Has anyone bought a new Toyota steering wheel?

[DARKNESS]

Vinyl covered might be the ultimate in looks and durability though feel would be sacrificed

 

[Kernal]

Maybe get a vinyl wheel and put a wheelskins on it, then when it starts to look bad in five years put another on. Wonder how a vinyl wheel would match up with the original horn/airbag?

 

[bsmart82]

I picked up a used black vinyl wheel off a 91 and it matches fine. I kept the original wheel with the intent of covering it myself or paying someone local, but haven't dome anything yet.

 

[cruisercommando]

I bought what I believe to be the last new tan wheel years ago to match the leather to. I've had people want to send it back as they think its the incorrect color. Remove your airbag and you'll see the untouched leather that wraps each spoke and its nothing like the wheel.

If you use hand sanitizer you'll destroy the leather quickly as it kills the natural oils.

My wheel has 3 years of hard use with no wear marks, however I use un scented lotion and a T-shirt to condition mine. It works very well.

Shane

Tried to buy a new wheel tonight, but they're out of stock. When do you expect to have more?

 

[Kernal]

I wonder if the leather could be matched to the lighter shade of Oak (brown) that occurs with the plastic due to age and sun exposure??

 

[DARKNESS]

Mine matches pretty darn close. I will take a pic when I get home later this week. Honestly I wouldn't be surprised if the OEM plastic and leather were originally slightly different.

 

[AATLAS1X]

Tried to buy a new wheel tonight, but they're out of stock. When do you expect to have more?

When people would return their cores!!! Never a high priority, lol.

ACC should have a core for me soon, will let you know.

 

[Marcus1983]

Under the original leather I found a black ?foam rubber (doesn't feel quite as solid a rubber as the auto shifter handle for example), it's apparently glued or molded to the metal frame in the center. Has anyone sent a wheel to the company in Texas to be recovered, I forget their name?

Same here on my 96.

I am very tempted to get the new oem wheel. I wonder what the breakdown of which countries received leather wheels was? I had a well worn 98 Corolla I was commuting with for a while - the plastic steering wheel looked a million times better than my 80's. The rest of the car was crap, but that steering wheel made me wonder about the wisdom of wrapping wheels in leather . . .

 

[gray rider]

This might be an option:

https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=624336&referrerid=65125

 

[Brentbba]

Just got a quote from the Texas company. Send your steering wheel core in and they recover in stiched leather for $250 plus shipping. You're out a steering wheel for about 2 weeks. They'll recover the shifter knob for another $100.

 

[Jeppers]

Wheel Recovering Quote

Looked into have my LX450 done in wood similar to the 470's, here is a quote from a company (no affiliation) in Texas:

"Hi Jep,

Thanks for your inquiry! Since 1991, we have been the leader in upholstering, customizing, repairing, restoring and decorating steering wheels, dashes and interior parts for every make and model of car and truck.

The cost to modify your LX450 steering wheel to woodgrain and leather specifications is $499 plus shipping. Be sure to send in a sample piece of the woodgrain you want us to match to, and we'll take care of the rest. Turnaround is about 2 -3 weeks. We can also reupholster your gear shift or ebrake handle to match your steering wheel in leather for $100 each or in woodgrain/leather for $199 each.

All of our work, quality and materials are guaranteed, and meet or exceed manufacturer's specifications. Simply send your wheel in to the address below, along with a copy of this email, your address, phone number, and a brief description of what you want done. We will call you and can take a credit card over the phone to handle payment. And, when your job is complete and ready to ship, we will notify you that it is on its way. Please let me know if you have any additional questions.

To guarantee the price quoted, please include a copy of this email/quote in your box when shipping in your order.

Thanks,

Kathy
www.craftcustoms.com
214-564-1170
892 Steger Towne Rd., #59
Rockwall, Texas 75032"

 

[Kernal]

OK, that's the same company I contacted a year ago, called and they said they charge $250 for standard leather and $30 to restick the foam rubber if it is loose. If you also send in the airbag/horn cover for $100 more they will match it up using a special paint for vinyl. Anyone out there ever painted vinyl?

 

[cruiserdan]

Anyone out there ever painted vinyl?

I have.

If the surface is prepared properly and the right kind of paint is used it turns out OK. It is not the best for high-wear areas such as seat bottoms, scuff plates, steering wheel rims and so-on. I did the arm rests and rear door panels in my Dodge truck and they have held up fairly well. That truck does not get a lot of use and the family looks after how they close the doors and where they put their feet. That helps.

 

[Kernal]

That's good to know, does the vinyl paint sorta wear off or flake off?

 

[cruiserdan]

I have not had it flake.

 

[Brentbba]

I have not had it flake.

True, he hasn't...it's all fallen out...hair that is.

 

[cruiserdan]

Sorry about your head gasket.........

 

[Brentbba]

Sorry about your head gasket.........

OH NO - the Shamman has spoken!