How to remove center piece in steering wheel - 2006 262

[groberts4]

Howdy from Lake Conroe, Texas - I'm updating my 2006 262 and the center ring on the steering wheel is corroded. I want to remove it to refinish it - does anyone know if I can just pry if out, or if there's a more proper way to remove it?
I'll appreciate any insight, thanks!

[AsLan7]

Howdy from Lake Conroe, Texas - I'm updating my 2006 262 and the center ring on the steering wheel is corroded. I want to remove it to refinish it - does anyone know if I can just pry if out, or if there's a more proper way to remove it?
I'll appreciate any insight, thanks!

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It's very easy. You actually pry the entire black plastic (which includes the center ring) right off the steering wheel. Pops right off.

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[groberts4]

Thanks!
I'm not sure I understand what you mean when you say "back plastic". Attached is a picture of my center steering wheel, which is different from yours. Can you translate your advice to this wheel?

Cobalt 262 Steering Wheel Center.jpg

[groberts4]

Also, while you're being so generous with your time and seem to know a lot about Cobalts...
I want to remove this rear bimini mounting post, take off the gizmo and just screw the screws back into the glass. Do you know if these are a bolt/nut combo or if they're plain screws. If it's bolt/nut I won't bother, unless there's a way to get under there and retrieve the nut.
I'm doing this for appearance, and because people keep snagging their butts on it when they slide in and out from the dock.
Thanks again!
PS: That picture of your steering wheel is all I need to see to know that your boat is immaculate. It literally looks brand new and I can't imagine how you've managed that given its age. Did you replace a lot of parts, is it super low hours, or is there some secret you'd like to share???

[groberts4]

sorry, here's the pic of that mounting bracket for the bimini

Cobalt 262 Bimini Aft Anchor.jpg

[AsLan7]

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Sorry. Meant to say “black” plastic. I corrected my post. The entire piece just pops off.

That bimini piece is thru bolted. You may be able to reach a hand up there from the under seat area to grab the nuts. (that’s what’s she….)

And thanks for the compliment g4. Took us three years to find our boat. It was a hedge fund managers and he hardly used it on Lake Meade since he had three other boats…one being a 38 ‘ yacht in San Francisco. Believe it or not he actually had a hired Captain for his 262 to take him out. . I actually went thru the pre purchase inspection with that hired Captain. You can’t make this stuff up.

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[groberts4]

Thanks As. the black plastic popped right off, just like you said. Now I gotta see if I can polish that plastic ring or if I just repaint it metallic paint.
Another question: like most guys I wish my boat/car/plane went faster. My 262 has the Volvo Penta 8.1 making 375hp, with a top speed of 55 mph. I see you've got the monster 496 in essentially the same boat. So if I splurged on a 496 MagHO, what kind of speeds might I expect?
Lastly, is there a place that sells upgrade parts for my engine? Anything to make it faster?

[Titaniumboy]

I’m watching this with interest. While my chromed plastic insert doesn’t look too bad from five feet away, once you get closer you can see that the cancer has already started.

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If this was real chromed steel you could get rid of the rust with some 0000 steel wool and polish, but with this chromed plastic the chrome finish just starts bubbling away from the underlying surface.

Do you have any pictures of the removed chrome ring and any other related parts that keep it in place? Maybe rough dimensions of the OD, ID, and thickness? This part begs to be made of stainless steel.

I wonder who Cobalt bought the steering wheel from?

[groberts4]

Got it apart, the chromed piece feels like a light alloy with the chrome already peeling off. Obviously won't withstand any polishing. I'm going to see of there's anyone in the area that can rechrome it, or I might just try some good ol' metallic spray paint after I sand it down.
Dimensions are: 2 31/32" in diameter for upper ring, 3 1/32 for lower ring. Each ring is exactly 3/16 high, for a total of 3/8" for the piece.
The black center Cobalt logo is clearly plastic and glued in super tight. I'm pretty sure it would break if I tried prying it free, which will making sanding and painting a pain.

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[Titaniumboy]

Thanks for the pictures. That part is a little more complicated than I had guessed.

What is being shown in the second picture?

Can you take another picture of the chrome ring from the side? What is holding the chrome ring in place on the steering wheel? Friction?

[DEcosse]

Check this out - it might be great option to refinish that center emblem

You can skip ahead to 6 min mark to find the process which is the big winner
Spoiler - It's actually a nail polish kit!

[Big Block Power]

Sorry but why not just replace that piece?

[Titaniumboy]

Sorry but why not just replace that piece?

I would love to replace the chrome ring, but have no idea where to find it?

[AsLan7]

Check this out - it might be great option to refinish that center emblem

You can skip ahead to 6 min mark to find the process which is the big winner
Spoiler - It's actually a nail polish kit!

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Cool vid.
That nail polish resin & powder is some great stuff.

[Big Block Power]

Sorry but why not just replace that piece?

I would love to replace the chrome ring, but have no idea where to find it?

I got the black center piece from the dealer. So I would think they can get the chrome piece? Or just upgrade the whole steering wheel