2G Steering wheel and Shifter leather

[Justin DuBois]

If I want to replace the factory grey leather with suede on the steering wheel and shifter knob, what gives professional results?
I'm finding all kinds of cheap slip on wheel skins, but that's not what I want. I want to replace the leather already on the parts.

What did you do?

Justin

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

Most custom upholstery shops should have such materials in stock. Just be aware that suede won't last as long as leather. If it's garage kept there shouldn't be any short term issues.

I bet @Widgmaster could give some useful input.

 

[Widgmaster]

This is not a good idea @Justin DuBois ... After a while, your steering wheel will be matted and dirty-looking. We may think our hands are clean but the oils from our skin will destroy all your effort. You may be able to get a local upholsterer to stitch up a new cover in leather but believe me, you don't want suede. Most people don't realize they are harming their leather interior when they use this off-the-shelf crap that's on the market. A little bit of soap and water/ a damp rag will clean away the grime . Then treat the leather with a suitable conditioner. While my car was in a shop the mechanic got in my car with his greasy hands and dirty boots and coveralls. I went to the manager and showed him my hands after touching the wheel and the oil marks on my brand new carpet and the ass print in my seat. He attempted to climb in with a bottle of Fantastic cleaner when I stopped him. I told him maybe he should be more aware of what they are doing and clean up the greasy/oily floor. I got the marks out of the carpet but had to reupholster the seat.
""""" DON"T USE SUEDE """"

 

[streetraceboi]

This is not a good idea @Justin DuBois ... After a while, your steering wheel will be matted and dirty-looking. We may think our hands are clean but the oils from our skin will destroy all your effort. You may be able to get a local upholsterer to stitch up a new cover in leather but believe me, you don't want suede. Most people don't realize they are harming their leather interior when they use this off-the-shelf crap that's on the market. A little bit of soap and water/ a damp rag will clean away the grime . Then treat the leather with a suitable conditioner. While my car was in a shop the mechanic got in my car with his greasy hands and dirty boots and coveralls. I went to the manager and showed him my hands after touching the wheel and the oil marks on my brand new carpet and the ass print in my seat. He attempted to climb in with a bottle of Fantastic cleaner when I stopped him. I told him maybe he should be more aware of what they are doing and clean up the greasy/oily floor. I got the marks out of the carpet but had to reupholster the seat.
""""" DON"T USE SUEDE """"

You took my reply. My friend is also an upholster and I asked him if he can redo an old Sparco wheel I found for cheap with suede. Before I could even finish he said NO, do NOT do suede unless you want to replace it again sooner than later.

 

[Justin DuBois]

Great advice - thank you. I'm thinking just a direct replacement of Grey leather then.

Justin

 

[streetraceboi]

Great advice - thank you. I'm thinking just a direct replacement of Grey leather then.

Justin

Maybe @Widgmaster can recommend another alternative? I wont be seeing my friend for a few days. But he has lots of options. Maybe ill pick his brain.

 

[randman2011]

You can do suede if you only drive with gloves on. But since no one only drives with gloves on...

It's a different platform, but I'm planning to do this in my MR-2. They have a blue carbon fiber option that looks like it will match my paint and the seatbelts that I have picked out. The touch surfaces will be OE-replacement black leather.

 

[Widgmaster]

Thank you for your confidence in me @streetraceboi ... I have seen people use plastic dip on their wheel but I think this is tacky. Possibly your local upholsterer could reskin your wheel ...ask him...and if he doesn't give you an answer right away he is only guessing he may be able to reskin. Not that easy...It takes a master of the trade to get it right. If you are dead set on an OEM wheel maybe you could find a decent one for sale. After this, the only thing you can do is buy aftermarket...Hope it works out for you whatever you decide.