Leatherique steering wheel kir
 

My steering wheel is pretty faded and compared to the rest of the car looks like crap. Ive looked for new steering wheels and they are too pricey for me. Theres no issues with it other than the dye being worn off so Im giving the leatherique steering wheel kit a shot.
Heres my "eye sore".


Attachment 47788221

I dont have a steering wheel puller so this job is going to be done with the steering wheel attached. With the tilt and telescoping column this does not seem to be an issue as far as applying the dye and clear goes. The interior will be protected and non leather parts on the steering wheel masked off.

Oops kit not kir. Lol I started on the horn button. First cleaning with isopropyl alcohol and then using their prep and sandpaper. Then rinsing with the prep as directed. After it dried I blew it off with my airhose. I then used a small brush and applied two coats of dye allowing plenty of time to dry in between. It then sat for 24 hours. Then using the same brush I applied 2 coats of the clear that came in the kit. Heres the results. Attachment 47788223 Attachment 47788224 Im pretty pleased so far. The dye covers very well with two coats. The horn button wasnt too bad so we will see what happens with the steering wheel. The clear is a tad shiny for my taste but I can live with it.

You can use 400 sandpaper to smooth out the leather before you apply the dye. I did this to mine and it came out very nice.

Thanks. Thats what I used on the horn button. I did go kinda light since Ive never sanded leather before and I didnt want to ruin it. How has yours held up?

looks good - :thumbs::thumbs: - keep us updated with pics on the steering wheel. my 90 looks similar to your 86, and I've been thinking about the same kit.

Thanks Joe C. Will do. Planning on doing the wheel tonight.

Sanded and prepped the wheel


Attachment 47788346

First dye coat


Attachment 47788347

Second dye coat


Attachment 47788348

Going to do a third dye coat then let it sit a day

Wasnt liking the brush method or sponging method so I ended up cutting a strip of microfiber cloth and soaking it with dye. I then wrapped it around the steering wheel and went around the wheel with it. Gave a thicker and more even coat. Sanded and retouched a couple nibs and thats all for tonight.


Attachment 47788378

Clear goes on tomorrow afternoon.

Wow, that's amazing...:thumbs:

Where did you get that kit looks great

hey Dt, with the kit, do you have the option on the clear - that is gloss, semi-gloss, satin, or flat final finish?

Thank you

Thank you. I purchased it at leatherique.com it was around $25.00

There wasn't an option with the kit. I don't know if they make different clears or not. Have to check out their website to answer that.

That looks great.
I would like to know how well it wears and if it gets sticky due to the heat of the sun.

I looked it up and the Steering Wheel Kit it at this link:
http://leatherique.org/detail.aspx?ID=39

Wiped on one coat of clear. Let it dry and then put the horn button back on.


Attachment 47788591



Attachment 47788593

The parking brake was quite worn as well so I used a brush and put a coat of dye on it.

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Attachment 47788595

Overall I am pleased with the products and results. I would have preferred to take the wheel off and airbrush the dye on instead. I think the product is high quality and easy to use. I will post at the end of summer with a review on durability.

Before and after


Attachment 47788597

Chuck Pelton will rewrap your steering wheel so it looks like new. I have seen his displays at several car shows over the years. Don't know pricing though.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-p...heel-omfg.html

I've seen his work on forums and he does indeed do a show quality job. But I've also seen where it has cost $170. Well worth every dollar I'm sure, but I gotta save dollars hence the $25 re-dye.

Very nice.
But save yourself a lot of time and money, buy some Kiwi Liquid shoe polish.
Easy on, dries fast, same results.
Been using it for years

:cheers: