Leather steering wheel cover for under $25.00

[toddsmith1]

I just replaced the steering wheel cover on my new 1997 LX450. I have read many threads on recovering steering wheels. Some costing over $400.00. Since I only paid $750 for my entire truck, that was out of the question. I found another solution. A Superior Automotive genuine steering wheel cover. You can get them on Amazon for under $25.00. I cut the old leather off. It was tearing off anyway. The black foam underneath the cover was in good condition but was "loose" on the steering wheel. I used a razor blade and made long slices in the foam(there is a steel wheel underneath). I used 3M weather stripping adhesive and applied it in the slices. Let it dry over night and the looseness is gone. It takes a long time to do the stitching. Take your time. If you get in a hurry you will mess up and have to start over again. Make sure you order the "C" size. It fits perfectly. I think this is one of the best upgrades for the $$.

Here is the link from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DS6L7ZU/?tag=ihco-20.

Again, MAKE SURE YOU ORDER SIZE C

I painted the black foam with Krylon Fusion paint and topped it off with automotive clear coat to keep it from cracking.

A quick observation, I would not do the light color (tan) again. I would do more of taupe color if it is available. The tan is going to get dirty real quick. It looks good right now though.

I took the steering wheel off. I think some people have put on a cover like this without removing the steering wheel. It will be a WHOLE lot easier doing it my way.

 

[nodaksn3]

Nice job! Good tip, thanks. I'll order one. Ned

 

[dan360]

Cool, thanks for the write up and tip!

I have a local trim shop do my truck steering wheels when they get all grimy. Pretty sure it's a similar style cover---they charge me $100 out-the-door but it saves me from punching holes in my walls trying to do that stitching. I have no patience like you obviously do. lol

 

[livinoffroad]

Great job on the stitching! I'll rebuild an engine, or weld you an asphalt plant, but I'm naturally crappy with cosmetic stuff...just no patience for it. Great upgrade for a $750 truck!

 

[Kernal]

This is looking like a good option ie: before the original wheel gets really bad cover it with this leather. Is it the same quality as WheelSkins?

 

[toddsmith1]

I haven't seen the Wheelskins in person, so I can't give a comparison. The leather is not real thick, but it is very soft and supple. I cut all the old leather off and covered only the foam. I don't think this will look near as good covering the original leather. There will be a gap in the stitching.

livinoffroad- I was wondering how long it was going to take someone to comment on my new $750.00 LX450. I paid more than that for the ARB on my 97 LC. I got a killer deal from a guy who thought his engine was bad and the repair shop wanted $5200 to replace the motor. The only real problem was a bad radiator. (the radiator was replaced last year by the same repair shop and they mixed red and green antifreeze) I will post pictures in a different thread soon.

 

[CruiseOrlando]

I haven't seen the Wheelskins in person, so I can't give a comparison. The leather is not real thick, but it is very soft and supple. I cut all the old leather off and covered only the foam. I don't think this will look near as good covering the original leather. There will be a gap in the stitching.

livinoffroad- I was wondering how long it was going to take someone to comment on my new $750.00 LX450. I paid more than that for the ARB on my 97 LC. I got a killer deal from a guy who thought his engine was bad and the repair shop wanted $5200 to replace the motor. The only real problem was a bad radiator. (the radiator was replaced last year by the same repair shop and they mixed red and green antifreeze) I will post pictures in a different thread soon.

Great mod. I might have to try it myself.

And by the way, for $750, I would have bought 2!