Comments on: Worn Leather Steering Wheel | How to Repair Leather Steering Wheel http://theinteriorguyllc.com/repair-leather-steering-wheel/ For All Your Automotive Leather and Vinyl Interior Repair Help Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:17:17 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.3 By: Mike-TIG http://theinteriorguyllc.com/repair-leather-steering-wheel/#comment-784 Mike-TIG Thu, 13 Nov 2008 04:32:21 +0000 http://theinteriorguyllc.com/?p=30#comment-784 Peter, Yeah the color coat should be ok, it's a lacquer based dye, but I think the classic coat is too. The sure coat is the water based. Anyways, go to http://viperproducts.com, they should have the water based dye for the job. Use IG1100 in the promo box at check out and get a discount on your order, plus I get credit for your order. Well dude let me know how things turn out for ya. Later...Mike "TIG" Peter,
Yeah the color coat should be ok, it’s a lacquer based dye, but I think the classic coat is too. The sure coat is the water based. Anyways, go to http://viperproducts.com, they should have the water based dye for the job. Use IG1100 in the promo box at check out and get a discount on your order, plus I get credit for your order. Well dude let me know how things turn out for ya.

Later…Mike “TIG”

]]> By: Peter http://theinteriorguyllc.com/repair-leather-steering-wheel/#comment-783 Peter Thu, 13 Nov 2008 04:22:24 +0000 http://theinteriorguyllc.com/?p=30#comment-783 Mike, I was looking at SEM Landau Black and noticed that it seems to be a color coat, would that be alright to use on my steering wheel? Also, if I were to go ahead and dye part of my steering wheel red would I only need to purchase a white + red dye along with a top coat? Which products and website can you recommend to me that you like using? I never thought about dying the threads red but it sounds like a great idea and I'll have to look into that. Here is a picture of my steering wheel before so you can see how bad it was before. http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w201/blackludebosh/repair003.jpg -Peter Mike,

I was looking at SEM Landau Black and noticed that it seems to be a color coat, would that be alright to use on my steering wheel?

Also, if I were to go ahead and dye part of my steering wheel red would I only need to purchase a white + red dye along with a top coat?

Which products and website can you recommend to me that you like using?

I never thought about dying the threads red but it sounds like a great idea and I’ll have to look into that.

Here is a picture of my steering wheel before so you can see how bad it was before.

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w201/blackludebosh/repair003.jpg

-Peter

]]> By: Mike-TIG http://theinteriorguyllc.com/repair-leather-steering-wheel/#comment-781 Mike-TIG Thu, 13 Nov 2008 03:51:48 +0000 http://theinteriorguyllc.com/?p=30#comment-781 Peter, Looks pretty good, I'm not sure about the two tone, I'd probably stick with the black, but it does look good like that though, heck I don't know, I'll leave that one up to you. Dyeing things red can be a pain. The reds are really transparent, if you really want it to stand out then you'll have to do it two stages. Dye the part white or silver first, then dye it red. This will give you more of a true red. It's kinda like a primer for red, true yellow and blue are the same way, the pigment are just transparent.What you end up doing if you don't use the white first is you have to use so much dye to get the coverage you end up with a mess. Waterborne dyes are a little better, the pigment are a little stronger. One thing you could try to do that would look cool is to paint the threads red, you could try this with a paint pen, like the ones you get at the hobby shop. I noticed in the pic the shift boot has the red threads thats looks nice. Just an idea. Then clear over it to help with wear. You probably won't have to do the white first but you might, test a spot first. Well man thanks for getting a hold of me, and I wish you luck in your steering wheel restoration, don't hesitate to ask me more if you need too. Looks great. Later....Mike "TIG" Peter,
Looks pretty good, I’m not sure about the two tone, I’d probably stick with the black, but it does look good like that though, heck I don’t know, I’ll leave that one up to you.
Dyeing things red can be a pain. The reds are really transparent, if you really want it to stand out then you’ll have to do it two stages. Dye the part white or silver first, then dye it red. This will give you more of a true red. It’s kinda like a primer for red, true yellow and blue are the same way, the pigment are just transparent.What you end up doing if you don’t use the white first is you have to use so much dye to get the coverage you end up with a mess. Waterborne dyes are a little better, the pigment are a little stronger. One thing you could try to do that would look cool is to paint the threads red, you could try this with a paint pen, like the ones you get at the hobby shop. I noticed in the pic the shift boot has the red threads thats looks nice. Just an idea. Then clear over it to help with wear. You probably won’t have to do the white first but you might, test a spot first.
Well man thanks for getting a hold of me, and I wish you luck in your steering wheel restoration, don’t hesitate to ask me more if you need too. Looks great.

Later….Mike “TIG”

]]> By: Peter http://theinteriorguyllc.com/repair-leather-steering-wheel/#comment-779 Peter Thu, 13 Nov 2008 03:08:59 +0000 http://theinteriorguyllc.com/?p=30#comment-779 Mike, http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w201/blackludebosh/wheel.jpg Try that one link, it should work. I dyed my steering wheel 2-tone style and am debating whether to keep the look or to redo the entire thing with a true black. Also I was wondering how hard would it be to dye part of my steering wheel red? I know I'd have to use a water based dye and finish it off with a top coat but am confused with the exact steps needed and what other products I would need to purchase. I figured dying my leather steering wheel would be hard but it's actually not as bad as I had thought, I just need to work on the color I prefer. -Peter Mike,

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w201/blackludebosh/wheel.jpg

Try that one link, it should work.

I dyed my steering wheel 2-tone style and am debating whether to keep the look or to redo the entire thing with a true black.

Also I was wondering how hard would it be to dye part of my steering wheel red?

I know I’d have to use a water based dye and finish it off with a top coat but am confused with the exact steps needed and what other products I would need to purchase.

I figured dying my leather steering wheel would be hard but it’s actually not as bad as I had thought, I just need to work on the color I prefer.

-Peter

]]> By: Mike-TIG http://theinteriorguyllc.com/repair-leather-steering-wheel/#comment-776 Mike-TIG Thu, 13 Nov 2008 02:03:08 +0000 http://theinteriorguyllc.com/?p=30#comment-776 Peter, Hey man, sorry to hear your having some issues. Is the wheel black? If so try the Landau Black, it's a more true black then the midnight black. Now when you dye the wheel, dye all the way around, front and back, to blend it, you might even dye the airbag too. Hope this helps. Send me a pic another way the above wasn't there, before you dye and maybe I can give you some pointers on the color. Later...Mike "TIG" Peter,
Hey man, sorry to hear your having some issues. Is the wheel black? If so try the Landau Black, it’s a more true black then the midnight black. Now when you dye the wheel, dye all the way around, front and back, to blend it, you might even dye the airbag too. Hope this helps. Send me a pic another way the above wasn’t there, before you dye and maybe I can give you some pointers on the color.

Later…Mike “TIG”

]]> By: Peter http://theinteriorguyllc.com/repair-leather-steering-wheel/#comment-773 Peter Wed, 12 Nov 2008 04:59:39 +0000 http://theinteriorguyllc.com/?p=30#comment-773 Hey Mike, I had time to work on my steering wheel a few days ago and the classic grey for Honda turned out way too light. I then purchased the SEM Classic Coat Midnight Black and it wasn't black... but a dark grey. Are any of the SEM classic coat's a true deep black that would match the rest of my steering wheel? Or is there any other option? [IMG]http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w201/blackludebosh/wheel.jpg[/IMG] -Peter Hey Mike,

I had time to work on my steering wheel a few days ago and the classic grey for Honda turned out way too light.

I then purchased the SEM Classic Coat Midnight Black and it wasn’t black… but a dark grey.

Are any of the SEM classic coat’s a true deep black that would match the rest of my steering wheel?

Or is there any other option?

[IMG]http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w201/blackludebosh/wheel.jpg[/IMG]

-Peter

]]> By: Mike-TIG http://theinteriorguyllc.com/repair-leather-steering-wheel/#comment-666 Mike-TIG Tue, 14 Oct 2008 23:13:16 +0000 http://theinteriorguyllc.com/?p=30#comment-666 Beth, Wow...This is definitely a new one for me. I'll bet it's an old perfume, but wow, it's making you sick. Have you tried cleaning it with a degreaser, like say Simple Green, then rinse with water. You might also wipe it down with a little rubbing alcohol. Then as far as sealing the wheel you can use a leather sealer. All you have to do is wipe it on and let dry. Go to http://viperproducts.com and contact Tom, he should have a sealer you will need. Replacement to me would really be the best solution, especially since it's making you sick. If your allergic to something in the leather then it will still be there even if you seal it, whats put on leather stays in leather, so really check into replacement. You could go with a used wheel like through eBay, go to my eBay Stuff Page http://theinteriorguyllc.com/ebay-stuff/ there is a section for steering wheels. But if you go that way your still at risk, but price wise it would be a lot cheaper then the Dealer. So really that ones up to you. Well I hope you find out whats going on, I wish I had a better answer for you. Thanks, Mike "TIG" Beth,
Wow…This is definitely a new one for me. I’ll bet it’s an old perfume, but wow, it’s making you sick.
Have you tried cleaning it with a degreaser, like say Simple Green, then rinse with water. You might also wipe it down with a little rubbing alcohol. Then as far as sealing the wheel you can use a leather sealer. All you have to do is wipe it on and let dry. Go to http://viperproducts.com and contact Tom, he should have a sealer you will need.
Replacement to me would really be the best solution, especially since it’s making you sick. If your allergic to something in the leather then it will still be there even if you seal it, whats put on leather stays in leather, so really check into replacement. You could go with a used wheel like through eBay, go to my eBay Stuff Page http://theinteriorguyllc.com/ebay-stuff/ there is a section for steering wheels. But if you go that way your still at risk, but price wise it would be a lot cheaper then the Dealer. So really that ones up to you.
Well I hope you find out whats going on, I wish I had a better answer for you.

Thanks,
Mike “TIG”

]]> By: Beth Ollice http://theinteriorguyllc.com/repair-leather-steering-wheel/#comment-661 Beth Ollice Tue, 14 Oct 2008 10:13:39 +0000 http://theinteriorguyllc.com/?p=30#comment-661 I have an '05 Honda Accord that's reeking of a sickly sweet chemical smell coming out of the leather steering wheel that makes my hands tingle + itch + is making me sick. Somebody told me the seal is off the leather--just reseal it. How? Or should I just have the dealer install a new one? The smell is on the leather shift knob + hand brake. Replace all? I have an ‘05 Honda Accord that’s reeking of a sickly sweet chemical smell coming out of the leather steering wheel that makes my hands tingle + itch + is making me sick. Somebody told me the seal is off the leather–just reseal it. How?

Or should I just have the dealer install a new one? The smell is on the leather shift knob + hand brake. Replace all?

]]> By: Mike-TIG http://theinteriorguyllc.com/repair-leather-steering-wheel/#comment-642 Mike-TIG Mon, 06 Oct 2008 23:34:59 +0000 http://theinteriorguyllc.com/?p=30#comment-642 Brad, Well unfortunately there is no real quick fix for this problem, the goo won't let any glues stick, so as far as sealing it up, no chance. About the only way to get rid of it is to get rid of the wheel. I have had a couple of guys try to fix it, but I haven't heard back from them to see how their fix went. I myself haven't attempted to repair them, to me replacement is the best option. I did do some checking around for you and found this on eBay, http://tinyurl.com/fordsteeringwheel, copy and paste this url into your address bar. These are some used Ford Explorer steering wheels. Hope this helps, I'll check around some other places too and see what I can come up with. Talk to ya soon, Mike "TIG" Brad,
Well unfortunately there is no real quick fix for this problem, the goo won’t let any glues stick, so as far as sealing it up, no chance. About the only way to get rid of it is to get rid of the wheel. I have had a couple of guys try to fix it, but I haven’t heard back from them to see how their fix went. I myself haven’t attempted to repair them, to me replacement is the best option. I did do some checking around for you and found this on eBay, http://tinyurl.com/fordsteeringwheel, copy and paste this url into your address bar. These are some used Ford Explorer steering wheels. Hope this helps, I’ll check around some other places too and see what I can come up with.

Talk to ya soon,
Mike “TIG”

]]> By: Brad Black http://theinteriorguyllc.com/repair-leather-steering-wheel/#comment-640 Brad Black Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:16:27 +0000 http://theinteriorguyllc.com/?p=30#comment-640 Mike, I also have the black goo leaking from the sticking holes in the factory leather steering wheel cover of my 2001 Ford Sport Track. The dealer said it was "filler" and broke down in the Arizona heat. He could replace the wheel for $200. I'd probably like to spend less. I'm guessing that if I were to open the wheel cover and remove it there would be a lot less wheel left (steel ring). Currently, there is plenty left, is there a way to just seal up the stitching? Steve's post says superglue alone won't do it....I'd like to spend a lot less time and money than $200 or complete replacement. Thanks! Mike,

I also have the black goo leaking from the sticking holes in the factory leather steering wheel cover of my 2001 Ford Sport Track. The dealer said it was “filler” and broke down in the Arizona heat. He could replace the wheel for $200. I’d probably like to spend less. I’m guessing that if I were to open the wheel cover and remove it there would be a lot less wheel left (steel ring). Currently, there is plenty left, is there a way to just seal up the stitching? Steve’s post says superglue alone won’t do it….I’d like to spend a lot less time and money than $200 or complete replacement. Thanks!

]]> By: Mike-TIG http://theinteriorguyllc.com/repair-leather-steering-wheel/#comment-459 Mike-TIG Mon, 18 Aug 2008 02:05:44 +0000 http://theinteriorguyllc.com/?p=30#comment-459 Peter, I've been to both these sites before and both are good choices. As far as the color I'd say the Classic Gray is the one. I haven't seen a steering wheel that is a lighter color, most are either black or dark gray, so your choice is good. You might try to follow the links on my product sites page, go to TCP Global, or go to the link on this page for the Classic Coat which takes you to Amazon.com, then do a search there. Good Luck, Mike "TIG" Peter,
I’ve been to both these sites before and both are good choices. As far as the color I’d say the Classic Gray is the one. I haven’t seen a steering wheel that is a lighter color, most are either black or dark gray, so your choice is good. You might try to follow the links on my product sites page, go to TCP Global, or go to the link on this page for the Classic Coat which takes you to Amazon.com, then do a search there.

Good Luck,
Mike “TIG”

]]> By: Peter http://theinteriorguyllc.com/repair-leather-steering-wheel/#comment-455 Peter Sat, 16 Aug 2008 07:37:44 +0000 http://theinteriorguyllc.com/?p=30#comment-455 Hey Mike, Couldn't find nearby store that carry SEM Products so I will have to buy mine online. I am attempting to repair my leather steering wheel from a Honda S2000. http://www.vinylproleather.com/page/1276914 Would that be Classic Gray #17263? There are only 2 colors listed under "Honda". Also, while looking for SEM products I happened to run across this website. http://www.leatherworldtech.com/category.aspx?categoryID=10 Are you familiar with these products? Would I have any better results with those or will it be pretty much the same? -Peter Hey Mike,

Couldn’t find nearby store that carry SEM Products so I will have to buy mine online.

I am attempting to repair my leather steering wheel from a Honda S2000.

http://www.vinylproleather.com/page/1276914

Would that be Classic Gray #17263?

There are only 2 colors listed under “Honda”.

Also, while looking for SEM products I happened to run across this website.

http://www.leatherworldtech.com/category.aspx?categoryID=10

Are you familiar with these products?

Would I have any better results with those or will it be pretty much the same?

-Peter

]]> By: Mike-TIG http://theinteriorguyllc.com/repair-leather-steering-wheel/#comment-449 Mike-TIG Thu, 14 Aug 2008 01:39:02 +0000 http://theinteriorguyllc.com/?p=30#comment-449 Jordon, The stitching process is just like a shoe, you will start with a piece of thread about 10 feet long (maybe not that big but it will be long) with a pinch needle on each end, pull the thread though both sides of the cover leaving equal amounts on each side, then start the lacing process. You'll go over and then under to the next holes in a cross pattern just like a shoelace. The only problem I had was dealing with all that thread, but if you can get through that you shouldn't have any probs, just pull it tight as you go. I hope just cleaning that off will work, you might have to insert a piece of foam in behind it to take up the slack, or you might have a saggy cover. Now you said the stitching was on the top of the wheel, if so then the cover has been twisted. The stitching should be on the inside of the wheel, not on the outside. Man this goo thing is nasty, I came across one just the other day, it's like your gel'n in the steering wheel, but don't want to be gel'n. Jordon good luck with your adventure, and let me know how it turns out. Later - Mike "TIG" Jordon,
The stitching process is just like a shoe, you will start with a piece of thread about 10 feet long (maybe not that big but it will be long) with a pinch needle on each end, pull the thread though both sides of the cover leaving equal amounts on each side, then start the lacing process. You’ll go over and then under to the next holes in a cross pattern just like a shoelace. The only problem I had was dealing with all that thread, but if you can get through that you shouldn’t have any probs, just pull it tight as you go.
I hope just cleaning that off will work, you might have to insert a piece of foam in behind it to take up the slack, or you might have a saggy cover. Now you said the stitching was on the top of the wheel, if so then the cover has been twisted. The stitching should be on the inside of the wheel, not on the outside.
Man this goo thing is nasty, I came across one just the other day, it’s like your gel’n in the steering wheel, but don’t want to be gel’n.
Jordon good luck with your adventure, and let me know how it turns out.

Later - Mike “TIG”

]]> By: Jordon http://theinteriorguyllc.com/repair-leather-steering-wheel/#comment-447 Jordon Wed, 13 Aug 2008 22:29:36 +0000 http://theinteriorguyllc.com/?p=30#comment-447 Mike I have the same problem as steve with my 2000 Ford Ranger except the goo is coming out of stitching holes in the top of the wheel. I actually think it is the old adhesive breaking down from years of heat. In any case, I am simply going to un-stitch the top part where the problem is, clean it up, glue it back down, and restitch that portion. The only problem is, I can't seem to figure out what method of stitching is used. Perhaps you know? I noticed you said it was similar to lacing a shoe, and it does look so, however I want to make sure before I take it off. Mike I have the same problem as steve with my 2000 Ford Ranger except the goo is coming out of stitching holes in the top of the wheel. I actually think it is the old adhesive breaking down from years of heat. In any case, I am simply going to un-stitch the top part where the problem is, clean it up, glue it back down, and restitch that portion. The only problem is, I can’t seem to figure out what method of stitching is used. Perhaps you know? I noticed you said it was similar to lacing a shoe, and it does look so, however I want to make sure before I take it off.

]]> By: Mike-TIG http://theinteriorguyllc.com/repair-leather-steering-wheel/#comment-442 Mike-TIG Wed, 13 Aug 2008 01:40:51 +0000 http://theinteriorguyllc.com/?p=30#comment-442 Peter, Quick response gets the job done...I'm looking forward to seeing your pics. Good luck, and talk to ya soon. Later-Mike "TIG" Peter,
Quick response gets the job done…I’m looking forward to seeing your pics. Good luck, and talk to ya soon.

Later-Mike “TIG”

]]> By: Peter http://theinteriorguyllc.com/repair-leather-steering-wheel/#comment-435 Peter Tue, 12 Aug 2008 05:04:20 +0000 http://theinteriorguyllc.com/?p=30#comment-435 Mike, Thanks for the quick response. I'll take some before/during/after pictures and let you know how it goes. -Peter Mike,

Thanks for the quick response.

I’ll take some before/during/after pictures and let you know how it goes.

-Peter

]]> By: Mike-TIG http://theinteriorguyllc.com/repair-leather-steering-wheel/#comment-432 Mike-TIG Mon, 11 Aug 2008 21:19:51 +0000 http://theinteriorguyllc.com/?p=30#comment-432 Hi Peter, The steps you have sound perfect. Don’t forget a sheet to throw over your instrument cluster and dash, and maybe one for the seat too. Now if you have a hole or tear, the super glue will be your filler, the filler I mentioned is for minor scratches and imperfections or after the super glue to ensure it’s nice and smooth. The super glue along with the sandings from the leather should fill in the hole if it’s not too big. One thing you can do before you put your finishing coat of dye on is to apply a flexible primer surfacer to the repair area, this will fill in any imperfections and give you a nice smooth finish, after sanded, for your dye. Sems makes a nice primer surfacer, that works well. It come in a rattle can, so it’s easy, no compressor needed. As far as the dye you use, the rattle cans are ready to spray, there is no cross linker in the Sems Classic Coat, this is a lacquer based dye, the water based is where your cross linkers come in. I use rattle cans on occasion, for small repairs on some steering wheels. As far as dyeing the airbag, if it needs it you can, just mask off the emblems and spray away, make sure you prep it with your solution and scotch brite pad. Apply a coat of bulldog before your dye. Let me know if you need anything else, and let me know how it turns out, maybe send me a pic. Later....Mike "TIG" Hi Peter,
The steps you have sound perfect. Don’t forget a sheet to throw over your instrument cluster and dash, and maybe one for the seat too.
Now if you have a hole or tear, the super glue will be your filler, the filler I mentioned is for minor scratches and imperfections or after the super glue to ensure it’s nice and smooth. The super glue along with the sandings from the leather should fill in the hole if it’s not too big.
One thing you can do before you put your finishing coat of dye on is to apply a flexible primer surfacer to the repair area, this will fill in any imperfections and give you a nice smooth finish, after sanded, for your dye. Sems makes a nice primer surfacer, that works well. It come in a rattle can, so it’s easy, no compressor needed.
As far as the dye you use, the rattle cans are ready to spray, there is no cross linker in the Sems Classic Coat, this is a lacquer based dye, the water based is where your cross linkers come in. I use rattle cans on occasion, for small repairs on some steering wheels.
As far as dyeing the airbag, if it needs it you can, just mask off the emblems and spray away, make sure you prep it with your solution and scotch brite pad. Apply a coat of bulldog before your dye.
Let me know if you need anything else, and let me know how it turns out, maybe send me a pic.

Later….Mike “TIG”

]]> By: Peter http://theinteriorguyllc.com/repair-leather-steering-wheel/#comment-427 Peter Mon, 11 Aug 2008 08:04:35 +0000 http://theinteriorguyllc.com/?p=30#comment-427 Hey Mike, Wanted to thank you for the write up and had a few questions if you wouldn't mind answering. This is what I plan to do: 1. Wipe steering wheel down with rubbing alcohol/ammonia/acetone/water + red scotch pad 2. Patch up wear/tear holes with thick gel super glue + sandpaper till smooth 3. Apply thompson water seal 4. Apply bulldog adhesion promoter 5. Sem classic coat 6. Top coat it with a satin clear + cross linker 7. Leather Conditioner First off, am I missing any steps or anything else you would recommend? When you use fillers to fill up holes is that to ensure smoothness of the steering wheel or is it an alternative to the thick gel super glue/sandpaper. If I don't have access to a spray gun/compressor would it be okay to shoot satin clear out of a can without the cross linker or is it necessary? Lastly, do you also dye the airbag cover, is it the same steps + mask off emblems if you have one? Hey Mike,

Wanted to thank you for the write up and had a few questions if you wouldn’t mind answering.

This is what I plan to do:

1. Wipe steering wheel down with rubbing alcohol/ammonia/acetone/water + red scotch pad
2. Patch up wear/tear holes with thick gel super glue + sandpaper till smooth
3. Apply thompson water seal
4. Apply bulldog adhesion promoter
5. Sem classic coat
6. Top coat it with a satin clear + cross linker
7. Leather Conditioner

First off, am I missing any steps or anything else you would recommend?

When you use fillers to fill up holes is that to ensure smoothness of the steering wheel or is it an alternative to the thick gel super glue/sandpaper.

If I don’t have access to a spray gun/compressor would it be okay to shoot satin clear out of a can without the cross linker or is it necessary?

Lastly, do you also dye the airbag cover, is it the same steps + mask off emblems if you have one?

]]> By: Mike-TIG http://theinteriorguyllc.com/repair-leather-steering-wheel/#comment-392 Mike-TIG Sat, 02 Aug 2008 04:14:53 +0000 http://theinteriorguyllc.com/?p=30#comment-392 Steve, I was looking on Ebay and found a few things but I'm not if they will interchange. The airbag will come out thats no prob, but the cruise and such I'm not sure about that. The super glue probably won't stick due to the oils in the goo. Have you tried taking the cover off yet to see whats underneath? There might be a pretty nice wheel under that since it is an after market kit. If your wanting leather back on you could check the leather shop and buy a small strip or a piece of hide and make your own. Just pay attention to how the old one was stitched on. There was a place and I'm still searching for it that would take your wheel and keep it for a core and send you a refurbished wheel. Not really sure what the cost was but I'm sure it's not real cheap. Things like this you would think that the manufactures would do something about, but we could only wish. So the upholstery shop wanted $400 to fix it, wow. Theres got to be a cheaper way, I know it's not easy to stitch a wheel, did it on a Porsche steering wheel one time, it's like lacing up a shoe just more of a pain in the butt. But it is doable just time consuming. Well Steve I'll keep an eye out and let me know if you need some help, I'll do my best. Later, Mike "TIG" Steve,
I was looking on Ebay and found a few things but I’m not if they will interchange. The airbag will come out thats no prob, but the cruise and such I’m not sure about that.
The super glue probably won’t stick due to the oils in the goo. Have you tried taking the cover off yet to see whats underneath? There might be a pretty nice wheel under that since it is an after market kit. If your wanting leather back on you could check the leather shop and buy a small strip or a piece of hide and make your own. Just pay attention to how the old one was stitched on. There was a place and I’m still searching for it that would take your wheel and keep it for a core and send you a refurbished wheel. Not really sure what the cost was but I’m sure it’s not real cheap. Things like this you would think that the manufactures would do something about, but we could only wish. So the upholstery shop wanted $400 to fix it, wow. Theres got to be a cheaper way, I know it’s not easy to stitch a wheel, did it on a Porsche steering wheel one time, it’s like lacing up a shoe just more of a pain in the butt. But it is doable just time consuming. Well Steve I’ll keep an eye out and let me know if you need some help, I’ll do my best.

Later,
Mike “TIG”

]]> By: Steve http://theinteriorguyllc.com/repair-leather-steering-wheel/#comment-390 Steve Fri, 01 Aug 2008 21:13:25 +0000 http://theinteriorguyllc.com/?p=30#comment-390 Mike, Thanks for the reply about the black goo leaking from my 1996 Ford van's steering wheel. I've tried using superglue to seal it at the places where the goo leaks out on the wheel's spokes. That hasn't worked for more than a few days at a time despite my best efforts to prep and clean the surfaces of the leather and wheel before using the glue. According to the Ford dealer, this steering wheel is no longer available and none of our salvage yards have one. The cost of having a local shop recover the wheel is about $400.00, hence my interest in a self-help alternative. The wheel has both an airbag and cruise control, so my choices for after-market wheel replacement are limited. At the beginning, I was sure that my problem was going to be solved for a couple of years with five minutes of effort and gel superglue! Mike,
Thanks for the reply about the black goo leaking from my 1996 Ford van’s steering wheel. I’ve tried using superglue to seal it at the places where the goo leaks out on the wheel’s spokes. That hasn’t worked for more than a few days at a time despite my best efforts to prep and clean the surfaces of the leather and wheel before using the glue. According to the Ford dealer, this steering wheel is no longer available and none of our salvage yards have one. The cost of having a local shop recover the wheel is about $400.00, hence my interest in a self-help alternative. The wheel has both an airbag and cruise control, so my choices for after-market wheel replacement are limited. At the beginning, I was sure that my problem was going to be solved for a couple of years with five minutes of effort and gel superglue!

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