looks great the only thing i need done is my e-brake handle, pm sent

 

Kevin,

Here is the finished products. On it's way back in the mail tomorrow. E-mail you tomorrow.

Hope you like it!

(Explanation for thread readers)
Just thought I would post a few pictures of the whole process. The shift **** and brake lever pictured were not originally covered in leather. The original pattern for the wheel was missing. I have taken photos while extrapolating a pattern. To complete all of this, it took about 55 hours total.


Shift **** & Brake Lever Process

 

Steering Wheel Process

 

Finished Product






Enjoy Kevin!

 

You are a true craftsman. Nicely done sir!

 

Just saw this... absolutely fantastic results. Look forward to working with you on some pieces in the future.

Stephen

 

damn, i got this tall *** aluminum shifter **** i was thinking of doing in alcantara or leather.....i might just have to send it to you....too bad youre in canada

Lloyd

 

Thanks Stephen,

Just let me know when you are reay.

Matt

 

Being in Canada is no big deal. The shipping is not that pricey at all. If you would like to know what the cost of the recover is just shoot me a PM, you'll be very surprised

Thanks,

Matt

 

Photos for rlee429.Recovery work i did. All from Scratch. Steering wheel, Shift ****, Brake lever, Brake Boot and Shift boot.

On it's way Rob Enjoy!... Post some photos when you have it all installed.

 

Wow -- NICE.

How do you accomplish the stitching on that wheel, very impressive?

 

Thanks,

That stitch is done by sewing both sides on the leather with the machine, then lacing the stitches together across each side.

Check out some videos on youtube: European Diamond stitch.

Matt

 

Can't wait to get it Looks very nice Thanks for doing it in 1 piece btw

 

Any chance you have leather that would match the black/brown from an Rx8?

 

The only leather I have right now is black however, I do have access to browns. I think I know the color you are describing. Do you have a picture of your wheel or whatever it is you would like covered?

Post it here and we can go from there.

Thanks,

Matt

[QUOTE=Jhereg;10716152]Any chance you have leather that would match the black/brown from an Rx8?[/QUOTE)

 

Here is everything installed (from pics above) in my 85 GSL-SE. Everything is top notch. It's good to see people still taking pride in their work. Again, GREAT job Matt!!
[IMG] Uploaded with ImageShack.us[/IMG]

 

Great Kevin,

Thanks for sharing the picture. Looks Excellent. I am very glad you are happy with it.

Matt

 

Another Shift ****...

This is a New OEM Mitsubishi ****. The stitch was originally black and I restitched in red for a friend's Lancer, Keeping the original leather intact.

 

The stitching looks very even on the boot. Was the boot sewn by hand or by machine?

 

The thread used for this boot is 0.5mm as opposed to the standard #69 thread. It is more pronounced and every stitch is clearly visible. I wanted it to look perfectly even so:

It was sewn on my industrial machine but...

For three joins (one join left open) I measured and punched the holes using a leather punch first then placed the boot in the machine. I then rotated the machine by hand and ligned the needle up with the holes.

For the fourth join after sewing the seam together on the machine using 69 thread, again I punched the holes and used a sewing awl to stitch. The machine could not be used as it would have simply sewn through the other side of the boot.

For standard boots with #69 thread I use the machine as normal for the first three and the awl for the last.

Hope that helps!

 

Reference photos for Rob:

Example cut pattern for one Spoke




See the photos in the thread of a pattern I devised from an uncovered wheel using masking tape. Basically you cover each spoke in it's entirety with masking tape and cut along the propsed stitch line with a hobby knife. Remove the tape, place it on some photo paper then square it up as shown using the circumference measurement from your wheel (Measure with a seamstress tape or caliper). If you plan to wrap the wheel similar to my Nardi wheel with the leather joined at the back, then mark your cut lines to stop where the originals end and leave the excess to wrap around the back.

 

craftsmanship is very nice. what steering wheel is that?

 

Thank you! If you are referring to the pattern above, it is not a pattern for an actual wheel simply a reference of cut lines. The wheel above that with the red stitching is manufactured by nardi but I am unsure the model.

 

Steering wheel is from Nardi, it's a discounted model D-shapped that took me forever to find (2) :P

 

Amazing work, everything you've done looks fantastic. Do you just buy the thread from anywhere? If someone wanted to start this which piece is easiest the shift **** or the e-brake handle?