BUILD THREAD Project Olds Cool (Recognition!!)

Turbo Zach

Comic Book Super Hero
Sep 8, 2015
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You truly are a wonder of the world! I appreciate the write ups and explanation on what you do. I have learned so much from you so far and understand what it really takes to make a show stopper. You keep on being you!
 
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Rktpwrd

Builder of Cool Shjt
Supporting Member
Feb 2, 2015
4,155
23,832
113
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Sooooo.....

Apparently something shiny went by on my way out to the shop yesterday and I got distracted.

CDB1BAE2-FB21-4F93-9291-1F402F104940.jpeg


Earlier this month, Oldsmobile Joe and I arranged a trade, he had a Rallye Sport steering wheel in the correct color that I was interested in (yes, I know I already have one, but his was less faded), and I had the N78 442 center caps I was using before I acquired the near mint set I have now.

These...

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...For this:

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The wheel showed up last week and we were both very happy with the trade. The wheel sat on my kitchen counter for the better part of that week while I was spraying product in the garage, so yesterday morning I grabbed it on my way out.

“I’m just gonna do some cleanup on it before I throw it on” was the thought as I set it down on the bench.

Well, not entirely surprisingly, one thing led to another and down the rabbit hole I disappeared. It all started with finding some jacked up spots on the backside of the spokes...

9F8D4C0E-C1BC-45B4-9D2F-5D845168DEBB.jpeg


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...and on the hub:

FD438364-ECC9-4BD5-82E4-5630E2D3920B.jpeg


So I got to metal finishing them out. Despite appearances, the spokes are actually nickle plated steel and not aluminum, which made it considerably harder to repair.

EEC9E8BC-D06D-498C-B61A-50231350524E.jpeg


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The same two spokes after a “little” metal finishing, in 120 grit:

D92734C6-282E-42AD-A9CE-71057E37ABBB.jpeg


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Also removed the surface rust, welding spatter and old crud from around the hub:

62E0BF7C-A119-4331-982F-660FADBF9C01.jpeg


Neck deep in it already, I decided I might as well keep going. The outside edges of each spoke were lightly radiused, and I even cleaned up inside each spoke hole with a small stone on the Dremel.

Next I restored the original brushed pattern on the front of the spokes with 40 grit on a block, then also added it to the backsides with 80 for a matching but more subtle look.
I still have to mask up the grip and shoot a little color and clear back on it to restore the original spoke color, but for now the metal work is done.

The end result:

89CDDA18-A320-4734-95B0-B9C2A07CA916.jpeg


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Guess now I can add “steering wheel restorer” to my resumé and skill set.
Lol

After I get the spokes shot, I’ll let it cure a bit then take it down to a local shop that does some amazing interior restoration and repair work. I wanna get their input as to what the grip needs to be properly restored, and if they’re reasonable enough, I might just leave it with them to restore and redye the grip.

If they’re not, well, then y’all haven’t seen the last of this lil project!

In the meantime I gotta go, this is lurking in the shadows waiting to pounce....!!!

E3200D77-FCBB-4E61-9D3D-2A2C12910F4F.jpeg


Later friends,

D.
 
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pagrunt

Geezer
Sep 14, 2014
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Elderton, Pa
When you look up OCD I think this would be the image used to represent it:
1566137391051.png


As always another outstanding job on a "simple" freshing up.
1566137579292.png
 
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TURNA

Rocket Powered Basset Hound
Jul 24, 2009
10,941
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That came out sweet!


Now sell me your old one!!

🤪
 
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Rktpwrd

Builder of Cool Shjt
Supporting Member
Feb 2, 2015
4,155
23,832
113
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
That came out sweet!


Now sell me your old one!!

🤪

The old one is in good shape, it likely will be up for grabs once this other one is done and on the car.

Taking offers from the highest bidder...
😅
 
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Rktpwrd

Builder of Cool Shjt
Supporting Member
Feb 2, 2015
4,155
23,832
113
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Boom, done.

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Next....
 
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ssn696

Living in the Past
Supporting Member
Jul 19, 2009
5,543
6,662
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Permanent Temporary
It’s currently only 7:00 in the morning here, too early to be firing up noisy hot rods and running compressors, but as soon as the neighborhood wakes up some, I’ll do just that.

It’s gonna be a good day.

D.
That sounded like a swift kick in my shank to get off this chair and go clean up the garage. Gotta put away the tools piled inside the door as mentioned on another thread.

Enjoy your day!
 
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motorheadmike

Geezer
Nov 18, 2009
8,976
27,522
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Saskatchewan, Truckistan
It’s currently only 7:00 in the morning here, too early to be firing up noisy hot rods and running compressors, but as soon as the neighborhood wakes up some, I’ll do just that.

LOL - like that ever stopped me. But, it is funny when the neighbour comes bursting into my garage at 2330hrs pissed because I am running my pneumatic die grinder at full song because she cannot sleep.
 
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