Steering Wheel Rust

Keeping it sharp - paint, wax, detailing, etc.
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ehurter

Steering Wheel Rust

Post by 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
Posts: 1833
Joined: Wed Mar 24, 2010 10:45 pm
Your car is a: 1975 Spider
Location: clermont fl

Re: Steering Wheel Rust

Post by BEEK »

what year spider? but none of the oem wheels that im aware of are aluminum.
Automotive Service Technology Instructor (34 year Fiat mechanic)
75 spider
, 6 Lancia Scorpions, 2018 Abarth Spider, 500X wifes, 500L 3 82 Zagatos. 82 spider 34k original miles, 83 pininfarina, 8 fiat spider parts cars
son has 78 spider
micbrody
Patron 2018
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Posts: 443
Joined: Tue Nov 04, 2014 4:50 pm
Your car is a: 1981 fiat 2000
Location: Munster, IN (Northwest Indiana near Chicago)

Re: Steering Wheel Rust

Post by micbrody »

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

Re: Steering Wheel Rust

Post by 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
Posts: 2130
Joined: Wed Dec 24, 2014 10:21 pm
Your car is a: 1978 124 Spider with Isuzu Turbo Diesel

Re: Steering Wheel Rust

Post by 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.
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Redline
Posts: 631
Joined: Sat Aug 29, 2009 4:34 pm
Your car is a: formerly a 1971 Fiat 124 BC Coupe
Location: Switzerland

Re: Steering Wheel Rust

Post by Redline »

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

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http://www.124bc.com
La Dolce Vita: Joy and frustration at the speed of smoke
xjware
Posts: 95
Joined: Wed Aug 31, 2011 8:29 pm
Your car is a: 1978 124 Sport Spider
Location: Fishers (Indy), IN

Re: Steering Wheel Rust

Post by xjware »

I sanded mine, paper and dremel, and used a clear matte wheel/engine paint
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1978 124 Spider
Central Indiana Italian Car Association
http://www.ciica.me/
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