Early fj steering wheel restoration (3 Viewers)

[Birdhead]

Here is what else I'll say about doing your own steering wheel refinishing and doing a proper job: After adding up all the products that Jimmy uses to do the job right, I'm at about $275. Plus I've spent 6-8 hours already, over 5 days since the epoxy takes a full 24-48 hours to dry, just epoxying and sanding to *get ready* to begin to prime, paint, and clear coat.

If you are like me and just want the experience, then go for it. But if you want to save time and money, getting a steering wheel finished by @Birdhead is definitely worth his expertise.

Now if he can just get his back well enough that he can work again.... We are praying over you Jimmy!

Thank you very much, my son is out working on my repair area now. I’ll be back in a few weeks.
Thanks again for the kind words.
Jimmy

 

[Birdhead]

Very interested. Do you have horn assembly/button available?

Yes

 

[Birdhead]

EDIT: Answering my own question: Do NOT use SEM Sand Free plastic adhesion promoter on FJ40 steering wheels. It is not ABS- or PVC-type plastic. If you feel you need a plastic adhesion promoter, you might be able to use SEM Plastic Adhesion Promoter or XXX Adhesion Promoter - though I have not tested either yet. The specs seem to indicate that you can use either Sand Free OR the other two just mentioned, and there are no exceptions, but that is my assumption from reading their tech notes Linked below.
---- END OF EDIT ----

Anyone know what type plastic the steering wheel is on a late model 40? The steering wheel that appears on a ‘75 or later model?

I spoke to Birdhead and he said to use the SEM trim black paint. The tech sheet at the SEM website says to use a plastic promoter depending on the type of plastic. I don’t think birdhead used any but I thought I might just in case. If anyone knows the plastic type, speak up!

Tech sheet: https://manage.semproducts.com/public/content/techsheets/TDS_trim_black.pdf
User friendly instructions with ALMOST the same info, but says to use acetone to test the plastic: 4 Easy Steps to Refinishing Interior Plastic | SEM PRODUCTS - https://www.semproducts.com/blog/4-easy-steps-to-refinishing-interior-plastic

Otherwise I guess I’ll just buy both and test to see which one works as it describes in the tech sheet instructions.

What the hell it’s only money. This is in FJ40 so nothing is ever cheap.

The first thing I do is soak them in a degreaser (something like purple power etc) after soaking overnight I use 1000 gr. And go over it by hand, until there isn’t any funk coming off the wheel. I have used this PREP on some and keep a couple cans around. After the cleaning, and crack repair is when I use featherfill (miracle product!) then I lightly red pad the feather fill, prime,paint, clear coat and polish. If the wheel is in bad shape I’ll redpad it while degreasing, the featherfill will hide/fill any imperfections.

 

[Birdhead]

A work of art. Thanks!!

View attachment 2535644

Thank you.

 

[rpg3]

Here is what else I'll say about doing your own steering wheel refinishing and doing a proper job: After adding up all the products that Jimmy uses to do the job right, I'm at about $275. Plus I've spent 6-8 hours already, over 5 days since the epoxy takes a full 24-48 hours to dry, just epoxying and sanding to *get ready* to begin to prime, paint, and clear coat.

If you are like me and just want the experience, then go for it. But if you want to save time and money, getting a steering wheel finished by @Birdhead is definitely worth his expertise.

Now if he can just get his back well enough that he can work again.... We are praying over you Jimmy!

Thanks very helpful. I've watched a couple of videos and seems like quite an undertaking.

 

[tstepp920]

I'll send you mine so you'll have something to do when you heal up.

 

[Birdhead]

I’m getting a nerve block on Monday, so if all goes well I’ll be back at it soon.

 

[Birdhead]

I’m back, I’m going to try and start with 2-4 wheels/month.

 

[merbesfield]

I’m back, I’m going to try and start with 2-4 wheels/month.

That's great news. I hope your procedure gives you some much needed relief. I typically get 6 months relief. Good luck.

 

[Birdhead]

That's great news. I hope your procedure gives you some much needed relief. I typically get 6 months relief. Good luck.

Good to know, thanks. Oklahoma has limited the amount of pain pills a doctor can give, even though I’ve been on them 15 years. Now Oklahoma’s heroin OD rate has shot through the roof. Those politicians are BRILLIANT!

 

[Hugh Heifer]

So Jimmy, are your prices based on condition and time or something else? I am considering sending you some pics of ToolsRus' old 40 steering wheel that has been baking in the Arizona sun since 1988.
Glad you are feeling better.

 

[Birdhead]

So Jimmy, are your prices based on condition and time or something else? I am considering sending you some pics of ToolsRus' old 40 steering wheel that has been baking in the Arizona sun since 1988.
Glad you are feeling better.

Usually the more cracks, the more it cost. I don’t go crazy, the hardest ones to get perfect are the ones w/ cracks in the outer ring.

 

[Birdhead]

I’m back at it… just finished one no one in line.

 

[firemanj92]

Jimmy, Welcome back, all is well. I want to send my 70 wheel to you. We had spoke a few months back. J

 

[EWheeler]

I’m back at it… just finished one no one in line.

Would you be open to restoring a Scout steering wheel? Or only FJ 40 wheels?

 

[Birdhead]

Would you be open to restoring a Scout steering wheel? Or only FJ 40 wheels?

Send me a pic and I’ll tell you if I can.
918-693-9208

 

[EWheeler]

Send me a pic and I’ll tell you if I can.
918-693-9208

Ok, it'll be a couple weeks before I'm back home from out of town work assignment and I will send you something.

 

[65swb45]

Would you be open to restoring a Scout steering wheel? Or only FJ 40 wheels?

Don’t see a Scout in your sig line Eric.

IIRC, there was another Scout guy down your way some years ago. I think he went by “scouthead “ or something.

 

[EWheeler]

Don’t see a Scout in your sig line Eric.

IIRC, there was another Scout guy down your way some years ago. I think he went by “scouthead “ or something.

Mark, at least it's not a Jeep! 1965 Scout80 that is getting FJ60 axles, a 4.3/H42/splitcase. It is getting CJ leaf springs though! Should be a unique little ride, I've always had a eye for the half cabs, and I paid as much for this Scout as one would pay for a bag of bolt off of an FJ45. There is a reason Landcruisers of the same era are more sought after than Scouts, they are twice the rig a Scout is on every level. So much more robust.

Sorry for the de-rail @Birdhead

 

[65swb45]

So, there’s a pic of the steering wheel! Wadda ya know.