Leather wrapping a steering wheel?

[Jim Timber]

I got a new to me truck a couple weeks ago and the hard plastic wheel has a blister at 4:30 that's bugging me. Today while trying to find some repair parts for my Tahoe (bounced a deer off the grill), I pulled a steering wheel from another ford (new truck is a F350) that has the same cruise control buttons and airbag; only the new wheel is much softer material and is a couple years older.

So what I'm thinking is that I want to leather wrap the wheel I just got as it'll be more comfortable, while protecting it from wearing out. But I don't want a cheesy add-on wrap that just goes around the rim - I want to make the whole thing leather with seams that go between the spokes, not around them (like a factory wrap).

Anyone ever done this? Any pointers?

I've done some vinyl cladding about 20 years ago when I was making custom speaker panels in cars, but I've never sewn leather around a form before. With vinyl, I'd use contact cement and a heat gun, but I never stitched anything. All the seams were hidden.

 

[amaxwell]

I have done a couple of steering wheels with a leather laced on, that looked factory done. Do a search online for a REAL leather cover.
The ones I bought came with the needle and a wax lace with instructions.

 

[Jim Timber]

The ones I'm finding don't have provisions for the spokes. I want to wrap the spokes all the way to the airbag cover - two seams, no unsewn edges.

 

[Rustyiron]

I got a new to me truck a couple weeks ago and the hard plastic wheel has a blister at 4:30 that's bugging me.

10:00 & 2:00 Jim, 10 & 2! :laughing:

 

[almaryholm]

10:00 & 2:00 Jim, 10 & 2! :laughing:

Not with steering wheel AIR BAGS....

 

[Jim Timber]

10:00 & 2:00 Jim, 10 & 2! :laughing:

Still gotta turn... And with 156" wheelbase, that's using a lot of revolutions. :laughing:

 

[Sawyer Rob]

I want to leather wrap the wheel

Anyone ever done this? Any pointers?

Just one pointer: I "heard" it won't come out right, if you don't have your "Gucci shoes" on, while you are wrapping it!

SR

 

[Garandman]

We use Wheelskins.

Leather Steering Wheel Covers Manufacturer and Distributor

Mostly on trucks, we don't want drivers to get carpal tunnel.

 

[GLyford]

...find an already leather-wrapped one on ebay? Will a navigator one fit?

 

[Jim Timber]

There's nothing wrong with the $11 wheel I got. I want to wrap it in leather. I do things for the experience and learning the skills - that's why I know how to do what I do; I learned it by trying/doing.

 

[GLyford]

How about developing your own pattern with blue tape, a sharpie, and a paper grocery bag? Leave a certain amount for stretch (you can probably use google as well as I), punch the edges, grab a couple of saddle needles and some waxed thread, and have fun?

At least the replacement isn't mounted, should make it a lot easier than trying to do it while on the column.

 

[dickfoster]

I got a new to me truck a couple weeks ago and the hard plastic wheel has a blister at 4:30 that's bugging me. Today while trying to find some repair parts for my Tahoe (bounced a deer off the grill), I pulled a steering wheel from another ford (new truck is a F350) that has the same cruise control buttons and airbag; only the new wheel is much softer material and is a couple years older.

So what I'm thinking is that I want to leather wrap the wheel I just got as it'll be more comfortable, while protecting it from wearing out. But I don't want a cheesy add-on wrap that just goes around the rim - I want to make the whole thing leather with seams that go between the spokes, not around them (like a factory wrap).

Anyone ever done this? Any pointers?

I've done some vinyl cladding about 20 years ago when I was making custom speaker panels in cars, but I've never sewn leather around a form before. With vinyl, I'd use contact cement and a heat gun, but I never stitched anything. All the seams were hidden.

This company makes about the best leather wraps for steering wheels I've seen and used. I've had one on my truck for a few years now.
Leather Steering Wheel Covers Manufacturer and Distributor

They go on nice and easy and they look at least as good as a factory job. They last and wear well but I'd stick with the darker colors. The light colors tend to stain very easily. You'll get very good results if you take your time and not rush the job. They'll send you everything you need.