Methods

There are several methods of restoring a steering wheel. If the steering wheel has a bakelite coating (which is cracked due to shrinkage), this bakelite can be replaced with epoxy. A mold is made and the epoxy is applied through a casting process.

The rim can also be replaced by wood (mahogany, walnut, etc.). In addition, the diameter of the steering wheels or the thickness of the rim can be modified. Color adjustments can be made by using stain.

There are 4 methods used in making the wooden rim:

Method 1

1- Veneer covering: a wooden rim made of plywood is made and covered with several layers of veneer. The most commonly used veneer is walnut root or ash root.

Method 2

2- Wrapping in circles: several layers of thin wood are glued in a circular shape. Layer thickness varies from 1.5 to 4 mm and mostly Mahogany is used. With this wrapping method, the grain curves nicely around and the multi-layer construction makes it strong. For wood thicknesses of more than 2.5mm the wood is steamed before bending.

Method 3

3- Segment construction: solid pieces of wood are glued together in a circular shape, sometimes in several layers.

Method 4

4- Made out of a board: the edge is made out of a board. Mahogany plywood or a combination of Mahogany and Ash layers is usually used for this method.

In addition to restoration, steering wheels can also be replicated and even a customer's own design is possible!