Just asking as my 1959 Mark 1 (model 3.4) steering wheel is pretty ratty and it would be nice to replace it. I understand that the original Mark 1 steering wheel was a bakelite affair and the Mark IX is usually made from an alloy, but otherwise, they "look" interchangeable. Anyone know for sure ? THANKS !
Schmitty

 

http://www.steeringwheelrestoration.co.uk

 

Welcome to the club! A good condition MK1 steering wheel is as elusive as the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow.
I am unable to comment on the splines as I don't have a MK9 wheel to check
The MK1 and MK2 have a 17-inch diameter steering wheel. The Mk9 has a 19-inch wheel.
I think the Mk9 wheel would be awkward to use in the more restricted space of the smaller cars.
If you are really intent on getting rid of the MK1 wheel, then go for a MK2 wheel.
It would be worthwhile to google "steering wheel repairs". In Australia it brings up lots of organisations offering repair services. I suspect you would get a similar result in the USA.
Cheers

 

the MK-2 steering wheel splined shaft is the same as in the Jaguar S type and the Jaguar 420 and 420-G.
So if a MK-2 steering wheel fits a 1959 MK-1 splined shaft, all above Small Saloon steering wheels should fit too.

 

It's difficult to believe that it's sold bakelite all the way through. I'd guess that it's steel or aluminium with a bakelite or other plastic covering.

I'd have a try at restoring it: white spirit, wet and dry, brasso, filler, spray paint .... each depending on how bad it is. Alternatively, there's an after market wood rim, perhaps in the style of Mike Hawthorn?

 

The MK I steering wheel is not Bakelite right through, it has a steel frame.
I saw a photo of a MK I where the windscreen was gone and parked in a field.
The wheel was beyond restoration as a good percentage of Bakelite had crumbled away revealing the steel frame.

 

yes, all steering wheels have reinforcements under whatever they are made of, even the wood ones.

 

These good folk could fix that in a heartbeat. They would strip all the Bakelite, put it in a 2 sided mound bolted together & recast a two part curing substitute to the Bakelite onto the CLEAN steel. You would not know the difference. There are a number of companies that do this in the UK. They do a beautiful job. I'm sure there are similar companies in the US.

Demonstrated once on Car S.O.S. with a really buggered wheel:
http://www.steeringwheelrestoration.co.uk

 

Mine isn't quite as bad as in the photo that Jeff posted, but you get the idea of what I'm faced with. I have previously contacted the good people at steeringwheelrestoration that Glyn has referenced ... I like their work, but was hoping for a less costly solution than the $700 US they had wanted. I had come across a decent Mark IX steering wheel at a price point I liked, but as Bill informed me that wheel is even larger than the original one ! so I'm not going that route. Peter's idea of a DIY restoration is viable option, but after watching a couple of guys doing this on Youtube, I gotta admit that my skill level may not be able to craft this to even near the level that the Youtubers can do. - I've never worked with filler /epoxy before. So... I will just keep my powder dry for the moment and kick this particular can down the road for a later date. THANKS GENTLEMEN FOR ALL YOUR THOUGHTS AND SUGGESTIONS !
Schmitty

 

If you can fix all the cracks accurately yourself you can respray the wheel. I have done 2 wheels now. You can control the level of gloss to your requirements with de-glossing additives that the Auto paint stores sell. You can go all the way from high gloss to matte finish and anything in between.

 

Schmitty
Just use heaps of black electrical tape. Wrap it around the wheel and spokes
It is not ideal but is cheap and will keep the steering wheel serviceable.
My current MK1 has a couple of "tape repairs" on the steering wheel.
I must get around to doing a "proper" repair with epoxy etc. but am currently focused on my MK2 where I am replacing the corroded door handles with rechromed spares.
I suggest you get some filler/epoxy experience in one way or another. It is not that difficult. With experience and time, you will be surprised how much you can achieve

 

Bill, the tape job is what I have now. I'll look in to getting some experience on using expoxy and then make an executive decision on which route I'll take.

 

I think I'd try to restore one even as bad as that in Jeff's photo. First a good clean. If the bakelite is separated, I'd glue it down with strong epoxy. Then fill the gaps with filler - if it doesn't enter the cracks nicely, add resin. Follow that with a wet and dry. Paint. Then take a bit shine off with fine wet and dry and finally brasso. If the circumference doesn't feel as good as you'd like, it's possible to cover it with leather.

 

4- spoke