leather wheel reupholster

[CLeeJ]

I have a 2000 4Runner Limited (oak interior), and I'm looking for options to recover/replace the leather on my steering wheel. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I have tried Wheelskins before (on our Land Cruiser), and while it is a good option, it makes the steering wheel fatter, it doesn't completely cover the spokes, and in my experience the leather only lasted about 3 years and needed replacing again.

After going through 2 sets of Wheelskins on our LandCruiser, I ordered a replacement steering wheel on ebay from Taiwan. I have had it almost 3 years and I love it! However, I can't seem to find something similar for the 4Runner (maybe they are interchangeable, I haven't explored this)?
Steering Wheel Dark Wood Grain Leather Grip For Lexus LX470 Toyota Land Cruiser | eBay

I know there are a couple of places you can send your steering wheel and have them re-cover, but I think this is more expensive? These were mentioned above:
Dallas Custom Steering Wheel
https://craftcustoms.com/

Has anyone tried one of these DIY leather covers that also cover the spokes. It looks similar to Wheelskins, but I believe you remove the original leather, and it has leather that covers the spokes (not sure how you do the inside edge of the spoke between the wheel and the center airbag, maybe glue?)? I'm tempted to try one of these, but I fear I would destroy my steering wheel if it doesn't look good, and not sure on the quality of the leather:
Toyota 4Runner LEATHER WHEEL KIT 1994 -97,98-03.02-09 - OE Covers spokes | eBay

I would be curious if anyone has any experience with the cover above.

If you have had success with covers that covered the spokes, or replaced your steering wheel with an aftermarket, please share some pics!

Thanks

Lee

 

[texadelphia]

Depending on the condition I wonder if doing something like this might be an option.

BMW E30 M-Technic Sports Steering Wheel [Restoration] - YouTube

 

[RedSled]

I have a 2000 4Runner Limited (oak interior), and I'm looking for options to recover/replace the leather on my steering wheel. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I have tried Wheelskins before (on our Land Cruiser), and while it is a good option, it makes the steering wheel fatter, it doesn't completely cover the spokes, and in my experience the leather only lasted about 3 years and needed replacing again.

After going through 2 sets of Wheelskins on our LandCruiser, I ordered a replacement steering wheel on ebay from Taiwan. I have had it almost 3 years and I love it! However, I can't seem to find something similar for the 4Runner (maybe they are interchangeable, I haven't explored this)?
Steering Wheel Dark Wood Grain Leather Grip For Lexus LX470 Toyota Land Cruiser | eBay

I know there are a couple of places you can send your steering wheel and have them re-cover, but I think this is more expensive? These were mentioned above:
Dallas Custom Steering Wheel
https://craftcustoms.com/

Has anyone tried one of these DIY leather covers that also cover the spokes. It looks similar to Wheelskins, but I believe you remove the original leather, and it has leather that covers the spokes (not sure how you do the inside edge of the spoke between the wheel and the center airbag, maybe glue?)? I'm tempted to try one of these, but I fear I would destroy my steering wheel if it doesn't look good, and not sure on the quality of the leather:
Toyota 4Runner LEATHER WHEEL KIT 1994 -97,98-03.02-09 - OE Covers spokes | eBay

I would be curious if anyone has any experience with the cover above.

If you have had success with covers that covered the spokes, or replaced your steering wheel with an aftermarket, please share some pics!

Thanks

Lee

I saw a few done by Dallas, they came out very nice.

 

[Twisted Sid]

I did one of those sew on covers on my daily driver Versa and it came out pretty good. The leather feels so much better than the factory wheel rubber like material and it gives a good grip while driving.
I watched alot of install videos to see how it's done and took my time stitching it on. This was definitely a project, so set some time aside to do it. I'd say a few hours at least.
TIPS:
Before you start, set the cover in the sun or on the dash of the car for some time to heat it up so it has some stretch to it. Cold will not be your friend here.
Definitely use the double sided tape on the front and back of the spokes to hold the leather in place.
Do the longer sections across first when sewing.
Get a set of mechanics picks. They will help with pulling the thread tight for a good seam.
Don't pull too hard or you could break the thread.
Stitch a few inches and then go back and pull the seam tighter with the picks.
Remove the steering wheel. I started the job with the steering wheel in the car but not soon after, I removed the wheel and did it in the house at the dinning room table.

 

[Formidable]

Looks professional. Well done! I ordered a mewant steering wheel cover off eBay for about $30 shipped. Will let you guys know how it turns out.

I did one of those sew on covers on my daily driver Versa and it came out pretty good. The leather feels so much better than the factory wheel rubber like material and it gives a good grip while driving.
I watched alot of install videos to see how it's done and took my time stitching it on. This was definitely a project, so set some time aside to do it. I'd say a few hours at least.
TIPS:
Before you start, set the cover in the sun or on the dash of the car for some time to heat it up so it has some stretch to it. Cold will not be your friend here.
Definitely use the double sided tape on the front and back of the spokes to hold the leather in place.
Do the longer sections across first when sewing.
Get a set of mechanics picks. They will help with pulling the thread tight for a good seam.
Don't pull too hard or you could break the thread.
Stitch a few inches and then go back and pull the seam tighter with the picks.
Remove the steering wheel. I started the job with the steering wheel in the car but not soon after, I removed the wheel and did it in the house at the dinning room table.

 

[CLeeJ]

[MENTION=130022]Twisted Sid[/MENTION] thanks for the pictures, that looks great.

I have ordered the one on ebay here: Toyota 4Runner LEATHER WHEEL KIT 1994 -97,98-03.02-09 - OE Covers spokes | eBay

I ordered the "pre sewn" version, which as I understand has thread stitched along the edges, and you basically sew this together (rather than having to put the needle through the leather on every stitch). This added $10, and making the kit kind of expensive $60+ shipping and all (there are cheaper options from China, etc.). However, it is supposed to good leather, and US seller, and per the auction he has sold 156 with 100% positive feedback (note that I have no affiliation with the seller).

When I get the kit, I'll take some pictures and post some feedback.

THANKS

Lee

 

[CLeeJ]

Just closing the loop on my experience.

I ordered a leather cover off of ebay from seller aglausa, and it took over 5 weeks to receive the cover (not sure what the delay was).

Apparently this seller is Alan Gun, and he has been selling leather steering wheel covers for years (I found his name on other forums, and he had a website at one time).

The cover was ok, but not great. There were sections of the leather that weren't cut very well, and while it does look better than my old original leather, there are wrinkles and it doesn't fit well around the spokes. I'm sure someone with more skill than I have might have done a better job. Maybe with some time in the hot sun, it will smooth out. The color was very good, and I think the quality of the leather is not bad, but it didn't have a lot of give to it (I did heat it up some, but still pretty stiff).

Because I didn't have a lot of success installing it (wrinkles, lack of experience, etc.), I'm not sure I would do this again. I would probably consider having Dallas (mentioned in posts above), or some professional recover it (of course that is more expensive). I tried to follow the advice from [MENTION=130022]Twisted Sid[/MENTION] above, but my results certainly were not as good as his pictures.

I could post pictures, but honestly just imagine new leather, but wrinkles around spokes...

Just wanted to share my experience.

Lee

 

[frankwissman]

I just got my wheel back from Craft Customs, Custom Steering Wheels | Steering Wheel | Craft Customs, and love it. I bought a junkyard wheel, checked it for fit and sent it to Craft. 10 day turnaround and installed in 45 minutes. The reason it took me so long is the airbag fasteners are T-27, not 5mm Allen which is what my old eyes thought they saw...
Anyway, great work, fair price. I'll be putting my old wheel up on the Classifieds next for anyone who wants.

 

[Formidable]

These guys look like they know what they’re doing. What was the quote if you don’t mind sharing?

I just got my wheel back from Craft Customs, Custom Steering Wheels | Steering Wheel | Craft Customs, and love it. I bought a junkyard wheel, checked it for fit and sent it to Craft. 10 day turnaround and installed in 45 minutes. The reason it took me so long is the airbag fasteners are T-27, not 5mm Allen which is what my old eyes thought they saw...
Anyway, great work, fair price. I'll be putting my old wheel up on the Classifieds next for anyone who wants.

 

[frankwissman]

These guys look like they know what they’re doing. What was the quote if you don’t mind sharing?

$299 + shipping, no fuss, no muss. I went for stock, they have many options!