how to fix a cracked steering wheel/Evinrude cover

[MarcD]

My new old boat project has a white Vollrath steering wheel, and the vinyl/plastic? covering is cracked in several areas. Is there an easy solution to fixing this? I am trying to keep the vintage look, but am open to suggestions. Also, although the 1961 Evinrude Lark III 40 cover is in good shape, I need to replace the foam lining inside, and some of the silver lettering is rubbed off. In the world of restoration/preservation, is it preferred to keep the "character" of this, or is there an after-market solution to restore or preserve the silver lettering of the word Lark? The foam lining inside was used as a small critter condominium for one season....the little varmint chewed quite a bit off in a vain attempt to stay warm. I thought about construction-gluing some 3/4" foam to fit the inside of the cover, but don't know if that would be an idiotic move on my part.

BTW, thanks to all for the answers to the previous post about the "what to do in storage" issue. Since then, I have discovered the boat was constructed from a set of plans from Edwin Monk, and actually purchased a set of the original plans from an Ebay source!

[Hunter25]

Your foam idea is the right track, but you need to use a material that will not melt with the under cover temperatures the powerhead will produce. Plan old foam will be a melted mess, look into some of the sound proofing materials sold at marine stores.

Restoration is a drawn out business and can lead down expensive paths. The plastic steering wheel will need to be replaced, there is no fix that I know of. I know a few engine restorers who, for very big bucks, redo old engines, made to better then original condition. These enterprises have the proper decals and logos to fit the engines. They detail them right down to the pin stripes on the engine cover. These things can be had at a price, but prepare yourself, they are not inexpensive.