Sticky Steering Wheel

[MY1978]

I have a '78 C10 Silverado with an original steering wheel.  It has started doing the sticky thing.  I have watched some YouTube videos about cleaning it up, and using a flexible paint (Like SEM) to repaint it and seal it.  I was told by an auto pant shop that I also needed to use the SEM sealer and then paint it.  I am wondering if anyone has done this.  Was it successful.  Did it stop the stickiness.  Did it start to flake off.  I would prefer not to buy an new steering wheel to the cost of $250 if 2 cans of paint and some elbow grease will reward me with good results.

Thanks.

[VileZambonie]

Put on some gloves, soak a rag in gasoline. Wipe until all the sticky is gone. Nothing will work better. SEM trim black is awesome stuff if it needs a freshen up.

[Rapid Roy]

I use 99% alcohol and rube it a few times. Helped mine no to be sticky.

[MY1978]

Gasoline??  That seems kinda harsh/caustic.  Plus the smell makes my head hurt.  But I do like the benefit of making my truck go.   

What I have done so far is spray it down with Dawn Power wash, let it soak, spray some more and then use a red scrubbing pad to scrub it down.  Did that twice.  I not is not sticky, but has a whiteish film.  I am contemplating trying interior trim detailer.  Or I might do what the paint guy suggested and purchase the SEM Tac Free and then spray with SEM flexible paint #15013.

Still contemplating

[JohnnyPopper]

Do NOT spray anything over dirt/grime/organic material (read finger oil/sweat)

You need a clean surface first and foremost.

I bought a gallon of Flitz Metal Pre-clean. (best value by cost/ounce) Soaked the wheel in a bath of it, and low and behold! There is actually a groove in the surface of the wheel that I didn't know existed.

Carefully research this product. Very acidic, melts away most crud known to old stuff, including your skin.

[MY1978]

Thanks for the information.  The Dawn power wash, and a stiff brush or 2, seemed to clean it up really good.  Right now I am going to go the low, less caustic, road right now.   I have it cleaned up and will see how long it takes to get sticky again.  I may eventually get a wheelskin.  The wheel in is excellent shape (minus the stickiness) and I really want to keep the original wheel since the truck is original with the exception of water pump, fuel pump, alternate and radiator.  I do believe that heat and humidity are a big part of it.  But it is now cooler in Virginia.  Although we have constant humidity, it isn't as bad as in the summer.  I also keep a truck cover over it and under a carport.  Maybe the car cover adds to the problem?  Not sure.  So, remains to be seen.