Steering wheel residue

[skylark68]

Hello everyone: Long time lurker, although I have posted a few times in the Suburban forums.

I recently acquired my Dad's old '83 Silverado Long Bed truck, and the first thing I noticed after getting it running again (sitting for about 2 years) was the factory steering wheel seems like it is literally melting. Everytime I drive it there is a residue left on my hands that is fairly sticky. This isn't a new problem for me as my '72 Corvette has the same issue (and it's been garage kept since 1980). I can wipe it down and it alleviates the problem for a little while, but on a really hot day it starts "sweating" again. Is there anyway to fix this issue? The steering wheel is in really good shape otherwise (no cracks or missing pieces) so I'd hate to replace it (especially with an aftermarket wheel).

Thanks!

[zieg85]

Common problem.  It is actually the plasticizers in the wheel that is breaking down.  That is why we get a film on the inside of the windshields and why the dash pads crack and gets brittle over time.  For mine I use rubbing alcohol to remove the sticky.

[skylark68]

Okay, good suggestion. How long does the alcohol keep the wheel clean?

Would a steering wheel restoration kit or a repaint of the wheel do any good?

[zieg85]

I usually can get a year out of it.  The hard part is the first clean, then you just clean it with Windex after that as you clean the truck.  Never tried painting a wheel except the old painted 1965 C10 I used to have but they had paint on it originally