Restoring an FJ40 steering wheel with a heat gun

[78fj40mg]

Restoring an FJ40 steering wheel with a heat gun, Interesting methodology! I found this on YouTube and thought I'd share with you all.

 

[Weber Sarge]

I've found you can use the epoxy mix from some of the resto vendors like Eastwood , fill in and repair any cracks or missing chunks and lightly sand it smooth . The whole wheel needs to be sanded carefully - I used 400 grit wet/dry and cleaned it with a spray can product called Prep , do not use acetone or aggressive paint thinners as they will damage the wheel's surface . Once it's perfectly clean , hang it up and give it 2 coats of Eastwood's Diamond clear high gloss . Have done a few garden tractor wheels that are really rare and spend a lot of time in the sun - they look new and have held up over 5yrs now .
Sarge

 

[Downey]

I once had a 1948 Willys Jeepster steering wheeel professionally restored for about $350, sucker cracked in a couple different spots before I even got the vehicle finished.

 

[cult45]

I used a high-fill primer, satin black rattle can and then three days baking in the hot Qld sun. Ain't drove it yet but sat in it plenty.

 

[fhawk5]

I talked with a professional and he told me no matter what you do, it will crack again. Reason is the material shrinks. The only way is to remold the a new one , and they only invest in a costly mold if there is a good market. Eastwood has a kit that is probably the best on the market. It would do fine for a restoration, but, cracks will eventually come back.

Complete Steering Wheel Restoration and Repair Kit | Eastwood