MScruiser
obsessive-compulsive oppositional-defiant wise-ass
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 seemed high, the color did not seem to correctly match the factory color, and the vendor has several questionable 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 hopefully offer them to the MUD community at a more reasonable price point.
The leather is very supple, and Italian-made.
I spent a good part of yesterday afternoon installing my 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.
I think I will be able to offer kits, competitively priced, around $135, which will include enough brown nylon thread for the project, and a curved sewing needle. If you are feeling adventurous, as I was, you can certainly try doing it yourself. On the other hand, you could take a kit to your local upholstery shop, and pay them to install it for you, which will save you big $$$ if you are supplying everything necessary.
Before I venture to deep into those waters though, I wanted to see how many people might be interested in actually purchasing a kit.
Working with a major national leather supplier, over the course of the last few months, I was able to locate the exact shade and texture that Mr. Toyota used. Unfortunately, I had to purchase an entire cowhide, as smaller quantities were not available.
Once the cowhide came in, I worked with a local seamstress in my neighborhood who was highly recommended by several people I know, to help me get the correct template made, and get all the pieces cut and sewn together.
Granted, this process was far more expensive than simply purchasing a premade cover from the above mentioned company, but it also left me with a very large quantity of leftover leather. I plan on working with the local seamstress to develop kits, and hopefully offer them to the MUD community at a more reasonable price point.
The leather is very supple, and Italian-made.
I spent a good part of yesterday afternoon installing my new cover. Now, I am definitely not very handy with a needle and thread, but the results are fairly good, considering my skill set. The leather, on the other hand, looks beautiful.
I think I will be able to offer kits, competitively priced, around $135, which will include enough brown nylon thread for the project, and a curved sewing needle. If you are feeling adventurous, as I was, you can certainly try doing it yourself. On the other hand, you could take a kit to your local upholstery shop, and pay them to install it for you, which will save you big $$$ if you are supplying everything necessary.
Before I venture to deep into those waters though, I wanted to see how many people might be interested in actually purchasing a kit.
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