish will look as good as new. I bought an extra steering wheel which is great, but for some reason it's a bit dull. I've already ordered 2000 grit and plan to test the theory on a reject first. On a side note, I've read the same applies to belt buckles. Can I ask what compound you are using? __________________ Tony 71 Custom Deluxe, SWB, 2WD, 402, A/C. I developed an assm. guide "kit" for restoring it from ground up. With assys, the guide accts for 1000s details such as OEM identifications& part numbers, written in short order. 700+ images include assm, illust., charts, and points of interest. Much of the info. applies to all 67-72 GM trucks, and to a lessor degree all 67-72 GM vehicles. My build thread, and more on the guide https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=730025 Last edited by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402; 10-21-2016 at 12:27 AM.



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