Steering Wheel Rust

[ehurter]

Does anyone know what the steering wheels are made of? I saw this wheel for sale and it looks like it is rusted but the owner says he thinks it is aluminum. Any ideas? Any thoughts on how to clean this up?

[BEEK]

what year spider? but none of the oem wheels that im aware of are aluminum.

[micbrody]

Is there a way to shine up metal and coat it (not paint) with something clear to prevent rust? (wax? Paint? oil?)

[dom]

That's what I did with my 72 wheel. I polished the steel till it looks shiny like chrome then I cleared it using tremclad clear but automotive clear will work too.

[DieselSpider]

I have had good results from soaking chromed objects (that have rust bleeding through light scratches) in white vinegar and water followed by a quick polish with some newspaper or children's drawing paper. Chrome polish or spraying them with a clear coat keeps them looking nice afterwards.

I recently found a chrome part that my kids years ago had taken and hidden in a can in their box outside which had been sitting for years filled with water and appeared to be a total loss however after soaking a few hours in water and vinegar it came out looking almost like new with 99.9% of the chrome plating intact since the chrome had not blistered. On a steering wheel or other item with a decorative chrome surface I will always try the water and vinegar first because if it works then it makes the rest of the job so much easier and you don't loose the original finish.

[Redline]

Mind you, that rust tells a story. 40+ years of sweaty palms from exciting drives. Wouldn't want to lose that little reminder.

[xjware]

I sanded mine, paper and dremel, and used a clear matte wheel/engine paint