My E85 came with a pretty worn Multi Function Steering Wheel (MFSW) with silver spokes (not the chrome line). The MSFW is not connected (I have the required cable). But I’m not a massive fan of the MSFW from aesthetics as I prefer the cleaner lines of the standard wheel, and the functionality of the MFSW is pretty limited anyways.
I picked up a Chrome line standard steering wheel, and decided to give the leather a clean-up before installing it. Put masking tape for sensitive surfaces on the spokes, and left it there for about 2 days while I was working on the leather. When removing the tape, unfortunately patches of the lacquer / clear coat on the spokes let go. It was on the outer edges of the horizontal parts, so where you’d rest the palms of your hands. So assume the clear coat was already weakened by human sweat, dirt etc.
So the first challenge was to take the clear coat off to get a consistent base layer. Thinner, acetone, sanding it didn’t work. Finally found a tip to use a copper coin to scrape it off. Somewhat daunting but used that with succes to remove the clear coat and get to the chromed surfaces.
Next step was spraying it with a new matt clear coat to get that ‘mat chrome’ look. I used a 2K clear coat spray can for this.
WARNING: Always use proper PPE when using 2K paints!!! It is highly toxic. I was stupid, luckily my exposure was very limited, but it did stress me out a lot.
Well after that I wet sanded the clear coat, but unfortunately I’m not getting a smooth finish. I think I have not sprayed a thick enough layer of clear coat, and maybe started sanding with too rough a grit. I have zero experience in automotive/fine painting and sanding so learning as we go. It seems pretty hard to get a very smooth but matt finish as the factory matt clear coat on the spokes. See the pics for comparison, the double vertical spoke is original, the horizontal spokes my ‘work’.
Now thinking of trying a wrap I picked up, but that seems too light a chrome tint. Or scraping the clear coat off and try again. Or find another wheel and leave the spokes alone.
Just putting this up to share experiences, and of course and tips are welcome. I’m naturally a bit frustrated, but happy to accept it as a learning proces!
I picked up a Chrome line standard steering wheel, and decided to give the leather a clean-up before installing it. Put masking tape for sensitive surfaces on the spokes, and left it there for about 2 days while I was working on the leather. When removing the tape, unfortunately patches of the lacquer / clear coat on the spokes let go. It was on the outer edges of the horizontal parts, so where you’d rest the palms of your hands. So assume the clear coat was already weakened by human sweat, dirt etc.
So the first challenge was to take the clear coat off to get a consistent base layer. Thinner, acetone, sanding it didn’t work. Finally found a tip to use a copper coin to scrape it off. Somewhat daunting but used that with succes to remove the clear coat and get to the chromed surfaces.
Next step was spraying it with a new matt clear coat to get that ‘mat chrome’ look. I used a 2K clear coat spray can for this.
WARNING: Always use proper PPE when using 2K paints!!! It is highly toxic. I was stupid, luckily my exposure was very limited, but it did stress me out a lot.
Well after that I wet sanded the clear coat, but unfortunately I’m not getting a smooth finish. I think I have not sprayed a thick enough layer of clear coat, and maybe started sanding with too rough a grit. I have zero experience in automotive/fine painting and sanding so learning as we go. It seems pretty hard to get a very smooth but matt finish as the factory matt clear coat on the spokes. See the pics for comparison, the double vertical spoke is original, the horizontal spokes my ‘work’.
Now thinking of trying a wrap I picked up, but that seems too light a chrome tint. Or scraping the clear coat off and try again. Or find another wheel and leave the spokes alone.
Just putting this up to share experiences, and of course and tips are welcome. I’m naturally a bit frustrated, but happy to accept it as a learning proces!
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Attleborough, Norfolk
Devon
