I'm in the process of painting a replacement steering wheel for the 1970 Laurentian.  The existing gold one is quite cracked, but I was able to source a very nice black one.   I dropped the gold steering wheel off at an auto body supply place so they can match the paint (BASF Urethane), then I'll scuff up the black one, spray with adhesion promotor, primer, base coat, then clear coat.   I plan on painting it this weekend.

The Laurentian wheel is quite a bit different than a Parisienne wheel, and the Parisienne wheel has a silver plastic ring aroudn it facing the driver.   To repair cracks, I hear to use an exacto-knife to whittle away the old material, then use an epoxy filler to fill the cracks.  Let dry, then sand and contour, then follow the paint process above.   While "Marine-Tex" seems to be the preferred epoxy filler, there are many other epoxy sticks that can be used.   They're kind of like a tootsie roll, just cut off a chunk, kneed it to mix it, and put in place.  Let dry, then sand and contour.

Hopes this helps.