Steering Wheel and Shifter Re-Cover

[GreatLakesWaterjet]

I found a local company that does leather and Hydrographics. I can get the steering wheel re-done in leather for $150 and the shift handle for $60. They will do and custom hyrographics and leather together for $200 on the wheel and $60 on the knob. They have any pattern and color availible. Carbon fiber, wood grains, solids, marbles and anything else. They can basically do any parts in the hydrographics and they also have a mold former for custom jobs. If there is enough intrest, I will buy several used steering wheels and knobs so there is no wait. What do ya think?

 

[firetruck41]

What is hydrographics?

 

[GreatLakesWaterjet]

If you look in a new car and see the wood pattern on the steering wheel and other trim, thats hydrographics. It can be done in any color or pattern. Colored carbon fiber, wood patterns, brushed aluminum, marbles and so on. Really cool stuff!

 

[Miescha]

Sounds great - I've been looking for a long time. I was planning to use American Stitches out of Texas, but they are no longer in the business (one of their employees took over the web site domain and is doing some of the same work, but a lot more expensive and I can't vouch for the quality).

I'm a bit lost on the hydrographics. I thought the wood/leather wheels in new cars were actual wood (I'm pretty sure both my BMW and Mercedes have actual wood for the steering wheel top/bottom with leather on the sides to match the airbag color).

I'd like a similiar wood/leather wheel and a wood knob for the tranny shifter.

I guess I need more clarification on the underlying material - is it actually wood, or something else that is made to look like wood? I'm just thinking of long-term wear (which is the only reason I wanted to use wood with a heavy coating of poly).

I'll be eagerly awaiting your response

 

[gotmud]

Here is sample of hydrographics...

 

[gotmud]

Here are some better before and after shots of an '07 Tundra's dash...

 

[Clutchee]

Count me in......wifes rig needs both done.

I would just like it to look factory again.....


Let me know what is needed.

 

[GreatLakesWaterjet]

GotMud, thanks for the pics. Yes, the "high line" cars may be real wood, but the hydrograghics is very nice! I looked at their work today and was amazed. I'm thinking of doing all of the interior trim, dash and console. My wife's new Avalon has it. It looks great.

 

[alvarorb]

I ordered a wheelskin kit for my steering wheel. Real leather for about $45.
It only took like 20 mins to install and it looks really good.

Regards

Alvaro

 

[GreatLakesWaterjet]

Iv'e got one too, but this will return the wheel back to factory new or custom. Whatever you want.

 

[Tapage]

I ordered a wheelskin kit for my steering wheel. Real leather for about $45.
It only took like 20 mins to install and it looks really good.

Regards

Alvaro

Ditto in my case .. and actually have 2 years with it and still fine .. contact a local leather craftman, that quote me about 40$ for the shift knob and done ..

 

[GreatLakesWaterjet]

Thats good for you, but I'm not in Panama If the wheelskins work for you, great. I'm just looking at doing a full job on the wheel and handle so it looks factory, not just a cover-up.

 

[alvarorb]

Dude,

I'm very happy with how it turned out. It's looks factory.
I rather spend my money on mods that will make my truck wheel better, more confortable, more capable. But that's just me.

Alvaro

 

[Miescha]

Here are some better before and after shots of an '07 Tundra's dash...

GotMud: Are those pics from DMB Supply in Florida? Nice work for sure, I just didn't know if real wood was an option.

GreatLakes: I guess a wood or wood/leather option is available - but what material is under the wood hydrographic? Plastic?

 

[GreatLakesWaterjet]

Dude,

I'm very happy with how it turned out. It's looks factory.
I rather spend my money on mods that will make my truck wheel better, more confortable, more capable. But that's just me.

Alvaro

Completely understood! Its just something I think some might be interested in. My truck looks like $hit inside right now, but I would like to fix it up. Same with the rest of the truck.

 

[GreatLakesWaterjet]

GotMud: Are those pics from DMB Supply in Florida? Nice work for sure, I just didn't know if real wood was an option.

GreatLakes: I guess a wood or wood/leather option is available - but what material is under the wood hydrographic? Plastic?

I'll check with them monday. I think they build up the rim with polymers and coat it. I'm not sure.

 

[Montana Cruiser]

I'd be interested in a wheel cover/replacement if it looked factory and was too scary messing with the airbag.

 

[gray]

I ordered a wheelskin kit for my steering wheel. Real leather for about $45.
It only took like 20 mins to install and it looks really good.

Regards

Alvaro

How do you like the wheel skin, ie: on the FZJ80 wheel, which
is already a bit fat?

ie: did in on my 60 and loved it, but the 60 stock steering wheel
is very thin.

Does it add much bulk to the wheel?

g

 

[gray]

Here is sample of hydrographics...

the "wood grain" part looks like some sort of insert;
so how do they do that?

ie: do they recover the old leather in part, then add some sort of spacer or insert that has the graphics printed on it??

I have seen covers on ebay that look like this; they apparently
just snap over the OEM wheel.
Never seen on close up.

There is a small company in california that will rebuild any steering wheel from any car using real wood inserts and leather, but the cost starts at $1000 and up as I recall.

More details would help make the decision.

g

 

[airlaird]

I'm in

I am in FOR SURE. I would like the leather and wood "look"...for around 200.00 Count me in!!.
airlaird