bosch's993

I was wondering if anybody knew if a 4-spoke wheel could be re-wrapped/re-done with Alcantara on the rim?

I love the feel on the newer 911 steering wheels, but i like the 4 spoke steering wheel design, plus a new steering wheel w/ a new Airbag would be like $1700-$2500

Could an upholstery place do this, would they have the material? I have a good upholstery guy, but was wondering if anybody had done this before, even if it was with a different material?

Any idea on the price of Alcantara material? (Usually by the yard)

goofballdeluxe

As wonderful as Alcantara is, it's not a great surface for places that often come into contact with hands and perspiration and dirt. Leather holds up much better over time...

bosch's993

Why do they use it for the steering wheels, and shift *****? Isn't it a grippier material?

And if the cost is low enough, I wouldn't mind replacing it every 5-7 years. Or maybe having two steering wheels would be better, so i could test it out on the other one, while keeping mine in tact.

goofballdeluxe

Because it feels nice to the touch, and by the time it turns to crap, you'll hopefully be out of the warranty period. Cars these days aren't built to last, just built to last through the warranty.

Anyway, I'm sure it can be done, but I dunno the cost. I can tell you it probably won't wear nearly as well, or as long, as leather.

RDS928S

See here:http://www.dallassteeringwheel.com/sw1.htm

Al Z

Try the Carsdream in Poland. They have done several steering wheels for members including myself. If you dont mind waiting about a month from the day you ship it to them.

CorrdoBrit

Alcantara is used in racing cars because it provides superior grip compared to leather when wearing gloves. Its just a gimmick in a street car. If you tend to get sweaty palms I'd avoid it. BMW offered free substitution of its alcantara steering wheels because they looked so ratty after just a short time.

AtlJimK

2nd on Dallas Steering wheel....here's mine>

Chuck W.

I would also recommend CarsDream in Poland; http://www.carsdream.com/. I have had three steering wheels modified by them. They can thicken it and add hand grips if you like. I did not have them use Alcantara, but I am sure they can. They will email the cost for the job you want done. I does take some time to get it back, but in my opinion it is worth the wait.

alexl911

In racing cars you're almost always wearing gloves with soft palms which, when combined with suede or alcantara trimmed steering wheels, provide a firm grip. If you're not wearing gloves, the alcantara actually gets matted due to sweat and grease from your hands and quickly becomes less grippy than a normal leather. I agree alcantara looks great new but it's not great for a road car.

TheBen

I got mine done at Dallas. They're a bit negotiable. I just haven't put my new wheel on yet.

twinreds

But why the 4-spoke wheel?

bosch's993

Thanks for the feedback!
Seeing as I currently only have one steering wheel and my 993 is my DD, I am not sure about the Poland idea, but I do like that they can add hand grips, I don't like the stock bumps on the back.

I'll email them and see what they'll charge, but does anyone know of any in the southern California region?

I don't like leather because it gets SUPER hot during the summer in +100 F temperatures. I figured that the alcantara would help with the heat. I carry a towel in my car to drape of the steering wheel, but I forget most of the time.
Are there any other materials that people have used for steering wheels?

Chuck W.

There are several of us that have gone from 4-spoke to 3-spoke and back to 4-spoke. For me it was to more period correct. That and I was able to customize the 4-spoke.

Spidey 993

I bought my 993TT with the Alcantara steering wheel already done. I enjoy the feel very much compared to my other 993 leather steering wheel. What I also like is the fact I have black interior and the Alcantara stays fairly cool comparative to the leather when the hot sun is baking on it. Not hot to the touch at all.

In terms of dirt, when you do see a dirt mark it scratches right off.