steering wheel refurb help

[ZG MN]

My steering wheel is the ugliest part of my interior, needs attention ASAP.

Does anyone have any recommendations for new steering wheel leather? I want to cut the old stuff off and replace it- not doing a wheelskin and the nearest upholstery shop that can do it quickly (14 days LOL) is 3 hours away. Mine is torn up (including the pieces near the airbag) and most of the style that I am looking for simply go over the existing surface.

REALLY don't want to spend the ~$275 for a new eBay wheel with wood...

Pardon Our Interruption...

Want to pull the trigger today so I can start of it next week!

TIA

 

[S.CarolinaFZJ80]

Loncky leather wheel skin on Amazon seems to be what everyone on mud is using

 

[ZG MN]

Loncky leather wheel skin on Amazon seems to be what everyone on mud is usingView attachment 2740104

Thank you, ordered!

 

[DuckLN]

There used to be a floating steering wheel that you could borrow short term while yours was being refurbed.

 

[timeo]

I just put a Loncky cover on and while it looks nice, it is a PITA to install.

Piece of advice, make sure EVERYTHING is lined up before starting to sew, and I mean EVERYTHING, all seams from every direction. The reality is that until you actually put one on it is hard to understand what needs to be aligned before sewing. Mine looks about 95% perfect but there are a couple areas that are off and have tiny gaps if you look for them. If I ever did another one I could probably get it 98-99% perfect based on the experience of the first install. Took maybe 4 hours to install so I am not going to redo it for the last 5%. It also sucks when you are almost done w/ a section and break the thread

 

[EricATX]

Has anyone tried the kit from Landcruiser Heaven? https://www.lch4x4.com/land-cruiser...series-4&attribute_pa_perforation=perforation

 

[FxFormat]

Not worth the effort and it'll probably not look as good. I'd just go with the eBay wheel. I'm super happy with mine, paid $249 for it shipped and took 10 minutes to install.

 

[harrydunn]

I just put a Loncky cover on and while it looks nice, it is a PITA to install.

Piece of advice, make sure EVERYTHING is lined up before starting to sew, and I mean EVERYTHING, all seams from every direction. The reality is that until you actually put one on it is hard to understand what needs to be aligned before sewing. Mine looks about 95% perfect but there are a couple areas that are off and have tiny gaps if you look for them. If I ever did another one I could probably get it 98-99% perfect based on the experience of the first install. Took maybe 4 hours to install so I am not going to redo it for the last 5%. It also sucks when you are almost done w/ a section and break the thread

Hey, there. Did you use the double-sided tape as are in the instructions. I was hoping to avoid that part as it seems it would be felt underneath the cover as bumps where those tape strips are? Thanks.

 

[yotaworx]

I’ve had one of the eBay wheels on my 2000 LC for a few years. Noticed that the wood grain has started to crack. Any recommendations on how to repair that.

 

[timeo]

Hey, there. Did you use the double-sided tape as are in the instructions. I was hoping to avoid that part as it seems it would be felt underneath the cover as bumps where those tape strips are? Thanks.

Yes, the tape is incredibly thin, no chance you would feel it and it is easy to remove if needed. It helps with the install to keep the cover in place. You really need to stretch the cover to close the seam gap so use the tape. I first tried without using it and quickly gave up and used it liberally.

 

[daohaus]

I’ve had one of the eBay wheels on my 2000 LC for a few years. Noticed that the wood grain has started to crack. Any recommendations on how to repair that.

Is it the clear coat that's cracking or the actual wood

 

[harrydunn]

Yes, the tape is incredibly thin, no chance you would feel it and it is easy to remove if needed. It helps with the install to keep the cover in place. You really need to stretch the cover to close the seam gap so use the tape. I first tried without using it and quickly gave up and used it liberally.

Thanks.

 

[yotaworx]

Is it the clear coat that's cracking or the actual wood

Appears to be the clear coat. Suppose I can sand it down, and apply something over it. Epoxy? Fiberglass resin? Any recommendations??

Thanks!!

 

[harrydunn]

I think I'm going to just take my wheel off. She's not may daily.

 

[daohaus]

Appears to be the clear coat. Suppose I can sand it down, and apply something over it. Epoxy? Fiberglass resin? Any recommendations??

Thanks!!

i would try sanding it down like you would any other wood piece, then use clear/expoxy that's UV resistant and you should be good

 

[xplore]

Appears to be the clear coat. Suppose I can sand it down, and apply something over it. Epoxy? Fiberglass resin? Any recommendations??

Thanks!!

In my experience refinishing gun stocks, removing this kind of stuff is best done with one of those citrus chemical strippers. The trick would be to protect the leather by applying it to the larger areas first and then making a subsequent pass carefully applying it with a brush in areas closer to the leather. That would take it right down to the wood. From there, you would steel wool the wood. You have the opportunity at that point to apply maybe a tung or danish oil to the wood depending on what you're going for aesthetically, but I'd probably just go the piano black route and paint the thing. After that, finish with something that will keep from yellowing in the sun like an exterior oil-based urethane, and you probably want to use gloss. They make that in a spray can which makes applying it easy, but you'll have to take your time applying a thin layer and then letting it sit, and then applying another thin layer, and so on and so on. If you put too heavy of a layer on, the stuff runs like crazy.

 

[harrydunn]

Welp, my seamstress mother took one look at the Loncky steering wheel cover and what was involved with the sewing and said no way lol. Time to post it up for sale. I don't think I have the patience. I have the wheel off however, so maybe I'll take a quick crack at it first. I'd pay somebody who's done one to put it on!