Steering wheel leather/Loncky pieces

[OldCarSmell]

I’m finally doing something about the increasingly gnarly steering wheel in my 2016. I know I can simply throw a full Loncky cover on and call it a day, but bc I like a project and the OE look, I’m looking for some insight from others that have rewrapped their wheels.

What I’d most like to do is remove the two flaking sections of leather and replace them. I’ve contacted Loncky to see if they’re able to sell me just these two pieces of leather instead of a full wrap and am awaiting reply. Even if they aren’t, I am considering buying a full wrap and cutting it carefully. I expect that if I were able to remove the OE leather that I could tuck in the ends of the new leather the same way it is from factory.

The biggest question mark is whether I’ll be able to remove the OE leather. Has anyone done this? Looks like I could simply cut the stitching and peel away.

I’ve also seen that others have popped off the controls and fascia on the steering wheel to make stitching on their Loncky replacement an easier task. What’s the process for removing these components? Any trick to it or is it simple tabs like the fascia of the dash?

Thanks in advance for any ideas you have for me about seeing this project through.

- Andy

 

[JohnPW]

Subscribed. The leather on my 2016 wheel is torn up as well. I have planned to take it to an auto upholstery shop but I haven’t done so. Interested in others’s fixes and what it costs.

 

[doru]

Done a project like this on my Camry as going to the shop was just as expensive as getting a new wheel from Toyota. The leather is not only stitched but also glued so it takes a bit of efort to get it off. I don't know on LC but on some cars there is also a backing to the leather to make the feel more pleasant to the hands. Kind of a thin foam. I've not use it on mine but that is an option if you need to. Pay attention how the OEM leather is installed when removing it. Depending on where you get your leather they might already include the backing if needed. I also used glue to help with the install, improve feel, and make it longer lasting.
Removing the stuff from the wheel is a must! You want a naked wheel to work on, otherwise you'll get a gheto job. I had my wheel removed from the car to so I could do the work much comfortable being able to flip the wheel around. It takes some time to figure it out and get it done well. Don't plan on a quick job if you need to drive the truck.

Cost was very affordable as it is just a piece of leather and thread to do it. The time consuming part is getting the technique right for a quality install. Once you get some practice is not big deal.

The secret for success is getting a proper shape cut leather. So shop around.

 

[OldCarSmell]

Done a project like this on my Camry as going to the shop was just as expensive as getting a new wheel from Toyota. The leather is not only stitched but also glued so it takes a bit of efort to get it off. I don't know on LC but on some cars there is also a backing to the leather to make the feel more pleasant to the hands. Kind of a thin foam. I've not use it on mine but that is an option if you need to. Pay attention how the OEM leather is installed when removing it. Depending on where you get your leather they might already include the backing if needed. I also used glue to help with the install, improve feel, and make it longer lasting.
Removing the stuff from the wheel is a must! You want a naked wheel to work on, otherwise you'll get a gheto job. I had my wheel removed from the car to so I could do the work much comfortable being able to flip the wheel around. It takes some time to figure it out and get it done well. Don't plan on a quick job if you need to drive the truck.

Cost was very affordable as it is just a piece of leather and thread to do it. The time consuming part is getting the technique right for a quality install. Once you get some practice is not big deal.

The secret for success is getting a proper shape cut leather. So shop around.

Thanks for all the helpful insights!

 

[Zill]

Thread 'Steering Wheel Upgrade 16+ LC'
Steering Wheel Upgrade 16+ LC - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/steering-wheel-upgrade-16-lc.1307241/

Honestly, go big or go home on this. This is one piece of the car you use everyday. I highly recommend the full OEM heated leather wrapped wheel. I had the Loncky cover and it does not feel like a proper replacement and kind of a “shade tree mechanic patch” issue type of thing. OEM feels great and wears like a high quality baseball mitt after using for some time. No leather issues so far as it appears they used the 2018+ leather on this new wheel.

 

[OldCarSmell]

Thread 'Steering Wheel Upgrade 16+ LC'
Steering Wheel Upgrade 16+ LC - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/steering-wheel-upgrade-16-lc.1307241/

Honestly, go big or go home on this. This is one piece of the car you use everyday. I highly recommend the full OEM heated leather wrapped wheel. I had the Loncky cover and it does not feel like a proper replacement and kind of a “shade tree mechanic patch” issue type of thing. OEM feels great and wears like a high quality baseball mitt after using for some time. No leather issues so far as it appears they used the 2018+ leather on this new wheel.

Your post somehow didn’t come up in my Mud search for Loncky, thanks for sharing/linking!

I like your suggestion and the product, buuuuuuut…I LOVE THE WOOD. The whole reason I wanted to cut up a Loncky is to preserve the wood sections. It’s where I rest my hand/s and it feels better in the hot southern Oregon sun. Plus I run hot as an human body and it stays cool to touch usually. I prefer the feel of it when making turns to the stitching rubbing my fingers. Where did you order your wheel from? I may go the new route on your advice but would look for a new wheel with the wood bits.

 

[HighRanch]

Thread 'Steering Wheel Upgrade 16+ LC'
Steering Wheel Upgrade 16+ LC - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/steering-wheel-upgrade-16-lc.1307241/

Honestly, go big or go home on this. This is one piece of the car you use everyday. I highly recommend the full OEM heated leather wrapped wheel. I had the Loncky cover and it does not feel like a proper replacement and kind of a “shade tree mechanic patch” issue type of thing. OEM feels great and wears like a high quality baseball mitt after using for some time. No leather issues so far as it appears they used the 2018+ leather on this new wheel.

I wouldn't say this is a "shade tree alternative", but would suggest you need to be patient and detail oriented and not rush the install of the Loncky cover.
The leather is high quality and much more durable than the OEM leather. Don't dive into this install if you don't think you have the patience.

 

[Zill]

I wouldn't say this is a "shade tree alternative", but would suggest you need to be patient and detail oriented and not rush the install of the Loncky cover.
The leather is high quality and much more durable than the OEM leather. Don't dive into this install if you don't think you have the patience.

I was patient and the replacement cover just never felt right for a high quality rig like the LC 200. It was tight to the wheel without issues, but the tape you use to do it can be felt. Plus the transition space between leather to wood can be felt over the cover.

If the car is 25+ years old and you can’t get new OEM parts, then that’s a different story. But right now, since we can buy new (with the upgraded leather) then I would suggest going that route (if it’s in your budget).

 

[Zill]

Your post somehow didn’t come up in my Mud search for Loncky, thanks for sharing/linking!

I like your suggestion and the product, buuuuuuut…I LOVE THE WOOD. The whole reason I wanted to cut up a Loncky is to preserve the wood sections. It’s where I rest my hand/s and it feels better in the hot southern Oregon sun. Plus I run hot as an human body and it stays cool to touch usually. I prefer the feel of it when making turns to the stitching rubbing my fingers. Where did you order your wheel from? I may go the new route on your advice but would look for a new wheel with the wood bits.

Very interesting that you like the wood. I could not stand it since it was always a different temperature while turning the wheel on cold winter days.

I believe the OEM replacement with the wood is this one. Pricey but you will get that Toyota quality feel. Plus it makes your car interior like new and rolling off the showroom floor again.
45100-60760-C3 Genuine Toyota Wheel Assembly, Steering - https://www.toyotapartsdeal.com/oem/toyota~wheel~assy~steering~45100-60760-c3.html

You could wait for the Toyota Dealer parts sales that pop up throughout the year for a slightly better price, but the ToyotaPartsDeal is not a bad choice if you are wanting the part this instant.

 

[HighRanch]

I was patient and the replacement cover just never felt right for a high quality rig like the LC 200. It was tight to the wheel without issues, but the tape you use to do it can be felt. Plus the transition space between leather to wood can be felt over the cover.

If the car is 25+ years old and you can’t get new OEM parts, then that’s a different story. But right now, since we can buy new (with the upgraded leather) then I would suggest going that route (if it’s in your budget).

I will let you be the judge, but it has been a good option on my LC200.3. I was never a big fan of the wood look on the LC wheel.
Down the road I can remove back to stock as my wheel was not worn or peeling like many are describing.
Best luck on your decision...I did a custom style wrap from Loncky so it cost just a bit more.