I was inspired by hulanfd3s to wrap the existing leather of my steering wheel from my RX-8. Because this is my first major leather craft (trial & error) project, I decided to use leather from an old couch. The hide is actually still in good condition being that it is quality leather and never had too much exposure to the sun. Thickness is around 1.5mm.

I wanted the suede grip of the steering wheels that come with the Porsche GT series and the M3 CSL. So I used the bottom suede as the surface of the wheel.

With the help of hulanfd3s, I measured and mocked up diagrams to trim the leather with. Measuring the diagrams alone took a few tries and hours (8 if I recall correctly). Trimming the leather took quite some time too. I began stitching the four pieces together yesterday, then started to sew the leather onto the wheel. I was able to complete the top section of the wheel, but I ran out of thread.

So far I have spent at least 12 hours on the project. Definitely big kudos to hulanfd3s for the skill and patience it takes for what he does. I really didn't realize the type of effort it takes to do this.

 

Looking good rob. Have you been gluing the leather on to the original leather?

 

No, because I am afraid that the glue is permanent and will damage the coating on the original leather. The original leather is still in good shape, and I would like the option to go back to factory.

 

Yes that's a good idea. Pulling the leather tight should hold it in place firmly. Keep up the good work!

 

One thing to watch out for is that piece of leather from the couch might not be able to resist UV as well as automotive grade materials. Also what kind of thread did you use? Is it UV rated? If not most likely you will see the items fade in the sun within a few months if you park outside a lot.

 

Looks Awesome! makes me want to send you my Nardi Wheel and ****!

 

rlee,

Have you experienced this effect on any of the parts that I recovered for you? He is using the same thread that I used for your wheel. Any issues at all just let me know.

 

Thanks! I do have the pattern here for your wheel thanks to rlee... PM me if you want.

 

Haven't installed the other parts. but steering wheel is holding up nicely. I do like the thread that you sent with the black items I request. It was super strong! I ended up removing the thread a few times cuz I messed up the stitching and it never broke on me.

Fortune_Seven, My wheel was in the worst condition ever after I pulled the leather. I had to patch up some of the items with some silicone, so the pattern might not be 100% matching to yours. Mostly the right hand grip is a bit off, but leather does stretch

 

Excellent. If you need anything else just let me know.

 

Any new projects hulanfd3s?

 

Actually working on an interior for a late 70s 260z. complete interior, dash, door panels etc. Should have it finished in the spring. I will post some photos when it's complete.

Other than that a few shift ***** and boots in the works.

Photos to come soon

[QUOTE=chiefboon;10822898]Any new

 

I just want to say you are a master craftsman

 

Thanks! It's quite a bit of fun and very rewarding.

 

Another shift **** I recovered for theorie. Turned out great. Post some photos when you get it installed.

Enjoy!

 

Finally remembered to take pictures this morning before class. Been so busy with school; I haven't had this on my mind . This has been through about four weeks if wearing in. Still looks good, though I might have to brush the fibers again to raise and liven them up to original "fluffy-ness". It is no where near perfect, but certainly good enough for me.


I may have said in a previous post that this had more than 24 actual working hours into it. Many will probably look at the work of hulanfd and underestimate the skill and patience that it takes to wrap ANYTHING. With that said, I without a doubt appreciate the help that hulanfd provides to the community.

 

Hi Matt
If you ever think of doing this as a business it would be a great idea. You just have to figure out the cost time+ profit. Find out what other restorers are charging or what it cost for a custom **** or steering wheel vs your cost.

The market is open....Corvettes, Fords, Resto Mods, Custom Rods, Other imports and then the exotic cars. You never know till you tap into the market.

Great craftsmanship = demand= profitable little business.

Hope this inspires you.
Grant

 

Hi Grant thanks for the compliments.

I have been recovering a few items during the past year or so simply for a bit of fun and to help out a few fellow members. In most cases I simply charge for reimbursement of materials especially on the smaller parts. I work full time and wouldn't have the time to devote to high amounts of leather work. I do enjoy this very much and I think if it got to be too much I would loose interest.

As for costs, for one steering wheel a leather crafter would charge upwards of $700.00. This price comes from one of the quotes I received from a leathercraft shop before I decided to try it myself. Although worth every penny, most people are't willing to spend that kind of cash on one Wheel. For the prices I charge (rather not post in the thread PM me if you want to know),there is no room for profit. I think if I charged more I would get less people interested and loose the ability to help out.

Thanks for your input and this is a great idea maybe for someone on here with the interest to start up a business someday, but unfortunately it is not in the cards for me. I am willing to pass on my knowledge to anyone interested.

Thanks again for the ideas and compliments. Need any leather working the future just let me know.

Matt

 

Hey all,

Posting a few photos for GoodFellaFD3S. Recovered 4 OEM Nardi Steering wheels and one Nardi D-Wheel for him.

Three of the OEM Nardi wheels are black leather with red stitching. One is Black leather with black stitching. The D-Wheel is black suede with red stitching.

Post some photos Rich of whichever one you decide to install

Enjoy!

 

Continued...

 

Looking good, surprised to see the d-shape nardi one popping up so often

 

Yeah me too that wheel is quite rare. Alot of people discard wheels in rough shape not realizing they can be brought back to life. Hopefully some more turn up. Thinking about getting one myself

 

Hey Matt,

everything came out looking phenomenal, really looking forward to seeing them in person

A little backstory:

I had paid good money for a bunch of claimed 'good condition' Nardi wheels off fleabay, and when they arrived they were in beat-up shape. The seller disappeared on me, and I was left with these wheels that had no real use....... until I saw this thread.

Matt has been doing this as a hobby at such low prices it's basically just for materials. I decided to have him give these wheels new life so that I can pass them on to the community and help rid the world of FD Schoolbus steering wheels

Anyone interested in the JDM pieces, shoot me a PM. The suede D-shape is for me though

 

Glad you're happy with them. I have had similar issues on ebay. You think they would do a much better job of filtering out sellers.

I have the same OEM nardi wheel in my FD. Was purchased as ready to install but was in horrid shape when it arrived. Now thinking about sourcing out a d wheel for myself to cover in suede. I must say, the grip and feel of that suede is beyond compare.

Post some install pics of the wheel when it arrives.

Enjoy,

Matt

 

Every time I check in on this thread I'm more impressed.

This is just way too good of an opporunity to pass up... Looking forward to working with you Matt and can't wait for the reupholstered wheel and shift ****!

Stephen