Steering wheel repair

[John.n]

I have bought a replacement steering wheel for my traveller. it is the 3 spoked wheel. unfortunatly it is in poor shape but least its not bent.
the bakelite has cracked around the outerwheel, I waswondering if there is a suitable way to repair this.
I have hear of using body filler and black boot polish before.
Any recomendations?
Regards,
John

[Fingolfin]

One can use two-part epoxy too, to fill in the cracks. And gloss black paint is acceptable for the rim too, though I imagine black polish might work better on bakelite than paint.

If the spokes are still attached to the rim, and the metal ring itself is not broken (unlikely), and the splines are good, then you've probably got a serviceable wheel.

[chesney]

I once read an article about someone who used an original Bakelite gear knob cut into small sections to make a repair paste for his original 'Sheller' wheel. Quite clever really..

[John.n]

wouldnt that end up looking like a bakelite mosaic? or did he grind it to a sort of paste then apply it?

[Boomlander]

Ground Bakelite from old switches and knobs mixed with 2 part epoxy resin can be used.

[chesney]

I can't remember the actual article but this one is pretty close
http://www.1942mb.com/c-117-MB_GPW_How_ ... wheel.aspx
I'll keep searching for the 'genuine article'

[John.n]

looks like a good idea!
not sure about cutting up old wheels though just incase it goes pear shaped.
I might try both eventally and see what works best.
Regards,
John

[chesney]

I suppose if you had a very scrap wheel, 4 or 5 people can make use of it to repair, well, 4 or 5 wheels!