Color of 1940 Steering Wheel/Knobs

[Hans Ackermann]

Hi   Is there anyone who knows the color of the 1940 Steering Wheel  or knobs ?
I have tried with light ivory RAL1015 , it was the wrong color !  ( more like a chicken.)

I would appreciate if anyone can help.

Thank you.  Hans Ackermann

[Tom Boehm]

Hello Hans, Do you have the standard plain painted wheel or the optional banjo wheel?

[Hans Ackermann]

It is a banjo Steerng Wheel the color is similar to ivory but more transparent...

Thank you  Hans

[amolnayak]

Hi Hans I am also in the process of restoring my 1940 Lasalle 52 steering. As mentioned the original steering and knob is slightly transparent. I am contemplating on getting my steering recast in plastic though the cost is quite high almost 700 dollars .Are you planing to repair with an epoxy and repaint.?

[Steve Passmore]

It will be impossible to mimic that transparency by painting it.  I have recently had my 41 wheel re-cast here in the UK and they did a fantastic job for around £300 Stirling pp  Not transparent though.

[Hans Ackermann]

Nice to hear from you Amol I have always repaired my steering wheels with epoxy and then painted.
It has always been good results, but the steering wheels has been black.I have never tried light ivory color.
But for £300 would I probably  re-cast

Hans Ackermann

[tturley]

What is the process for repairing? Mine has a couple of thin cracks

[Barry M Wheeler #2189]

If you have only a couple of thin cracks, you would possibly be better off leaving them "as-is" to keep the translucent look rather than a flat, light grey wheel which is what you'd get if you filled the cracks and painted the wheel. You might try cleaning them well with a household cleaner and toothpicks/Q-tips to get any hand grease out of the cracks.

[tturley]

My wheel is grey

[Tom Boehm]

Hello Hans, I agree with all of the above. Recasting is the best if you are willing to pay for it. To answer you question, it has been my experience that there is no modern match for the old colors. The recipes in the old literature are only valid with the pigments made at the time. You just have to use your own judgement to find a color that matches the best and is pleasing to you.

[Hans Ackermann]

Heard much the same from Brad Ipsen. So i will mix my color shade myself.

Thank's for the help.   Hans A

[amolnayak]

It will be impossible to mimic that transparency by painting it.  I have recently had my 41 wheel re-cast here in the UK and they did a fantastic job for around £300 Stirling pp  Not transparent though.

Steve I am going to message you for the contact in the UK. Its probably easier and cheaper for me to get it done there.