Leather steering wheel replacement

[judoant]

So my 15 year old factory leather steering wheel cover was shot. I found Alan Gun Leather Accessories on yotatech.com from about 5 year ago. He made a cover for a member and the member stitched it on him self. Despite the horrible reviews of this guy on the internet I gave it a shot. He said it would take 10 days to get my cover. It took about 30. I paid the extra $10 for the pre-stitched version for a total of $69.00.

Upon receipt of the cover I had my doubts. It seem like the leather was cut very quickly and without care. I trimmed the flaws out and began the install. I removed my airbag and left the wheel on. It would have been easier and faster had I removed the wheel. I took a razor to my existing wheel cover stitching and peeled it off. The pre-stitched version allows you to simply thread the loops and not have to thread through the leather itself. Around the spokes I looped every stitch for about an inch onto the wheel. The rest of the way around I stitched every other loop. Once I was all stitched up I applied a little contact cement to the inner spoke and glued down the excess leather that goes under the airbag.

One thing I am not thrilled about is that the leather was too small to meet up under the stitching. Maybe it will stretch over time and I can re-stitch. My stitching would definitely look better a second time. Overall I am happy with it and for the money you can't beat it and it looks better than any other cover you can buy. I also believe he has the covers listed on ebay.

Here is 1 before and 3 after shots.

 

[shootmymime]

I've been thinking of starting this for you guys.
A already put together kit ready to sow and instructions on how to make the stitches look like factory with pre stitched holes in the new vinyasa .

 

[mountain mike]

I think it looks good. I agree the stitching could be a little tighter but it is the best looking option I have seen without replacing the entire wheel. I have been looking for an option to do this on my 4runner. I may contact the guy and see what he says. I'll just remember that I'll have to be patient when waiting for it.

 

[mountain mike]

I've been thinking of starting this for you guys.
A already put together kit ready to sow and instructions on how to make the stitches look like factory with pre stitched holes in the new vinyasa .

Let us know what you come up with. I have been looking for a foam kit like what is found on the higher end Porsche's, Comp Corvette, etc I think black foam with red stitching would look awesome and be comfy !! If foam isn't an option I would be in for a black cover with red stitching.

 

[judoant]

I just spoke with Alan and he said this must have been the end of this leather and it did not stretch as much as it should have. He said he would send me a revised cover under warranty.

He has the template for 2 & 4 spoke wheels so I immagine he would make it out of any color leather and stitching you want. I would defiantly order with the assumption it could take a month or two but it's worth it.

 

[busmup808]

Would the leather rip if you pull the stitching a little tighter? Aside from the stitching that wheel looks great

 

[judoant]

There is just not enough material to make it all the way around the wheel. I pinched the leather as tight as I could together while i pulled the stitching as tight as possible and it is about 1/8" - 1/4" short.

 

[shootmymime]

There is just not enough material to make it all the way around the wheel. I pinched the leather as tight as I could together while i pulled the stitching as tight as possible and it is about 1/8" - 1/4" short.

IDK if its just me but that stitch pattern would drive me crazy!
did he supply and instructions with it or did you lace it up yourself from what ever worked?

 

[judoant]

It came with instructions. I dont think you have many stitch patterns available with the pre-stitched version. You simply hook every other loop together. If you want to lace through the leather you would have a factory stitch. And honestly I don't believe it would take much longer to lace up. I may go this route on the replacement cover. I believe it would hold up better.

 

[the great him]

i have been looking for something like this! awesome! i might have to go buy a junk yard wheel and send it off!

 

[GhostRing]

Think I might pull the trigger on this...
My wheel is just a mess. The horn sticks ON if you press it in the right spot,
and the cover is disgusting. Definitely worth the time/$$$ to do some R&R on it.

or just slap a suede MOMO on there.

 

[JEL]

This looks like a good alternative to my constant CL searching for a good, used wheel that matches mine for my 3rd gen. For some reason it seems like ski gloves or grippy winter gloves ruin my Toyota wheels in no time flat, usually in such short order it's already damaged before you notice it. I will never wear gloves again in my 4th gen, the wheel is almost immaculate and just doing it once you can already see a infinitesimal amount of wear.

 

[HiLife]

Thanks for posting this as a viable option. But I have to agree there must be another way of stitching this up.

 

[RedSled]

I have this one for $100.00 + shipping, It is out of an 04.

 

[txbonds]

I have the same kit from this guy waiting to be installed. A little sad to see it didn't fit well.

Like you I had a hard time getting my kit shipped. I paid for pre-stitching as well thinking it would make it much easier but looks like you had to take the airbag and stuff off anyway.

Thanks for sharing. I need to get mine done soon too.

 

[Tsfc]

I am sorry, maybe this comment will get defensive reactions.........but that stitching...It would OCD the **** out of me.

I do not approve of this kit for my rig, but an interesting solution I guess.


If the wheel bothers you that much...go to your local upholstery guy and have it done right...just my 2 cents.

 

[the great him]

I am sorry, maybe this comment will get defensive reactions.........but that stitching...It would OCD the **** out of me.

I do not approve of this kit for my rig, but an interesting solution I guess.


If the wheel bothers you that much...go to your local upholstery guy and have it done right...just my 2 cents.

if you go to their web page you can sent them in the steering wheel and have them do the stitching... a much more professional look. this is what i plan on doing. and $240(im factorying in shipping too) is a much more reasonable price than $800+ from the dealer for a new one. i dont think you are gonna find any good used ones that will be in as good of shape that these will be, not only that they are still used. -theres the change for you $.02

 

[SilverRidgeRunner1]

I am no professional leather person but I wonder if u were to get the leather wet I mean soaking wet and then put this on the steering wheel. I believe the leather would stretch just enough to close the gap and then dry on the steering wheel tight as can be ... This came to mind when I watch a guy making a motor cycle seat he was forming it over a pad and a piece of metal and he soaked the leather in a bucket of water hot water I should and it worked like a charm he told me the stitching would break before the leather would.

 

[Tsfc]

if you go to their web page you can sent them in the steering wheel and have them do the stitching... a much more professional look. this is what i plan on doing. and $240(im factorying in shipping too) is a much more reasonable price than $800+ from the dealer for a new one. i dont think you are gonna find any good used ones that will be in as good of shape that these will be, not only that they are still used. -theres the change for you $.02

Lol there is the first sensitive post reply I have received.

On a serious note though, who is talking about the dealer.....


?


Just mentioned that another good option is to take your car to the local upholstery place and get something like this done by a pro rather than ordering a DIY kit. Everything is negotiable. I cannot see this costing all that much more than the kit itself. Who knows, maybe I man way off. Out of curiosity sake now I want to inquire with my local auto and marine a upholstery place about recovering a steering wheel.

 

[Tsfc]

I commend the OP for having a go at this himself. This is something I would never attempt.