Fordite Steering Wheel

Discuss all things Model T related.
Forum rules
If you need help logging in, or have question about how something works, use the Support forum located here Support Forum
Complete set of Forum Rules Forum Rules

Topic author
TBill
Posts: 73
Joined: Mon Jan 07, 2019 12:31 pm
First Name: Bill
Last Name: Obier
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 Fordor, 1926 TT, 1913 Speedster (WIP)
Location: Rosedale, LA
MTFCA Number: 28973

Fordite Steering Wheel

Post by TBill » Fri Dec 27, 2019 3:36 pm

Looking for advice on the cleaning and preservation of original Fordite steering wheels.

User avatar

DanTreace
Posts: 3296
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 10:56 am
First Name: Dan
Last Name: Treace
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: '23 cutoff, '25 touring, '27 touring
Location: North Central FL
MTFCA Number: 4838
MTFCI Number: 115
Board Member Since: 2000
Contact:

Re: Fordite Steering Wheel

Post by DanTreace » Fri Dec 27, 2019 4:00 pm

Really can’t restore the surface finish as these composite Fordite can be in rough shape. Originals were heat pressed and had nice mold hard surface with a shine.

If real nice, then fine steel wool or super fine finish grit paper and work it to clean. Soap and water first to remove dirt and grime.

Now the clean Fordite will rub off on your hands, giving you brown uck, that gets worst with sweat or rain.

Tame that with good polish and wax. Repeat wax coating from time to time.

Or, spray with matt clear enamel, that holds for a good long time, then easy to strip and re-coat.
The best way is always the simplest. The attics of the world are cluttered up with complicated failures. Henry Ford
Don’t find fault, find a remedy; anybody can complain. Henry Ford


John Page
Posts: 77
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 4:27 pm
First Name: John
Last Name: Page
Location: Queensland, Australia
MTFCA Number: 28488
Board Member Since: 2010

Re: Fordite Steering Wheel

Post by John Page » Fri Dec 27, 2019 7:04 pm

Here is a link to a discussion here on the Forum a few days ago.

Best regards, John Page, Australia.

search.php?keywords=Fordite


John Page
Posts: 77
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 4:27 pm
First Name: John
Last Name: Page
Location: Queensland, Australia
MTFCA Number: 28488
Board Member Since: 2010

Re: Fordite Steering Wheel

Post by John Page » Sat Dec 28, 2019 12:42 am

That link didn't work as well as I wanted it to work. Sorry about that.
Here is a direct link to the previous discussion.

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=9279

Best regards, John Page, Australia.


Gonenorth
Posts: 130
Joined: Tue Jan 08, 2019 6:04 pm
First Name: Kevin
Last Name: Whelihan
Location: Danbury, WI
MTFCA Number: 30688
Board Member Since: 2008

Re: Fordite Steering Wheel

Post by Gonenorth » Sat Dec 28, 2019 6:16 am

I have followed Dan's routine, and then use successive coats of semi-gloss water based poly. Seals up the Fordite and leaves it with a nice, but not too shiny finish.


Topic author
TBill
Posts: 73
Joined: Mon Jan 07, 2019 12:31 pm
First Name: Bill
Last Name: Obier
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 Fordor, 1926 TT, 1913 Speedster (WIP)
Location: Rosedale, LA
MTFCA Number: 28973

Re: Fordite Steering Wheel

Post by TBill » Sat Dec 28, 2019 6:44 am

THANKS!!!

User avatar

gcomo
Posts: 48
Joined: Mon Jan 07, 2019 8:55 am
First Name: Gary
Last Name: Como
Location: Central Ma
MTFCA Number: 49625

Re: Fordite Steering Wheel

Post by gcomo » Thu Jan 02, 2020 3:18 pm

When I restored mine, I wet sanded starting with 180 grit and worked my way to 1500 grit. Then applied a couple coats of butchers wax. I could'nt be happier with the results. (And no black hands when driving)

Post Reply Previous topicNext topic