Looking for advice restoring Leather Steering Wheel

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eddypeck
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Joined: Thu Jun 04, 2015 1:05 pm

Looking for advice restoring Leather Steering Wheel

#1 Post by eddypeck » Mon Jun 29, 2015 10:48 pm

Hi, I restored a wheel previously with what seemed like great success using a kit like this from eBay.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/74-colours-50 ... 3f13bdd902

Image
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It was great at first but what appears to have happened is the dye, hasn't pentrated the leather. Instead it's created a 'latex' like coating on to of the leather which is now peeling off.

I've got another wheel that needs doing and want to get it right this time. So any advice and product recommendations will be greatly received.

thanks in advance, Ed
1986 VW Golf GTi, 1988 VW Golf GTi, 1993 BMW e30 318i Touring Lux

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TerryG
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Location: East Midlands

Re: Looking for advice restoring Leather Steering Wheel

#2 Post by TerryG » Mon Jun 29, 2015 11:27 pm

:S I have one of these:
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251378275765
waiting to use on my focus. It's from the same seller as your kit so I may not bother now.
Sorry not to be of help but thanks for the heads up.
Understeer: when you hit the wall with the front of the car.
Oversteer: when you hit the wall with the back of the car.
Horsepower: how fast you hit the wall.
Torque: how far you take the wall with you.

jpsh120
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Joined: Mon Feb 21, 2011 10:37 pm

Re: Looking for advice restoring Leather Steering Wheel

#3 Post by jpsh120 » Tue Jun 30, 2015 7:36 am

I would think that the leather dye used on seats could be used just as well on the steering wheel?

I've seen it used and the results are impressive.
1971 Sunbeam Rapier H120

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eddypeck
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Re: Looking for advice restoring Leather Steering Wheel

#4 Post by eddypeck » Tue Jun 30, 2015 9:11 am

jpsh120 wrote:I would think that the leather dye used on seats could be used just as well on the steering wheel?

I've seen it used and the results are impressive.

Any links to specific products? or other threads. The same stuff I got here is also sold for seats, my concern now is buying the right product or selection of products for a (near) professional restore.

I've got a bit of a steering wheel obsession, I keep buying them :lol:

I'd be keen to learn more about proper restoration.
1986 VW Golf GTi, 1988 VW Golf GTi, 1993 BMW e30 318i Touring Lux

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Luxobarge
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Location: Horne, Surreyshire

Re: Looking for advice restoring Leather Steering Wheel

#5 Post by Luxobarge » Tue Jun 30, 2015 9:25 am

Eddy - have a quick search for "Liquid Leather" or "Gliptone" - and then phone them up and have a chat with them. They're leather upholstery specialists and know a great deal about the subject, and in my experience were happy to chat through the particular issue on the phone and tell you what product and technique is going to work best. Their products are really good too.

Far more likely to lead to success than taking a punt on random products on e-bay IMHO.

Cheers!
Some people are like Slinkies - they serve no useful purpose, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them downstairs.

jpsh120
Posts: 321
Joined: Mon Feb 21, 2011 10:37 pm

Re: Looking for advice restoring Leather Steering Wheel

#6 Post by jpsh120 » Tue Jun 30, 2015 9:27 am

Yes, liquid leather are who I was going to suggest. I use their cleaning products which are fantastic and the restoration products are supposed to be equally impressive.

Good luck, let us know how you get on.
1971 Sunbeam Rapier H120

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eddypeck
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Re: Looking for advice restoring Leather Steering Wheel

#7 Post by eddypeck » Tue Jun 30, 2015 12:11 pm

Nice one chaps, I'll check them out.
1986 VW Golf GTi, 1988 VW Golf GTi, 1993 BMW e30 318i Touring Lux

History
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Re: Looking for advice restoring Leather Steering Wheel

#8 Post by History » Fri Jul 03, 2015 8:57 pm

Make sure the leather is clean. Finger grease builds up.

Use hand toilet soap warm water and nail brush. Dont be frightened of getting the leather wet.

It is surprising how dirty leather steering wheels get.

Black shoe polish works well on black leather.

I use Chealsea foot ball boot dubbin, on leather.

After I sit in car naked and wallow in the stuff.

Or a better way is track suit bottoms and a tee shirt and wiggle around in the seats for a final buff.

Bob.

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