Stabilizing a 70's steering wheel inlay?

[TJ Hopland]

My latest car has a decent wheel, just a few cracks.  The plastic inlay is shrunk in one area and has about a 1" section missing in that area.  Its still got the foil behind it, just the plastic with the wood is missing now.   I know from experience with other cars that most likely what will happen next is that edge near the missing section will get snagged on something and before long it will be a huge ugly mess with a lot of sharp edges.   I ended up cutting my hand on the wheel of my 73 last fall, that foil and the edges can be very sharp.   The current condition of the wheel matches the current condition of the rest of the car so I am not looking at replacing it or having it re done I just want to do something to keep it from getting worse.   Anyone know of any sort of sealer or glue that would work?   Or have you tried things and know they don't work?

[Scot Minesinger]

Yes, I have a 1970 with same issue, tried all kinds of glues and sealers to no avail.  The only good solutions are restore the wheel at Gary's in PA (or another place) or install a high quality leather wrap.  I went with the steering wheel restore.  I know you do not want to spend $600, so the wrap is a good idea.  A high quality leather wrap kit is not expensive.  Auto parts stores sell covers which are junk, but only $10.

Good luck, and enjoy your Cadillac!

[35-709]

http://www.wheelskinscover.com/?Click=24&gclid=CKPdh5Lb_7gCFQee4AodYm0Azg

You can also buy "Wheelskins" through USA Parts Supply  www.usapartssupply.com  but their selection of Wheelskin products is more limited.  USA Parts also sells a vinyl cover which isn't bad, for less.

[RyanBurman]

If I would you I would do a home restore on the wheel. I've seen a quite a few good repairs done and then you just paint the wheel the color you want and you're good to go. I've seen everything from jb weld to epoxy and even bondo. Use something that can be sanded. Might not be 100% but it sure does look good and it's a hell of a lot cheaper than $600

[mechanic80]

I had WHEELSKINS make a custom diameter cover for my '77 Seville. (see the website)  I had added a foam padding which required a wider cover.  It took only an extra day and I received it within the week for about $20 including shipping if I recall correctly.   BTW the blue color couldn't be more spot on. 

[Barry]

Not cheap, but it you want it to look new and last, Gary does a beautiful job !  http://www.garyssteeringwheel.com/