I completed the install of a Redline Goods (RedlineGoods shift boots) steering wheel cover this weekend and wanted to share with the class. If you're not familiar, this is a sew-on replacement for your OE steering wheel leather.
Like most of you 80 series owners, my wheel had seen better days. In fact, my wheel was worn out for so long that the cheap leather slip-on cover the PO installed was also worn out.
Here is what it looks like now:
Redline doesn't have the 80 series wheel leather on their website yet, so I shot them an e-mail and inquired about being their guinea pig. Turns out they had patterned a cover before but had no record of it being installed so I ordered one up. (Full disclosure: they offered a rebate if I provided before & after photos and shared online)
Here a few lessons learned from the install:
1. You'll need to buy some sewing needles and leather glue. Redline provides plenty of thread. I tried both curved and and straight needles. They each have their strong points (haha) but I think I would just use straight needles if I did it again. YMMV
2. Take the time to set up a solid work station. Don't try sewing this thing in your lap. You are in for 6-8 hours of sewing unless you're already an experienced sewer. Get a clean workspace with a solid mount where you can maneuver the wheel into position.
3. Order color samples from Redline prior to purchasing the wrap. I asked to match the factory leather with black thread for contrast stitching. What I received is a great match for the seats, not for the original wheel. My guess is that they would have exchanged it for me, but I decided to rock the two tone.
4. Take your time on the fit and finish. Make sure you sew all the way to the ends of the spokes and massage wrinkles out. Mine isn't perfect. As with most DIY projects, I feel like I could do a better job on the second one haha.
5. If your Cruiser is your DD like mine, source a second steering wheel so you can take your time. I did the bulk of the work over the course of a Saturday and then finished up through the week. Having a second wheel allowed me to relax and enjoy family time during breaks.
6. Watch the ChrisFix steering wheel video on YouTube. His stitching pattern is super simple and way more efficient than some others I've seen. ()
Onto the photos!
OEM wheel for reference:
Notice how far the leather goes up the spokes. I stopped some of mine a little short and the plastic trim doesn't quite cover it.
Now, cut your old seams, remove old leather, and use a damp cloth to wipe the base wheel nice and clean
Stretch the new cover onto the wheel and mount your wheel on your new stand that you made from your lumber scrap
Like most of you 80 series owners, my wheel had seen better days. In fact, my wheel was worn out for so long that the cheap leather slip-on cover the PO installed was also worn out.
Here is what it looks like now:
Redline doesn't have the 80 series wheel leather on their website yet, so I shot them an e-mail and inquired about being their guinea pig. Turns out they had patterned a cover before but had no record of it being installed so I ordered one up. (Full disclosure: they offered a rebate if I provided before & after photos and shared online)
Here a few lessons learned from the install:
1. You'll need to buy some sewing needles and leather glue. Redline provides plenty of thread. I tried both curved and and straight needles. They each have their strong points (haha) but I think I would just use straight needles if I did it again. YMMV
2. Take the time to set up a solid work station. Don't try sewing this thing in your lap. You are in for 6-8 hours of sewing unless you're already an experienced sewer. Get a clean workspace with a solid mount where you can maneuver the wheel into position.
3. Order color samples from Redline prior to purchasing the wrap. I asked to match the factory leather with black thread for contrast stitching. What I received is a great match for the seats, not for the original wheel. My guess is that they would have exchanged it for me, but I decided to rock the two tone.
4. Take your time on the fit and finish. Make sure you sew all the way to the ends of the spokes and massage wrinkles out. Mine isn't perfect. As with most DIY projects, I feel like I could do a better job on the second one haha.
5. If your Cruiser is your DD like mine, source a second steering wheel so you can take your time. I did the bulk of the work over the course of a Saturday and then finished up through the week. Having a second wheel allowed me to relax and enjoy family time during breaks.
6. Watch the ChrisFix steering wheel video on YouTube. His stitching pattern is super simple and way more efficient than some others I've seen. ()
Onto the photos!
OEM wheel for reference:
Notice how far the leather goes up the spokes. I stopped some of mine a little short and the plastic trim doesn't quite cover it.
Now, cut your old seams, remove old leather, and use a damp cloth to wipe the base wheel nice and clean
Stretch the new cover onto the wheel and mount your wheel on your new stand that you made from your lumber scrap
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