steering wheel refurbish

[Gary Waugh]

Ladies and gentlemen, I have an 08 ford expedition with ~140K miles, it runs great and has never had any issues. the leather steering wheel is starting to look really tatty (leather has worn out, leaving holes and is discoloured). I tried searching eBay but couldn't find anything that matched the current wheel (Its a stock ford wheel with wood and tan leather (from an Limited EL model)). Not being a native American (only moved here 5 years ago) I am not aware of all the resources available in the USA, but I am sure there must be companies that refurbish leather steering wheels (It needs more than just a wrap as the leather in the middle section is also worn), I am hoping a few of you might be able to suggest how I find a good company or even locate a genuine ford unit? I live just north of Dallas in Texas.

Thanks Gary

 

[crector080862]

There are companies that will refurbish your steering wheel however you're going to have to remove it and send it to them. you might be able to get a local upholstery shop to do it. There are raps that you can buy that will either cover and you Stitch It Up or you replace it completely and Stitch it up to make sure on which one you get. I'm thinking the best bet would be gold on eBay and just buy I used steering wheel that is in good shape.

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[Gary Waugh]

Many thanks, I actually found 2 companies locally that specialize in repairing leather steering wheels. They come out to you and fix it in the car. Will cost $150 to repair but should look as good as new!! waiting to make an appointment with one of them!! Will post some before & after pics..

Gary

 

[crector080862]

Well that's awesome and that's actually even good for me mine's worn out as well I just put a cover on it for now but I'm down in Texas as well

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[Trainmaster]

Check the price of a new one from Ford. Dealers like Tasca have very good deals on line. My 08' was nasty and I replaced it with a new one for about $200.

 

[1997SCEBFEX]

looking forward to before/after pix.
thanks.

 

[Gary Waugh]

the company came this morning and did the work, I will see it tonight (my wife took care of it) and will post before/after pics.. I hope it is as good as they claim it would be!!

Gary

 

[Gary Waugh]

Okay peeps, here are the before and after photo's the steering wheel does look great, but it seems they used a spray paint to cover the damage so I have my doubts how long the paint will last before it rubs off, It did take the guy a good hour to do everything so the price is not too bad (still a bit expensive $150) and it matches very well. The company was called Color Doctor, the technician was prompt and on time, very friendly and they sent plenty of text messages to keep me up to date. Service was excellent and highly recommended, just not sure how long the paint will last!! I have not touched the steering wheel and will wait 24 hours to allow the paint to completely dry.

Before



After

 

[Trainmaster]

It looks great, but it would have been nice if you knew that they were charging you $150 to spray paint the leather rather than replace it. Are you sure it's painted? Is the stitching painted?

Actually the original leather is essentially just painted when colored originally; it looks like they prepped the roughness excellently and repainted, so it may last like the original. Keep us posted on this. It may be a great solution to the $300 alternatives of sending the wheel off for new leather or a finding new wheel.

 

[Gerardo Lami]

I have used these on several cars and am very pleased with them. Take a look to see if you could use them. http://wheelskins.com

Flea

 

[Gary Waugh]

The leather was definitely spray painted along with the stitching. As stated it looks great, just wonder how durable it will be.. Flea, thanks for the suggestion, I will definitely take a look, but hoping my repair will last and I won’t need one..

Gary