MTFCA Forum

Two questions about 1927 coupe steering wheel.

Is the spider painted or should it be left bright metal (I wire brushed it)? In the photo it looks "brownish", but it actually is bright silver. If painted what color, black or body color?

How should the handle be cleaned?

Black is stock

Is the handle bakelite (not sure of spelling) and how to clean it?

BLB27 wrote: ↑

Mon Apr 04, 2022 5:44 pm

Is the handle bakelite (not sure of spelling) and how to clean it?

Hard to tell what you have BUT the Model T steering wheel is not hard rubber, it is made of Fordite. It is was a composite material made of rubber, straw, sulphur, silica, and other ingredients. What might work on hard rubber may not work on Fordite.
This link has some close up pictures for you to compare to http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/17 ... 1301454438

You may know this already, but if for any reason you need/want to replace the 4 rim screws make sure you get the ones made for the Fordite rim. If you used the wrong ones (for wood rims) you will likely break the rim. Langs sells both types and I believe the Fordite screw repros are made of stainless steel. fwiw, jb

Steering wheel restoration is complete. Sanded the handle with 220, 400, 800, and 1000 grit paper. Thanks to those to replied to my original post.

If you compound the grip with Meguiars rubbing compound then wax the grip with Meguiar’s paste wax, it will look 100% better. Black, shiny and smooth. Does yours have the Ford Script on the front of the hub? When you paint, and sandblast, be careful not to obscure the Ford Script on any parts you paint. Jim Patrick