Steering Wheel leather

[JoeP]

I've seen alot of info about reconditioning seat leather, but what about steering wheels. Mine is in good shape, but the finish is wearing off. I'd like to fix it up before it gets bad. Any ideas of what I can use on it? Thanks!

[bearing01]

I used black shoe polish... the kind that comes in a can. Use the same procedure one would use to spit shine a pair of army boots to a mirror shine. If you apply 20 to 30 coats of wax it will make the wheel black & shiny and no longer sticky.

[KenC]

I just keep mine conditioned with mink oil

[JoeP]

Thanks for the tips! I used the mink oil and it worked great. I think I'll try the shoe polish when I have time. I never really thought to "spit shine" my steering wheel!

[royalflush313]

on the same subject, has anyone found a polish/conditioner does gives leather a dull look?

[nefarious7907]

spit shining your steering wheel, I thought that I had heard all of the options but that one is pretty good, litterally just make sure you get all of it off

[AndrewBird]

I just keep mine conditioned with mink oil

DO NOT USE OIL ON LEATHER!!! Oil will only make hte leather detereroate and casue it to fall apart.

If you use shoe polish, you will need to use a sealer product to keep the polish from rubbing off on your hands.

If the finish of the leather is worn off, there isn't a lot you can do. You can try using a wax product, that will help bring back the shine, but the texture will still be off. Find a place in town that sells shoe care products and get GOOD products. The shit you can buy at a grocery store doesn't cut it.

[MrK]

Here's a thought: Ever thought about actually re-skinning the wheel with new leather? That would probably be best by far.

[AndrewBird]

Here's a thought: Ever thought about actually re-skinning the wheel with new leather? That would probably be best by far.

Obviously that would be the best way to go, but covering a steering wheel and making it look good is very difficult. Leather takes some effort to shape into a round form.

I am actually going to see if I can cover a wheel for my car in swede sometime soon. I'll post pics and info if it goes alright.

[MrK]

Here's mine covered in bley-grey suede. My whole interior is being redone in black leather/blue-grey suede as well, and I'll post pics when I'm done. But as for the steering wheel, here's an idea of what it will look like if a pro does it:

[thejimlab]

I have a sport steering wheel like MrK and the leather was rubbing off bad. In the humidity or right after I got out of the water from surfing, my hands would be so sticky. So, I cut the leather cover right the fuck off. I can honestly say I like the rubber better.

[jdbunda]

leatherique

I restored an AC Schnitzer steering wheel using the same leatherique products you'd use for seats. A bit expensive for just a steering wheel (you have a lot left over) but works great. I got the wheel cheap on eBay because of the condition - the dye was faded and peeling, but it turned out great, so the cost of the dye products was easy to rationalize.

[ejs999]

Leatherique sells a wheel resto kit - you can only see it on their online shopping site under "special applications" - $20 gets you 4oz of black dye, some sealer and maybe some other stuff (i can't remember right now even though I just ordered one yesterday).