Great job. Very similar to what I did to mine only I used fibre glass reinforced bog and Killrust epoxy paint.

Rather than look for perfection in other peoples work look to what is possible and if achievable by others then it is possible for you to do likewise - if you think you can do better - good for you but don't critique a minor point when the whole concept is the thing to grasp.

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David L


My greatest fear in life is that when I die my wife will sell my Mini and tools for the price I told her I paid for them!

Most people use body filler to repair old steering wheels. I'd be interested in knowing the advantages of araldite. Maybe it's the bonding properties? Does it dry hard? Does the paint stick to it OK?

Pete

Araldite would have similar strength to the original plastic. It can be sanded & painted like most other resins. Good idea.

I just used body filler, but the cracks were smaller & I couldn't get the "f"ing wheel off the column

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Too many cars, and too little time.

Thanks for the comments. I don't mind criticism either. I actually found it very difficult to get ANY professional advice on the restoration of this wheel. I drove to at least 6 or 7 panel repair and paint shops and three suppliers of automotive paint. Most of these EXPERTS either couldn't be bothered looking at it or didn't know what sort of paint or filler to use because they had never even seen a stering wheel made of a resin like substance. I imagine as time goes on there will be fewer and fewer people in these trades who will be able to help us at all with these sort of projects. On that note I try and make a point of supporting local mini people whenever possible because if we don't they will pack up. So, that led me to seeking the advice of fellow ausminiers and one in Queensland who I telephoned suggested using araldite as a filler rather than bog as it is a very similar compound to the original wheel and was reletively easy to mix, use, sand and paint. Time will tell I guess. The pictures probably don't do the wheel full justice as I too can see the orange peel effect although it appears much smoother in real life without a flash. Having never spray painted anything before, I was scared to sand the paint as much as I did and in future would probably sand more often as has been suggested. The purpose of my posting the thread was not to show how good I am but rather to show what can be achieved by a novice prepared to have a go. For the satisfaction of having done it myself and saving $400 I am happy with the result and that is all that matters really. Practice makes perfect and if I ever had to do it again, yes, it probably would be better. I did commence the thread by stating I am an amatuer and I won't be put off from posting a thread because I am not perfect. Take from my thread what you like. Be critical if you like. But don't try and stop me from participating in this forum so long as I abide by the rules, and don't discourage others! Cheers, Jim.

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Flute - 68 MK I Cooper S
Member: VMCI #2474
Member: International Mini Model Collectors Club

nothing ventured nothing gained - I think the results are great and I will certainly keep it mind when my wheel cracks (again )

Well said Jim

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1964 998cc Cooper
1971 Mini K x 2
1972 Clubman GT

Great effort Flute.
I remember seeing a segment on one of the TV shows, may have been "Classic Restos" where they showed how to restore old steering wheels.
The example they used was an EH Holden steering wheel with a pearl finish.
Basicly they did as you have done, it was a very interesting segment, I only wish i could remember exactly where I saw it,,,,
Keep up the good work!

Dave

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Araldite is the right thing for the cracks. One trick for repairing cracks is to widen the crack and then drill some small holes at an angle in the cracks to key the araldite into the wheel.

It is a great effort Flute. I would be very happy with that result.

What a good idea, so you didn't get by on just your good looks alone?

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Your silliness has been noted.

Araldite super strength (epoxy resin) is tuff stuff. It gets stronger with age, unlike superglue and similar anaerobic adhesives.

I used it 2 years ago to cast (then machine) a new oil pump drive coupling for my nephew's Polaris jetski. The part needed was unavailable new.
I don't expect problems, the original part (accidentally broken) was only PVC anyway.
So far it's been fine.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Hi Flute,

I have an old Mk1 steering wheel which I am keen to restore and have been studying your "how to" post with interest.

Just wondering how it is standing up to the test of time 16 months later and if there is anything you might have done differently.

Cheers

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68 Morris Cooper S Mk1 (*ex 78 1275 LS 4th last built, 70 Morris 1500 OHC & 70 MiniMatic)

Hi,

Both KBS Coatings and POR15 do a steering wheel repair kit with all the products and some good instructions for around $90. They use an epoxy putty (I think KBS call there's NuMetal) and roughly the same process in this thread. So well done to the author of this thread who worked out for themselves what KBS and POR15 probably paid fifteen scientists with a test lab to do!

brilliant work Jim, very nice.
I used bog on my old bus wheel and it lifted and cracked again after a bit of use.
Will definately try araldite next time.
One tip i can give is dont paint it the night before a car show.
I did and it wasnt dry the next day and had a hell of a time driving there.

Phillb: I am not all that happy with the clear top coat, it appears to have some surface cracks appearing. I am not sure if this is to do with the paint or movement in the wheel ie. the paint not being flexible enough. I tried to get the mods to pull it off the 'how to' section until it is worked out but they have left it there. The cracks where the araldite was used have been fine with no sign of re cracking. I hope this helps.

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Flute - 68 MK I Cooper S
Member: VMCI #2474
Member: International Mini Model Collectors Club

Thanks Flute

What would happen if there was no clear coat?

Would it wear too quickly

Did the original wheels have a painted finish? Mine looks that way by the way it has worn.

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68 Morris Cooper S Mk1 (*ex 78 1275 LS 4th last built, 70 Morris 1500 OHC & 70 MiniMatic)