Refurbishing Wood Steering Wheel Insert Pictures

[Cocktail Time]

One of the first things I wanted to do when I purchased my boat was to replace the faded burl dashboard and steering wheel insert on my 95 300.

I found the dash panels from Vector and did that install two seasons ago. The wood steering wheel insert is just not available to buy.

A friend who is into woodworking projects helped out and I think this project came out pretty damn good...!!!

Before and after are great. The trick was to use a heat gun with a scraper to get the old laquer/varnish off. After that some stain and cetol and it looks great! I remember seeing a few people looking for the insert. Save your time, they aren't available but this is an easy winter project to tackle even for a novice like myself...

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb56/dsch555/Boat Photos/th_005.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb56/dsch555/Boat Photos/th_006.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb56/dsch555/Boat Photos/th_068.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb56/dsch555/Boat Photos/th_069.jpg

 

[millz90]

I can see the pictures?

So are you saying to just get an old steering wheel and strip it and work from that? I can not find an insert anywere, did you have any luck finding one?

 

[Cocktail Time]

I have not found a source for the inserts. They were made by a company called Dino in Italy. Their office in Miami indicated there are no more to be purchased and have been out for several years.

If you have one with the wood insert that is faded, it was easy to restore.

As far as the pictures, click to view from photobucket, I pasted the location like I have done before, I don't know why only the image location shows up...

 

[Walz]

How did you get the wheel off? I have the wooden rimmed wheel and I need to redo the finish. Problem is the wheel appears to be rusted onto the shaft. I'm afraid to pull too hard as I might damage the tilt mechanism. Have tried all sorts of corrosion sprays and gentle tapping. Can't seem to find a place to use a wheel puller. Also, seems like there is a key-way on the shaft?

 

[Cocktail Time]

Unfortunately, I can't help you here. Mine is a leather wrapped steering wheel with a wooden center insert that was only held in place with two slotted screws. I did not have to remove the whole wheel.

 

[LMBoat]

Great job! I have the same wheel, and have also done my dash panels. I would love to have the wheel look as good as yours. Can you post the steps to complete, materials used, and any other advice?

 

[Cocktail Time]

Here goes:

1) Remove two screws from rear of steering wheel and pop insert off.

2) Remove circular Sea Ray center cap from insert. When you remove the center cap and wipe the insert clean, you should be able to see the original stain color and can match to this.

3) Using some sort of scraper and a heat gun, heat the old varnish and little by little peel it back. I got it to come off in pretty good chunks, then used the heat gun and finished removing the all the old varnish in about 45 minutes.

4) I lightly sanded with 800 grit sandpaper, wiped it all down and handed it off to my buddy who likes to do woodworking. If you notice, the main flat portion is a thin sheet of veneer in what looks like to me to be birds eye maple.

5) Use a stain that matches the color that was uncovered by removing the center cap. I did not write down what he used.

6) Once stained, cover with 8 to 10 coats of good marine varnish. I believe we used Cetol.

That's it. I am pretty sure that you could do this project in a day or two, and the more coats of varnish the better...