Steering Wheel Cover - stitching
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 424
Likes: 0
From: upstate new york
Steering Wheel Cover - stitching
Anyone ever try stitching their own steering wheel cover ? Directions say 60 minutes. This pic represents about 4 hrs. And I dont think I'm gonna like it. 
Ready to give up. Any advice ?
Ready to give up. Any advice ?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,343
Likes: 9
From: Lexington Park MD
Yeah I did mine about 6 months ago and it was a pain in the *** and I'm not very happy with it but there was no way I was going to take it off after all the work I put in to it. I didn't realize I needed to stretch it a lot before installing it. The yellow pieces were a lot harder to stretch than the black ones so some of the yellow parts are not pulled together completely and look pretty crappy. I am going to re do it when it gets warm enough to stretch the leather out more easily. I hope you have better luck than me.
If I was you I would try to twist that top section because it looks like your stitches are in the front rather than on the bottom. You may have to back up a little bit and redo that section.
If I was you I would try to twist that top section because it looks like your stitches are in the front rather than on the bottom. You may have to back up a little bit and redo that section.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
I had one on my Z06 when I bought the car used. I liked the looks of it but did not like the feel of the stitching in my hands. It looks like you are doing a really good job though, and it might be look and feel great. You might want to finish it. Good luck.
LR
LR
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
I've done two or three covers by a company called WHEELSKINS. It is a slow tedious process. It looks like you're doing a good job on it. Just keep at it.
You do need to twist the new cover so the seams line up with the old cover. Don't wait to long to do that or it's a lot more difficult to align.
Your hands will heal nicely in about a week...
You do need to twist the new cover so the seams line up with the old cover. Don't wait to long to do that or it's a lot more difficult to align.
Your hands will heal nicely in about a week...
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 18,681
Likes: 47
From: Reno is so close to Hell you can see Sparks , State Of Confusion
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
I tried to do mine 4 different times over the last 6 months...lol
I just went last weekend and paid a seat cover shop 20 bucks and he had it done in 30 mins...lol
Best 20 I have ever spent....
I just went last weekend and paid a seat cover shop 20 bucks and he had it done in 30 mins...lol
Best 20 I have ever spent....
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,997
Likes: 36
From: Ocean Springs MS
I did mine a couple years ago and it only took a little over an hour for mine. Now would like to get one of those D-shaped two-tone steering wheels from DS vettes. Hopefully in the near future. 
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Brett Foote
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,080
Likes: 151
From: Toronto
I am impressed with the OP stitching, but lets see how it looks around the spokes, and yes the seam needs to go were the stock one is.
I'm sorry but Wheelskins suck! The ill fitting 'foreskin' leaves a nice lumpy ridge where it comes together cause they are too big, and wide spaces between stiches, especially again around the spokes are horrendous, and looks like a boy scout merit badge project of every one I've seen. I've got plenty in my 'Mad Mods' folder that I can post, so lets see yours!
To me, a nice steering wheel is the center piece of a car, it's in your hands ALL the time, you look at it All the time, so a pro job is the only option. Yes it costs more of course, but it looks so much better, better than factory! What i find odd is guys spend the dough, on say VE seat covers, arm rest etc., and then slap one of those things on. Talk about 'false economy', I just don't get it!
I'm sorry but Wheelskins suck! The ill fitting 'foreskin' leaves a nice lumpy ridge where it comes together cause they are too big, and wide spaces between stiches, especially again around the spokes are horrendous, and looks like a boy scout merit badge project of every one I've seen. I've got plenty in my 'Mad Mods' folder that I can post, so lets see yours!
To me, a nice steering wheel is the center piece of a car, it's in your hands ALL the time, you look at it All the time, so a pro job is the only option. Yes it costs more of course, but it looks so much better, better than factory! What i find odd is guys spend the dough, on say VE seat covers, arm rest etc., and then slap one of those things on. Talk about 'false economy', I just don't get it!
I've done two or three covers by a company called WHEELSKINS. It is a slow tedious process. It looks like you're doing a good job on it. Just keep at it.
You do need to twist the new cover so the seams line up with the old cover. Don't wait to long to do that or it's a lot more difficult to align.
Your hands will heal nicely in about a week...
You do need to twist the new cover so the seams line up with the old cover. Don't wait to long to do that or it's a lot more difficult to align.
Your hands will heal nicely in about a week...
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Never tried to do the stitching myself - it does look like a PITA. But, your's is coming out well. I simply chose to leave it to the pros - I bought a Vette Essentials wheel.
