Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => General Discussion => Topic started by: n/a on March 14, 2004, 20:42:44

Title: Steering wheel repair
Post by: n/a on March 14, 2004, 20:42:44

I've got a 65 230sl, it is my baby. The steering wheel is looking cracked and worn. Is it possible to repair the steering wheel, or just cheaper to find one and buy it. I've got the time, but is it worth the time and effort.  

Michael

Title: Re: Steering wheel repair
Post by: Tom on March 14, 2004, 21:33:01

There are companies that can take a steering wheel with cracks and repair them so they look like new.  They use epoxy filler.  I have never used this service.  Here is a sample company:

http://www.dealsonwheels.com/parts/garys/

www.Eastwoodco.com sells a restoration kit:

http://www.eastwoodco.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=52061&I1.x=45&I1.y=57

Hope this helps.

____________________________________

1971 280sl Tunis Beige Metallic
1971 280sl Tobacco Brown
1994 E320 Cabriolet, Smoke Silver
1999 E320 Wagon 4 matic, Brilliant Silver
____________________________________

Title: Re: Steering wheel repair
Post by: ted280sl on March 15, 2004, 18:05:49

Michael,
  I bought the restoration kit from Eastwood. It includes a detailed instruction book and some epoxy. You can buy the epoxy from any store for about $10 and do it yourself. If you fill the cracks with the epoxy and wet sand it until the entire wheel is really smooth it can be painted. I have been having some trouble with the painting part but, it can be done. If you don't like it you can always buy a steering wheel.
Good luck,
Ted
1969 280SL

Title: Re: Steering wheel repair
Post by: n/a on March 15, 2004, 18:33:05

MB still has new ones. Black $218.00, white $172.00

tom in CA

tom in CA

Title: Re: Steering wheel repair
Post by: 113gray on March 17, 2004, 08:50:43

Yes, you can redo a steering wheel via the Eastwood approach etc. I hvae done this (non MB wheel) & am able to report: 1) This is a helluva lot of work to do right, so be prepared! 2) My job looked perfect on finishing; I sold the vehicle 2-3 years later & tiny, almost microscopic cracks were appearing over the old areas of repair, which makes sense if you consider repairs with filler & paint are not likely to hold up as well as a new wheel. I also replaced an ivory MB wheel w/ new & it still looks new 3 years later. Faced w/ this situation again, I would go with a new wheel - unless I wanted to do it on the cheap. FWIW      -JP-