bsl888

This may have been discussed before, but anyone with a black interior, have you noticed that the steering wheel wood trim is lighter than the rest of the wood trim in the car. It seems really mismatched.

Many of you may think I'm crazy to cover up the wood trim on the steering wheel, but I decided to install Wheelskins leather cover on my steering wheel. unfortunately I did not take any photos before the install, but I found a number of photos on the internet with black interiors that have mismatched steering wheels, just look at all the sales listing sites. When I first got the car I thought the steering wheel may have been replaced, but after some research, I found many examples of the mismatch on black interiors.

Not my car, found this on internet


Here's how it looks after, I always felt the steering wheel was too skinny so the cover actually add some thickness and sportiness to the black interior. Also my steering wheel has some minor crack lines and minor scratches.


Another pic

KING

iTrader: (1)

At least it isn't one of those cheap ones off of Autozone.

Fit looks nice, and color match is spot on. Thanks for sharing.

Owczar

My wheel is also lighter, but the difference is less visible.

swfla

iTrader: (1)

The leather looks awesome! Others have posted asking what to do for a damaged/peeling steering wheel. If you could share the purchasing and installation particulars, it would help a lot of people do what you did.

kkasaki

my match, but the clear coat is all cranked

user420

@bsl888, that cover looks fantastic. Much better than the mismatched wood. Just my opinion.

jayclapp

You can repair the cracks with the wheel in place. Start by using 00000 steel wool to smooth the surface of the wheel. While you won't want to try to remove enought of the finish to eliminate the cracks completely, it will prepare it for the next step. Wipe clean and then apply tung oil. Use 1 inch square gauze and apply as if waxing, going over it until all is covered. You might want to use blue tape on the leather interfaces. Let dry overnight. Steel wool the surface again. Work it until any particles are removed and the surface feels smooth to the bare hand. You may still be able to feel some of the cracks. Reapply another layer of tung oil. Repeat this process until you are pleased for the results. The last application should not require more than a light steel wooling. Then wax the wheel. You wheel will look and feel much much better, depending on how bad the condition was when you started. Regardless, don't be afraid to do this, it will make a significant improvement. I just redid my wheel for the second time. I did it a year ago or so and I was too timid in doing the work. The wheel looks new now.

Bocatrip

I purchased my 2001 LS430 over 5 years ago. It has always been a Florida Car. There was some cracking on the veneer of the steering wheel when I first got it then. I was recently starting to feel some uneveness from the cracking. I placed a generous amount of car polish over the wooden areas and vigorously rubbed it off. I did this a few times. The steering wheel is now silky smooth and shinny. I feel none of the cracking unless I use my nails to feel any flaws. I'm always using a windshield reflector and I don't believe the steering wheel has deteriorated much since my ownership. Direct sunlight is the enemy. I believe the windshield protector has helped as well as placing a towel over the steering wheel when parked in the sun.

bsl888

Bought it through eBay
http://www.ebay.com/itm/271002864049?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
It's Wheelskins Original Leather Steering Wheel Cover. You can check their website for a size match, I purchased size C. The cover is really tight and needs to be stretched to fit over the steering wheel, then it's just a matter of slowly lacing the string and be sure to pull tight. It comes with instructions and you can also look up Youtube for demos. It took me more than one hour to properly lace it up. Just be patient.

The cover definitely adds thickness to your steering wheel and feels just like oem leather. It's pretty high quality.

bsl888

I mainly notice the mismatch on cars with navigation, someone may know the reason. I remember reading about it here on this forum.

SW17LS

if you look at most cars you'll find the wheels don't match the dash perfectly. The dash is a veneer, the wheel is solid, Even on a brand new car. Over time oils from the drivers hands and UV exposure make this more apparent.

Is this a UL car without navigation?