I am in process of replacing everything inside on my 79 L82. Color: Silver on Oyster.
Last piece to purchase, steering wheel. I was waiting on the new engineered wheel one of the supply house's told me to wait on. Still waiting.
I decided to do the wheel myself. It was not in bad shape, but not something you would keep when rest of interior is replaced with new.
I did this: Took it off, cleaned with soap and water first, then a light sanding with #600 wet.
After drying completed, wiped down with thinner.
No primer used. I just started dusting it with oyster interior dye. After 4th light coat, sanded again, # 600.
Then I went for the gold. Took all the way, and last coat as wet as I could get it without paint running.
Set in separate room to dry for 3 days.
In my opinion, I could not do the core exchange for a new wheel and get a better finished product.

A $12.00 can of oyster dye, vs. $200.00 exchange, and also have to wait on someone to tell me if they can re-use my steering wheel. And, if they say they cannot use it, I am out another $75.00.
Better I trust my own judgement.

Good job, Boatman.

The apprehension and fear of screwing up a job you've never tackled before is turned into pure satisfaction and joy when you see the finished product.

Now sit back, pop open a cold beverage of your choice, and stare at your steering wheel. Get it out of the way now, because if you don't, you'll be staring at the wheel while you're driving down the road.

Alan

hummm sounds great. You'll have to let us know if the color comes off in the hot hot weather. I heard that can happen on the steerign wheels. Anyway good job, would love to see some pics!