Catalin steering wheels

for those with Series MM sidevalve cars produced between September 1948 and February 1953
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RobThomas
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Catalin steering wheels

Post by RobThomas »

I always thought our steering wheels were Bakelite but it turns out they are made of Catalin. That explains why the bl***y things crack and shrink.

https://cycleback.wordpress.com/2013/01 ... -plastics/
Cardiff, UK
smithskids
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Re: Catalin steering wheels

Post by smithskids »

Very interesting, should be able to fill in the cracks with a syringe and some resin glue :-?
RobThomas
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Re: Catalin steering wheels

Post by RobThomas »

After reading up on the subject, it looks like a slow setting Araldite (24 hrs, not the 5 minute version) should do. Drilling tiny holes and feeding in staples or wire to reinforce the split and then superglue will brace the repair for the Araldite. I wonder if you can 'tint' Araldite?
Cardiff, UK
Boomlander
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Re: Catalin steering wheels

Post by Boomlander »

I use Milliput two pack epoxy putty to fill steering wheel cracks.
Simply knead the two compounds together like plasticine until soft then press into cracks and smooth off with a damp sponge.
When cured 24 hours later it can be fine finished with wet and dry paper and the colour can be matched by feathering in different model makers enamel paints. :D

amgrave
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Re: Catalin steering wheels

Post by amgrave »

Don't worry about reinforcing the split Rob, I think the wheel is moulded over a steel ring. Who volunteers to break one to confirm it.

tortron
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Re: Catalin steering wheels

Post by tortron »

you could tint the resin, but what i have seen in most steering wheel repairs is a good 2k paint
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