Steering levers/T-handle

[mbunten]

Good afternoon!!

I haven't posted anything in a very long time, however read nearly everyday. I can't get over the talent and knowledge of the members of this forum. My question to you all is this;

What would the recommended product be for refurbishing the handles on the steering levers and the T-handle on a 1970 350 straight? Obviously over 50 years of use they have basically worn off, and I'm considering this winter tearing everything down for a re-build. I love this machine and would like to bring it back as close to factory as I can. I'm lucky enough to have a family friend that is a retired JD mechanic, a good friend that is an excellent fabricator, and all of you folks here.

Best,
Matt

[Lavoy]

My first thought is Plasti-dip.
Lavoy

[mbunten]

Thanks Lavoy, that's kind of what I was leaning toward as well, but wanted to double check.

Matt

[Hurlbutt]

If you want to build up bulk on the handle, you could use some of the shrink fit product and finish with the dip for surface texture. I have used some which heated to a sticky surface inside for adhesion and had terrific shrinking capability with very thick wall when done. Definitely not the run of the mill product that I had found at a flea market in Sweetwater, Tennessee some years ago.

[mbunten]

Thank you! I was wondering if there was some sort of heat shrink product that might be big enough to accomplish this too. I've tried the plasti-dip on other things and it didn't seem to last as long as I'd hoped, maybe I just needed more coats.