How to refurb steering wheel leather?

[robrez]

I have a nice 370mm m-tech II wheel. The only issue is that the leather on the left side is faded. I think it's from the sun because the leather on the right side isn't damaged; unless the PO only steered with his left hand causing the uneven wear.

What product would be best for hiding/disguising the faded leather? Something that won't rub off on my hands :-D

[StereoInstaller1]

Y'know, nothing is gonna fix that.

Worse than that, it is gonna get WAY worse in the next few weeks even if it isn't used.

Sorry about that, mate, I know how it feels.

So, in order to save you the shame (MUCH more magnanimous than normal for me, right?) you can send it to me.

Hell, tell ya what, I will even split the shipping with you!



(JK, I got nothing)

Luke

[robrez]

You pay full shipping or go pound sand

I change my setting to block avatars just so I can read all your thoughtful posts on my slow-ass computer, just for this :nice:

Y'know, nothing is gonna fix that.

Worse than that, it is gonna get WAY worse in the next few weeks even if it isn't used.

Sorry about that, mate, I know how it feels.

So, in order to save you the shame (MUCH more magnanimous than normal for me, right?) you can send it to me.

Hell, tell ya what, I will even split the shipping with you!



(JK, I got nothing)

Luke

[StereoInstaller1]

You pay full shipping or go pound sand

I change my setting to block avatars just so I can read all your thoughtful posts on my slow-ass computer, just for this :nice:

yeah, way not worth it. I painted...er, oops, DYED mine and it has held up poorly.

It did look nice for a year or so, and it's not exactly hard to pull a wheel on an E30...but yearly spray "dyeing" a steering wheel might kinda suck.

[td325ic]

It's pretty easy to fix by re-dying with a water based leather dye. For your first time I'd practice on a less valuable wheel so you can get the process down.

Here's full instructions on how to do it. When it comes to interior work this guy has a ton of great DIY info
Leather Repair | How to Repair Worn Leather Steering Wheel

Personally what I like to do first is use a Mr. clean Magic Eraser and give it a once over removing any build-up of grime on the leather and stitching.

Then prep the leather by wet sanding with 600grit, or a grey scotchbrite pad along with a leather prep solution, being careful not to sand the stitching. For a prep solution I use what the "interior guy" uses in the above link, which is a mixture of equal parts of Acetone, Ammonia, isopropryl Alcohol, water, and TSP substitute.

Really either Acetone or Lacquer thinner is what does most of the work. Before sanding try taking a rag with lacquer thinner or Acetone and wiping down the leather, it will blend the dye and give it a matte finish, you might like it like that. It'll look something like this, example

If you decide to dye it then a water based dye like SEM Sure Coat or Classic Dye Products' leather dye would work well. I've used SEM sure coat with good results but I'm trying to move to just Classic Dye Products as I like the sheen and feel of their dye better out of the bottle.

Applying the dye you can spray it or apply by hand, blotting with a lint free staining pad. I don't like using a foam pad/brush because it tends to leave small bubbles which dry as spots. A staining pad or wadded up moist paper towel works the best for me.

Here's a good writeup on the prepping and applying of the dye

Also look at the DIY writeups on Leatherique's webpage

Good luck! and if all else fails you can buy a new m-tech II wheel minus the center horn for around $240 at bmwmercedesparts.com. Part # 32 33 2 226 086

[robrez]

^^^thanks!