Hard plastic steering wheel question

[Shortsguy1]

My w115 has the older, large diameter steering wheel from the days before power steering was common. I think they are made of bakelite around a metal frame. It is cracked and I am trying to figure out long term fixes (epoxy and paint perhaps, or just find one in better condition). But as part of this thought process, I have a quick question:

Were these steering wheels intended to have some sort of leather covering over the wheel where your hands touch it?

I put one of those sew-up steering wheel covers on mine and it made the wheel much nicer to hold in my hands (better diameter, less slippy, and less visible cracks). This is a fine solution for now, but in the long term I would prefer to return the car to however it was intended to be used when new. Perhaps drivers in the 1960s all wore driving gloves??? Anyway, this steering wheel cover question will determine how much of the wheel I need to repair, and if it would be feasible to possibly paint it ivory white after repair.

Thanks in advance.

[Lucas]

I have yet to see that. There was a thread on mbworld of a guy that fixed all the cracks and painted. I'm insure how to fix the center part.

[meltedpanda]

no they never had a leather wrap

[JeffreyNMemphis]

The steering wheels did not come wrapped from the factory. I am familiar with the cracking that happens to the steering wheels. Some do restore them with epoxy. I would search YouTube for a video. I know I have seen this done.

Can you post a picture of your steering wheel? We love pictures!

[Idle]

During that time slick steering wheels were considered a touch of class. I think this really started with the Jag XKE and its' thin wooden steering wheel.

Pontiac put wooden steering wheels on their sporty cars during the 60's if you wanted to pay the big bucks for this option. I have only seen one of these and that was back then. I remember the owner would gripe nonstop about how slick it was.

Then Mercedes got into the act.

The thing was you were supposed to wear driving gloves, which were normally made of deerskin, while driving the car. The gloves protected your hands from sunlight and gave you the grip you needed to deal with the slick surface. The gloves were usually found in the company of Ray Ban Aviators and a wool snap brim cap. You had to have the total look.

So it was the style of the time and really nothing more.

[janikphoto]

I watched an episode of Wheeler Dealers where they took a similar steering wheel to a guy in England that refurbished them. He made a mold, broke off the old plastic and cast a whole new wheel around the metal frame. Not sure if someone in the USA is doing the same, but it's definitely the best option for long term quality. I'm planning to just fill with epoxy and paint it. I bet you could take the wheel to an auto upholstery shop and have them wrap it in leather. They could probably make it look like MB did it at the factory!

[Carpenterman]

If the cracks are more hairline than actual gaps, I love the look. Reminds me of fine ivory.

[Marrs]

Originally Posted by Carpenterman

Reminds me of fine ivory.

Me too! Yes, you do really need to wear driving gloves with these thin, slick wheels to properly grip them. Assumed in era, little used today.