My White Collector’s Edition Build Thread (kinda) (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter MScruiser
- Start date
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MScruiser
obsessive-compulsive oppositional-defiant wise-ass
- Thread starter
- #44
Replaced the steering shaft firewall seal this morning. You can see how worn the old one was; it allowed dust, moisture, and hot air from the engine bay into the footwell. Packed the new one with lots of silicon grease to help keep it from tearing in the future.
Old
Done
Old
Done
MScruiser
obsessive-compulsive oppositional-defiant wise-ass
- Thread starter
- #45
This may be my most ambitious project on this truck so far. My steering wheel was extremely worn, and a hole about 6 to 8 inches was cracking across the top of the wheel. Because of my OCD, I knew I had to fix it. My research brought me to a steering wheel cover, which is offered by a company that is associated with this website, but the prices were extremely expensive, the color did not correctly match the factory color, and the vendor has very crappy ratings on the “Buyer Beware” section of the MUD classifieds.
Due to all these factors, I set out to do everything on my own.
Working with a major national leather supplier, over the course of the last few months, I was able to locate the exact shade and texture that Mr. Toyota used. Unfortunately, I had to purchase an entire cowhide, as smaller quantities were not available.
Once the cowhide came in, I worked with a local seamstress in my neighborhood who was highly recommended by several people I know, to help me get the correct template made, and get all the pieces cut and sewn together.
Granted, this process was far more expensive than simply purchasing a premade cover from the above mentioned company, but it also left me with a very large quantity of leftover leather. I plan on working with the local seamstress to develop kits, and offer them to the MUD community, at a smaller price than the competition. The leather is very supple, and Italian-made.
I spent a good part of yesterday afternoon installing the new cover. Now, I am definitely not very handy with a needle and thread, but the results are fairly good, considering my skill set. The leather, on the other hand, looks beautiful.
Due to all these factors, I set out to do everything on my own.
Working with a major national leather supplier, over the course of the last few months, I was able to locate the exact shade and texture that Mr. Toyota used. Unfortunately, I had to purchase an entire cowhide, as smaller quantities were not available.
Once the cowhide came in, I worked with a local seamstress in my neighborhood who was highly recommended by several people I know, to help me get the correct template made, and get all the pieces cut and sewn together.
Granted, this process was far more expensive than simply purchasing a premade cover from the above mentioned company, but it also left me with a very large quantity of leftover leather. I plan on working with the local seamstress to develop kits, and offer them to the MUD community, at a smaller price than the competition. The leather is very supple, and Italian-made.
I spent a good part of yesterday afternoon installing the new cover. Now, I am definitely not very handy with a needle and thread, but the results are fairly good, considering my skill set. The leather, on the other hand, looks beautiful.
MScruiser
obsessive-compulsive oppositional-defiant wise-ass
- Thread starter
- #46
In this picture, I am using some E6000 adhesive to glue the edges of the leather down around the contours of the spokes. I am using green frogtape to hold everything in place until the the glue cures.
Finished
Finished
Last edited:
Clutchee
I'm fun sized!
Did you use any adhesive under the whole steering wheel leather- or just edges?
Curious, because due to my job I’ve seen adhesive applied to entire cover then sewn within plants.
Curious, because due to my job I’ve seen adhesive applied to entire cover then sewn within plants.
Let us know when you come up with an “installed” price
MScruiser
obsessive-compulsive oppositional-defiant wise-ass
Sorry, just seeing this. I've been focused on life, work and upgrades on the tow rig. About time for me to be cruiser-centric again.
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It would only take Cam 4 days but he would not have blisters.
Any updated pics of the lift and tire setup?
I had time looking for this .... now I am really happy ... THANK YOU