Leather/Wood Steering Wheel Refinish

[Miescha]

I know it has been discussed a fair amount, but the old threads were getting, well, old (and long and off topic). I decided to go a new direction so figured I'd start a new thread.

First, here are two of the old threads for anyone wondering what the heck has already been discussed

https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/183459-steering-wheel-shifter-re-cover.html

https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/186333-steering-wheel-wood-restoration-lexus.html

Second, a few people have said that the factory leather steering wheels were just molded plastic wheels covered in a bit of foam and leather. Thus, I could just cut off my factory leather and I would have a nice "brand new" more durable plastic steering wheel underneath. Per the pics below, I'm sad to say that answer is not correct.

Third, yes I know about wheelskins. I think they are fine. I just wanted more of a factory look (yes I know there was no factory wood option for our cruiser steering wheels).

Finally, as I couldn't find anyone that would refinish my wheel with real wood and quality leather, I've decided to give it a go myself. I'll take pics and post them when I'm finished. If the final result looks like it could pass for stock, I might try a wood tranny shift knob too. For those wondering, I'm not opposed to either the factory plastic (most durable option) or the factory leather, I just think wood would really look nice (though it sounds funny if you say it five times real fast) and be more durable than leather.

Here are the "before" pics showing that there is no plastic wheel under the leather - just a formed foam piece and thin metal core.

 

[G-Cat]

First, this has been discussed before.

Second, there is no plastic wheel under the leather - just a formed foam piece and thin metal core.

Third, do you know about wheelskins?

Finally, it sounds like a cool project. Good luck, I'll subscribe for the after pics!

 

[Bear80]

I've been trying to find a shop that will do the hydroformed wood simulation that matches the lx450 trim I have in my LC.

What are you plans for the wood? Real, hydroformed or something else?

 

[airlaird]

Leather replacement

I have a guy here that will replace the leather on the wheel for $150.00
airlaird

 

[177mph]

Is there any way to repaint or dye the wheel without replacing the leather? I dont have 150 to spend right now.

 

[calixto]

I've got a bad ass Momo Mahogony wheel for sale if your interested. It's a $300 wheel I'll sell for $120. Bought it for my 73 FJ40 but it is smaller than my stock 40 wheel & I don't have power steering yet. PM if your interested. See pic.

 

[Miescha]

Garth: That was funny - unlike the many mudders who sent messages saying I was an idiot (I already know that ).

Bear80: I was up for the hydroformed/hydrographic wood mentioned in the earlier threads by GLW just b/c it was easier. I can't find anyone to do the hydroforming so I figured I'll try real wood. My plan is to remove everything down to the core metal at the top and bottom of the wheel, and glue up some wood block and start shaping it by hand. I'll figure out the finish color later, but it will certainly include several heavy coats of polyurethane or spar varnish for durability. I'll keep the foam and leather on the sides of the wheel and replace it with new leather in hopes of matching it up to the airbag

airlaird: I probably would have gone for new leather at $150, but I'm past that now. For anyone else just starting this process, $150 is a great deal if the materials and work are good quality.

177mph: When the finish first went to hell in 2000 I had a local custom dye shop dye the wheel. It lasted about a year and then went to hell again pretty quick and looked worse than the first time around. I then tried to dye it myself with various different products for use in the shoe, furniture, and automotive industry. All these attempts had even shorter lifespans and ultimately looked worse. I know others have had better success, but I apparently have no leather refinishing skills.

calixto: That Momo wheel is pretty sharp, but one of my key requirements is keeping a stock look and that definitely includes keeping my stock airbag. Thanks though.

It shouldn't take more than a week or two to get the work done, but given the usual 'other stuff' that gets in the way, I'm hoping to have this finished and back on the truck by the end of the summer. I'll post pics when finished (no matter how bad it turns out).

 

[Atoyot1031]

William,
Nice job & a great idea!!! I can't wait to see it once it's complete! I could tell this steering wheel thing was buggin' the crap out of you because otherwise your cruiser is immaculate!

 

[Oilleeker]

OEM Leather Steering refinish

OK, after reading up on this I gave it a go myself. My steering wheel was nasty after 12 years and the aftermarket cover over it was built for hands the size of Sasquatch. I used an exacto knife and carefully stripped the nasty old leather off my wheel. There is a foam rubber material under it. I took it to a leather upholstery guy here in Boise and he has a book of OEM leather samples from the 90's and lo and behold there was my medium oak leather with an imperial finish (LX-450) . He measured it all up and ordered an 18 by 24 inch piece of leather (cost to me $75). He is using the old wrap as the template and will sew up a new piece of leather and give me the nylon thread and hooked needles after he runs the material through his sewing machine to prepunch the holes for the laces. Labor cost is $50 and should take me about three hours total lacing time (maybe less) to have a factory look or really close with sore fingers I bet as a bonus. Total cost about $125 plus some really tedious lacing time. Will post up an after pic when all is said and done. Sidenote; I learned that a half hide of this OEM leather costs about $150 and will do six steering wheels.

 

[2garfields]

I would go buy an used one, and put it on. Save you time & money.

 

[NLXTACY]

MIESCHA, where is the end result?