While restoring my '66 B a few years back, I was presented with the same
problem. The came to my home with a ratty small diameter wood wheel whose
style did not fit with the steel dash B. I purchased an original MkI
steering wheel for $40 off the MG Classified Ads on the MG Enthusiast
website. It had 3 large cracks around the circumference of the wheel, but
the spoke attachment sites were in good shape. I used a burr on a Dremel
tool to widen and deepen all three cracks, then filled them with two part
gray epoxy paste. Hand filing and sanding eventually brought the surface
back down to the original level. I then sprayed the wheel with several
coats of black gloss laquer, that has, to date, held up well. One of the
cracks is visible again after 4-5 years of use.
My assessment is that, by design, these wheels are weak due to large
diameter, thin wheel, over half of the circumference unsupported by
spokes, and low performance period materials. However, it has provided me
with a terrific looking and proper wheel with decent service at a low
cost.
NOW............I have a TD steering wheel in much worse shape. Then
spokes and center hub are fine, but most of the circumference of the
wheel has lost all of its bakelite, leaving behind only the steel support
in the center. Has ANYONE had any success in restoring a wheel in this
condition? All input is appreciated.
Bill Snyder
'66B
'53 TD under construction
|