New to the forum, but not to detailing

R

rodder98

New member
I have been a lurker for awhile, seeing what other people do and how. I have learned a few things. Thanks, guys. My name is Jim, from central Florida.

I just did an '03 Highlander that came out great, except for the steering wheel.
It is one of those "leather wrapped" wheels, that actually is a somewhat soft vinyl, (I think). It is not real leather.
Anyway, the black dye is wearing off some, and it has scratches on it. Also, it has a little tiny spot on the wheel, where the vinyl coating came off and the foam under it is exposed.
What can be done to fix the wheel so it looks as nice as the rest of the SUV?
 
welcome to AF Jim. once the steering wheel gets too worn, i've never had much luck short of using a leather wrap or replacing the steering wheel itself.
 
Welcome to AutopiaForums!!!:welcome:

Also, it has a little tiny spot on the wheel, where the vinyl coating came off and the foam under it is exposed.
What can be done to fix the wheel so it looks as nice as the rest of the SUV?
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If the vinyl/leather coating is coming off, then the only real cure would be to either have the wheel re-wrapped or replaced.

If you want to "restore" the wheel the best you can, use a very gentle leather cleaner on the wheel, such as Leather Master Leather Cleaner....

For the spot on the steering wheel, you can use the 3M Vinyl and Leather Repair Kit : 3M Leather & Vinyl Repair Kit -08579

Here is a little write-up I did on it: http://www.autopiaforums.com/forums...l-cuts-tears-3m-leather-vinyl-repair-kit.html
 
Trouble said:
Welcome!

Lesson #1. Not everything can be fixed. Tell the owner to buy a new wheel cover

:rockon
Click to expand...

I believe just the opposite of this statement. I believe anything mechanical can be fixed for a price. It's simply a matter of whether the cost to repair exceeds the value of the item. From what you've described, Trouble has given the most likely answer. Time to replace the wheel.
 
GearHead_1 said:
I believe just the opposite of this statement. I believe anything mechanical can be fixed for a price. It's simply a matter of whether the cost to repair exceeds the value of the item. From what you've described, Trouble has given the most likely answer. Time to replace the wheel.
Click to expand...

I was going to add this but hated to waste the ink. Good point GH!

OP If the wheel cover is $20 it doesn't make sense spending much more then a few minutes trying to improve it (unless you see great progress being made)

We live in a throw away society

:USA
 
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