Leather Steering Wheel Repair

[capt512]

Hello Everyone,



I have a 1999 Toyota 4Runner that has a tan leather steering wheel with heavy wear at the 12 o`clock position. It is past the point of conditioning and cleaning, however I am now trying to find the next best option.



I have searched the forums and found AGLA (alan gun leather accessories) listed a few places as a recommendation but then many many other bad reviews about them. Have seen the place in texas some recommend that recovers wheels but this truck is a DD so shipping the wheel off for a week won`t work. I looked at Wheelskins covers, but it doesn`t cover the spoke part of the wheel, and the color samples I had them send me aren`t even close...and I can`t find anyone that used a blk cover (only other contrasting color I can think of) on a tan wheel to see how bad that looks. Have tried 2 different highly recommended upholstry shops in my area and 1 won`t touch steering wheels, the other only installs wheelskins. Have looked on ebay etc and can`t find any tan replacements, and Toyota wants $900 w/o airbag!!!



So I am trying to find out if any of the restoration kits (like the leatherique kit, etc) work decently, or if I should just get the wheelskins that doesn`t match and say oh well

[Roger Koh]

It`s repairer-able; the general structure of sequence is as follows:



1] Degreasing @ pH 2.2 > Rinse @ pH 3.0

2] Dry Preparation

3] Impregnation with a protein compact resin blend compound impregnator to restrengthen the leather structure.

4] Surface repair with a combination of Leather Stucco, Leather Bond and UV Strong Compact Resin Pigment.

5] Adhesion Coating.

6] UV Strong Color Compact Resin Pigment (custom color).

7] Urethane topcoat with matching luster - probably matte, although satin and gloss is available.

8] Non-stick Rub Resistance Protector with a non-slip grip, unlike the seats which uses a natural buttery smooth feel.



Interested to go into details of the why and how?



Roger Koh

info@leatherdoctor.com

[Dan]

I used the leatherique kit on my shift nob. It held fine for a year and a few months, then some twit destroyed the car.



http://autopia.org/forum/car-detaili...g-leather.html

[Roger Koh]

With the above structure of repair sequence, we give a 3 year warranty against material and workmanship.



We will also explain what causes the leather denaturing, and how to prevent such occurrence - the culprit is the urea contents in the sweat that causes the damages. How-to routinely or periodically neutralizes and bring down the pH value of the leather structure in the cycle of a maintenance program.



Roger Koh

info@leatherdoctor.com

[C. Charles Hahn]

Might I suggest looking in salvage yards, ebay, etc. to see if you can just find one in better shape to swap out? Might be cheaper and easier than going through the whole repair process....

[Roger Koh]

Might be cheaper and easier than going through the whole repair process....

I agree, then aren`t we auto detailer...rather than auto secondhand parts dealers?



What is the forte of a Automotive Appearance Specialist - does that includes the leather interiors too?





Roger Koh

info@leatherdoctor.com

[C. Charles Hahn]

I agree, then aren`t we auto detailer...rather than auto secondhand parts dealers?



What is the forte of a Automotive Appearance Specialist - does that includes the leather interiors too?





Roger Koh

info@leatherdoctor.com

Uh, what are you trying to imply here, Roger?

[Roger Koh]

Uh, what are you trying to imply here, Roger?

The state of the art for Exterior Detailing and the Interior Detailing are worlds apart.



I am often surprised to see the beauty of exterior to be dismay with what I see for the interior - it didn`t last with tell tale signs of sloppy repairs.



This is only a positive motivation to the right direction with more to offer to discerning owners…nothing personal.



Roger Koh

info@leatherdoctor.com

[Roger Koh]

It`s repairer-able; the general structure of sequence is as follows:



1] Degreasing @ pH 2.2 > Rinse @ pH 3.0

2] Dry Preparation

3] Impregnation with a protein compact resin blend compound impregnator to restrengthen the leather structure.

4] Surface repair with a combination of Leather Stucco, Leather Bond and UV Strong Compact Resin Pigment.

5] Adhesion Coating.

6] UV Strong Color Compact Resin Pigment (custom color).

7] Urethane topcoat with matching luster - probably matte, although satin and gloss is available.

8] Non-stick Rub Resistance Protector with a non-slip grip, unlike the seats which uses a natural buttery smooth feel.



Interested to go into details of the why and how?



Roger Koh

info@leatherdoctor.com

And I have miss out the importance of Hydrating the leather 1a) prior to dry prep; thereafter rejuvenate it for softness - with the "life-blood of leather" - a pH 5.0 Fatliquor.



Otherwise without fatliquoring it, it will continue to crack!





Roger Koh

info@leatherdoctor.com

[Brad B]

As mentioned, a second hand 4Runner wheel can be had very cheaply. I have seen many posted on Toyota 4Runner Forum. Also, Dallas Custom Steering Wheel does an awesome job recovering them quickly. Top notch quality.

[C. Charles Hahn]

The state of the art for Exterior Detailing and the Interior Detailing are worlds apart.



I am often surprised to see the beauty of exterior to be dismay with what I see for the interior - it didn`t last with tell tale signs of sloppy repairs.

Proper or improper repairs to existing parts and materials aside, there`s absolutely nothing wrong with trying to save someone time and money, especially on an older daily driver/beater. If we were dealing with a high-dollar original vehicle on which replacement isn`t an option or is not desirable, that would be another story.

This is only a positive motivation to the right direction with more to offer to discerning owners…nothing personal.



Roger Koh

info@leatherdoctor.com

If you didn`t intend it to be taken personally, you shouldn`t have thrown in "What is the forte of a Automotive Appearance Specialist..."



I`ll just leave it at that.

[Roger Koh]

If you didn`t intend it to be taken personally, you shouldn`t have thrown in "What is the forte of a Automotive Appearance Specialist..."



I`ll just leave it at that.[/QUOTE]





All right, I apologise I should not say that. Sorry!

[capt512]

Thanks for the advice everyone. As far as the how/why the truck was purchased used at 100K miles and had some wear in multiple places (cig burn on carpet, steering wheel and seat wear) and over the last 5 years has slowly gotten worse. I have checked ebay for years on and off and can`t ever find a replacement, not in tan. There is a blk on there now, but no tan. Searched google for replacements no luck, no luck at junkyards. Searched toyota forums but haven`t had any luck either Have looked at dallas customs and actually sent them an email but between shipping and them actually doing work the truck would be without a wheel for about a week even with next day shipping...which won`t work either



I`ll look into the leather doctor repair stuff suggested. Thanks!

[Roger Koh]

I`ll look into the leather doctor repair stuff suggested. Thanks!

Thank you for the confident in my proposal…I shall lead you in every step…that your effort is long live…with no cracks for at least the next 3 years.



The question is whether this forum allows for the complete products instructions to be posted here?



Otherwise we have to switch venue for this exercise.



Moderator, may I have your permission to do so?



Roger Koh

info@leatherdoctor.com

[MSOsr]

Thank you for the confident in my proposal…I shall lead you in every step…that your effort is long live…with no cracks for at least the next 3 years.



The question is whether this forum allows for the complete products instructions to be posted here?



Otherwise we have to switch venue for this exercise.



Moderator, may I have your permission to do so?



Roger Koh

info@leatherdoctor.com

Roger:



I just bought a used 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe with Recaro seats. They are black with a "saffron" suede in the middle. I put Leather Masters on the black leather, but it does look like they need further softening to avoid cracking.



What is your recommendation?



Mike