Leather Repair *Pic Heavy*

Discussion in 'Non Technical' started by 8300zx9, Jun 10, 2013.

  1. 8300zx9

    8300zx9 Active Member

    So I'm back on the Farm this long weekend and thought it would be a good chance to detail the ol' girl up which turned into the attempt to repair my leather steering wheel and handbrake...My problem, and I'm sure most others will have the same issue, is the top layer of the leather has come off 80% of the steering wheel. Doesn't look to good hey! I usually have a steering wheel cover on but I hate it.

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    So I had a 'nothing to lose' situation that was worth giving a shot, especially when a new wheel is $800!....one day...

    My idea was to try and remove all of the remaining top layer so that there was some consistency to the texture of the leather before I treated it. I used some 80p Sand paper with light pressure to do this.

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    I couldnt be bothered removing the steering wheel and chose to just clean up later....Ended up to be a very fleshy job Smells like a cow!

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    Then as if you were sanding wood I came down in grade until I used some scotch bright.

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    Once I got the leather all smooth again I rummaged through Mum's horse riding kit and found some leather cleaning/oiling products believe it or not.

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    The oil in the larger container soaked in very quickly and started to darken things up. Then I used the cream in the smaller container which is more of an all rounder, containing bees wax, oil and some other leather caring goodness. I used this quite liberally, left it for an hour, then buffed it like an ol' school shoe polisher. Once I started this process It made sense to leave the steering wheel on as it help hold it in place...

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    This is the final product of the steering wheel after another round of leather waxing and buffing.

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    I did the same steps to my handbrake....before and after....

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    I am absolutely stoked with the outcome of this project, they look like new again! I really didn't think this would pull off! But there you go, give it a try yourself, it didn't take long ;) :zlove: ....Enjoy
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 22, 2014
  2. black baz

    black baz black 'n blue Bazemy

    Cam, an excellent result ... !!!
     
  3. 8300zx9

    8300zx9 Active Member

    Thanks Baz :)
     
  4. East Coast Z

    East Coast Z Well-Known Member

    That is impressive!
    Well done!
    Where do you get the Bates Leather Cr?me from?
     
  5. black baz

    black baz black 'n blue Bazemy

    Mum's cupboard ... thank da Lord for Mums .. !!!
     
  6. 8300zx9

    8300zx9 Active Member

    Hahaha lol Baz... Yeah she's good to me :)

    The cream is century's old almost Mum says lol but I she says a good saddlery shop would have a similar type if 'cream' base product.... Or try a good leather shop.

    The cream I found to be the best for the job, more do than the oil, but the oil is also good to start the job... The leather sucked it up instantly...pretty thirsty I think ;)
     
  7. bRACKET

    bRACKET Do Right Dean

    Looks great, wouldn't have thought it'd work!
     
  8. 8300zx9

    8300zx9 Active Member

    Same Dean same! I thought here we go again on another wild project ;)
     
  9. A-Bris-Z

    A-Bris-Z Carcraze

    LOL......sometimes the best results come when you have nothing to lose :cool:
     
  10. frysie

    frysie FRYTECH

    doing epic drift sequences and your hands start flying off the wheel
     
  11. 8300zx9

    8300zx9 Active Member

    Lol it's smooth but not that smooth! I've seen some good nick leather oem wheels and there gloss! I would assume they are slipperier. The feel is similar to alcantara I guess, but shorter fibres in the leather.

    In fact the leather steering wheel that's in good nick doesn't match the center pad of the wheel IMO. It's too jet black whereas the pad is a dark grey. My finished wheel matches the colour of the pad spot on now.
     
  12. 8300zx9

    8300zx9 Active Member

    Actually I withdraw my comment its not like alcantara lol but it's not slippery anyway ;)
     
  13. QLDZDR

    QLDZDR ID=David

    and now you can put that wheel cover back on to protect it until the next 'show&shine'
    :D
     
  14. 8300zx9

    8300zx9 Active Member

    Hell no! I'm yet to go for a drive but it feels so much better now! And it's much thinner now than when it had the cover on which is great!
     
  15. gmbrezzo

    gmbrezzo Moderator

    Great job, and thanks for the info.
     
  16. Jamie

    Jamie Jamie The Hobbit

    Pfft too much effort. I'd just plasti-dip it cause I'm a lazy prick.
     
  17. 89300z

    89300z big ugly z owner

    great job turned out nice im going to do that to mine too :)
     
  18. 8300zx9

    8300zx9 Active Member

    Thanks buddy. Yeah it turned out pretty good... I would doubt anyone would be able to tell the difference.

    Just be light on with the pressure you use when sanding with the 80p sand paper (you will get a feel). Then go for a 900p grade paper and finish of with the scotch bright, with this you can put a bit more pressure on.

    If you need any more help pm me
     
  19. 8300zx9

    8300zx9 Active Member

    Yes your right, that is the next step :) but I would say it might just need an update with just of the shelf leather care from any auto store. It wouldn't be any more effort than when your doing a quick clean inside..

    But yes time will tell
     
  20. newz

    newz New Member

    You do realise its just ONE nut to take off the steering wheel right?
     

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