Miata/MX5 Steering wheel repair

[TR3driver]

Borrowed a 96 Miata from a friend, and I'd like to do some small repairs on it by way of saying "Thank you". The "rubber" on the steering wheel has torn and pulled away in one small spot. The remainder of it appears to be in excellent condition. Any ideas on the best way to glue it back ? (Without removing the wheel from the car; don't want to mess with the air bag.)

I'm thinking of just brushing some rubber cement into the gap, then wrapping it with cord to hold it in place overnight.

 

[DrEntropy]

There used to be a great glue called "Ply-o-Bond" for electronics uses, would work well on that, IIRC. I *think* it was a CRC product but not sure.

 

[DrEntropy]

Just found this with a Google: https://www.handlaidtrack.com/pliobond.php

 

[TR3driver]

Thanks, I'll look into it.

The maker's datasheet doesn't sound all that encouraging, though. They say it can be used as "sealer, primer, water repellant or coater" for lots of things; but the only 'adhesive' application listed is "anchoring nonskid material to floors".
https://www.ellsworth.com/display/productdetail.html?productid=1755
(click on "Technical Data Sheet")

 

[DrEntropy]

My first 'exposure' to it in the (late '50's) was as an 'anchor' to tie younger brother's foam teddy bear head back to its body. Bear never lost his head again. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif

I've used it as an adhesive for many things. Including an armrest on the door of the Alfa I drive now. That was back in '99 and the armrest has not split again. It makes a good bond.

 

[RonMacPherson]

And then there's always GOOP. Shoe Goop has filled in a few places on dashes for me.

 

[Eric]

I'd guess that any kind of adhesive/filler repair isn't going to be incredibly pretty. I know it's not the way you want to go, but what I would do is find a good condition Miata wheel (lots of stuff on https://www.miata.net forums) with a blown airbag (worth nearly nothing) and swap the airbag out of the current wheel into the 'new' one. There are instructions online for working witht the airbag without any explosive surprises. https://www.miata.net/garage/strngwhl.html

 

[jlaird]

I think I would try the ruber cement trick.