Kalspeed

While my pod and gauge panel are apart for rejuvenation, I decided to address the steering wheel, some of the stitching is missing

Not bad and only on the outer rim in certain areas.

See pics:





for thread I will use Round Leather Lace 1mm x 2 yds Black
Item #5054-01 from Tandy

What you guys think??

Randy V

Go for it.

Champagne

You need bonded polyester thread. 138 weight works well. You also need 2 curved needles.

Paul

GlenL

Curved needles! (forehead slap!)

danglerb

Not hard to find, I have a set of I think three pairs in different sizes from Walmart around $6.

9two8

In UK they,re called sailmakers needles, thats what I used when I did my steering wheel resto, ( prepare for very sore fingers ) once done, and a fresh coat of black dye it looked new.

Ken
80 928 S
5 Speed

UK

GlenL

I've done this and know how hard it is to get right. Used an AGLA kit. Looks nice enough.

Who has had a wheel recovered for them?

j.kenzie@sbcglobal.net

Hi,
I did this a while back. You do need 2 needles, I used straight. You need to do a double baseball stitch. It takes a while to figure out, but then it's no problem.
Good luck,
Dave

Fogey1

Get a properly sized thimble(s) and some good pliers or surgical needle holders.

Buy extra packets of needles and be careful grasping/manipulating them, they're easy to break when/if twisted wrong. It takes a touch. Ask me how I know.

Thanks, Paul, for the note about thread. I looked it up and learned something. I've generally just used waxed dental floss for minor repairs, because it was strong and immediately at hand. But it's sub-optimal because it's bright white.

Kalspeed

Thanks guys,
I'll get the thread recommended by Paul (and the needles).

The die idea sounds good, any recommendation for good leather die?

NoVector

Leatherique has steering wheel dye for $25. http://www.leatherique.com/steering-wheels.html

Kalspeed

In retrospect< I remember many Wheel-skins i laced in simply with 1 needle and straight not curved, perhaps need the curve needle as it isn't a full recover, ??

jpNcos

I've done this. The curved needle is the way to go. Also be sure you have moistend the leather first or the leather could tear.

Bilal928S4

GlenL,
I did an ALGA kit in classic silver. Finished the whole steering wheel and installed on the car and the color was totally wrong. Sent it back, took 7 months to get a refund. Sent it to Rob Budd and it came back perfect.

Garth S

On my monthly cruise by .... and this thread snapped me backwards 8 years ... to my steering wheel rehab .... the two curved needle technique is the way to go IMHO. After each 10 - 12 stitches, stop & go back with a pick ( as shown in the pics) to tension the stitches - will work out like new!