Steering wheel clear cracked
Moderator
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 2,498
Likes: 244
From: Milwaukee, Wi
If it was a piece of trim on the door, I could see your point. Yes, there is a measure of character with an older ES-335 or an early Strat with a few cracks or wear in the finish, but never on the neck. Never..
That being said, my steering wheel has cracks that I can feel and it is bothersome. For the few hundred dollars it may cost to have it fixed and looking good again, I will gladly pay.
Moderator
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 2,498
Likes: 244
From: Milwaukee, Wi
Do it yourself without removing the wheel. Start by using the finest steel wool possible and polish the wheel to remove dirt, etc. Purchase a can of Tung Oil. Apply a light coat with a brush or fine gauze. You can tape the leather at the wood joint if you feel more comfortable to keep the tung oil off the leather (I didn't find that to be necessary). Let it dry for a few hours or overnight. Then polish the wheel with the steel wool lightly just to smooth any slight inperfections, which you can feel by just rubbing your hand over the wheel. Continue this process for a few time or until you are happy with the results. You can still see the slight cracks, but the wheel will be smooth and the cracks filled.
I've suggested this before, but it seems that it always gets ignored. Wood workers should agree with me. Try it, it won't hurt anything and will look good again.
I've suggested this before, but it seems that it always gets ignored. Wood workers should agree with me. Try it, it won't hurt anything and will look good again.
With the weather being agreeable right now, I think I'll give this a try on my next set of off days.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 8,584
Likes: 392
From: PA
Sorry, John... Could not disagree more. As a guitar player, the last place I want cracks and a "Distressed feel" is on the neck.. Where your hands are continually touching and moving/sliding around.
If it was a piece of trim on the door, I could see your point. Yes, there is a measure of character with an older ES-335 or an early Strat with a few cracks or wear in the finish, but never on the neck. Never..
That being said, my steering wheel has cracks that I can feel and it is bothersome. For the few hundred dollars it may cost to have it fixed and looking good again, I will gladly pay.
If it was a piece of trim on the door, I could see your point. Yes, there is a measure of character with an older ES-335 or an early Strat with a few cracks or wear in the finish, but never on the neck. Never..
That being said, my steering wheel has cracks that I can feel and it is bothersome. For the few hundred dollars it may cost to have it fixed and looking good again, I will gladly pay.
My wheel is clearly cracked, but they are not on the surface, so I like it the way it is, it's an 11 y.o. car....definitely not show quality, but imho above average condition. Now, the left side vinyl tape being distorted, that's something I would fix if it were feasible, but not the steering wheel...just me. But I think the difference here is that you feel the cracks...I hope this doesn't mean that I will also feel them in a couple of years!
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
Do it yourself without removing the wheel. Start by using the finest steel wool possible and polish the wheel to remove dirt, etc. Purchase a can of Tung Oil. Apply a light coat with a brush or fine gauze. You can tape the leather at the wood joint if you feel more comfortable to keep the tung oil off the leather (I didn't find that to be necessary). Let it dry for a few hours or overnight. Then polish the wheel with the steel wool lightly just to smooth any slight inperfections, which you can feel by just rubbing your hand over the wheel. Continue this process for a few time or until you are happy with the results. You can still see the slight cracks, but the wheel will be smooth and the cracks filled.
I've suggested this before, but it seems that it always gets ignored. Wood workers should agree with me. Try it, it won't hurt anything and will look good again.
I've suggested this before, but it seems that it always gets ignored. Wood workers should agree with me. Try it, it won't hurt anything and will look good again.
Moderator
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 2,498
Likes: 244
From: Milwaukee, Wi
I did hear back from Craft Customs and the quote was needless to say expensive.
325.00!!
So, after work today I'm buying a can of Tung oil and some VF steel wool.
I'll document the process and post some pictures when I'm done.
325.00!!
So, after work today I'm buying a can of Tung oil and some VF steel wool.
I'll document the process and post some pictures when I'm done.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,489
Likes: 107
From: AZ
P.S. I forgot to include the warning not to use alcohol to clean the wheel before applying Tung Oil. Alcohol should never be used inside the LS430. It will take the finish off many surfaces. I learned the hard way, dropping a single drop on the sliding panel on the gear shift panel that has the gear markings. It instantly turned the gray into nearly white. Looked horrible, consequently I had to replace it. I've decided that alcohol is only to be used on the human body, both internally and externally!
Lead Lap
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 553
Likes: 3
From: SoCal
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Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 8,584
Likes: 392
From: PA
P.S. I forgot to include the warning not to use alcohol to clean the wheel before applying Tung Oil. Alcohol should never be used inside the LS430. It will take the finish off many surfaces. I learned the hard way, dropping a single drop on the sliding panel on the gear shift panel that has the gear markings. It instantly turned the gray into nearly white. Looked horrible, consequently I had to replace it. I've decided that alcohol is only to be used on the human body, both internally and externally!
Moderator
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 2,498
Likes: 244
From: Milwaukee, Wi
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,489
Likes: 107
From: AZ
How can you recommend against a process that you obviously have no knowledge about just because you "could see" more damage? Strange advise with no justification.
Moderator
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 2,498
Likes: 244
From: Milwaukee, Wi
Everyone is entitled to their opinion. I've never been one to leave things "well enough alone". Just ask my dear, patient wife...
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 372
Likes: 29
From: CT
Probably because you mentioned in this very thread you screwed up and caused further damage to your interior.
P.S. I forgot to include the warning not to use alcohol to clean the wheel before applying Tung Oil. Alcohol should never be used inside the LS430. It will take the finish off many surfaces. I learned the hard way, dropping a single drop on the sliding panel on the gear shift panel that has the gear markings. It instantly turned the gray into nearly white. Looked horrible, consequently I had to replace it. I've decided that alcohol is only to be used on the human body, both internally and externally!
Racer
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,668
Likes: 212
From: Someplace in CT
Looking forward to the pics before and after... My wheel is a mess now after 240K on the car, and if there is a very reasonable price($12.50 as you said is VERY reasonable) to make it look 20-50% better, I am very interested... Crossing fingers as well that you get a good result !