Leather-based-wrapped steering wheels could also be fairly widespread today, however that wasn’t at all times the case. They had been as soon as reserved for high-end autos and sports activities vehicles, offering an opulent really feel and an assured grip. Earlier than airbags grew to become widespread, aftermarket leather-based steering wheels had been fashionable upgrades for a lot of automobile fans.
Final 12 months, whereas wandering the swap meet aisles of a neighborhood German automobile present, I occurred upon a classic aftermarket leather-based steering wheel. After I noticed it was embossed with an Audi Sport emblem, I shortly texted my buddy who has a 1985 Audi Coupe to see if he is likely to be . A short time later I left with it. Wanting it over extra carefully on the journey residence, I observed it was lacking its leather-based wrap.
I felt unhealthy for not having observed that main element, however advised my buddy I’d make it proper. I’d by no means wrapped a steering wheel from scratch, however figured I might in all probability deal with the job. After a bit on-line analysis, I discovered an image of the identical wheel in unique situation and bought began. In whole, the total restoration took in all probability 10 hours of time, together with a trial-and-error first try that didn’t cross my requirements.
Right here’s what it took to full restore this steering wheel:
Analysis
The steering wheel I picked up was an Italvolanti “Indianapolis” that was co-branded with Audi Sport paintings. For the reason that one I’d purchased had no leather-based, I needed to see an image of an unique wheel for sure particulars. These may embody sew sample and site, in addition to whether or not the quilt was made in a number of items. I found the quilt was a single piece with the becoming a member of sew situated simply above the decrease right-hand spoke. The unique closure used a top-stitch that was double cross-laced with a heavy upholstery thread. A pair of lacking stripes, one silver and the opposite purple, had as soon as adorned a the flat floor on one of many horn buttons.
Materials
The horn pad was nonetheless in good condition and was completed in a darkish shade of brown. I had a small pattern in my materials remnants, however not sufficient to make a full wheel cowl. I visited our native upholstery store Bux Customs who had a partial disguise in a barely lighter shade. I had them trim off sufficient to make two full covers for good measure.
Measuring
Utilizing a dressmaker’s measuring tape, I measured the outer diameter of the rim. At roughly 1” thick, I additionally calculated the inside diameter of the rim. Figuring out the leather-based would stretch, I used the smaller dimension (about 40”) for the size of the quilt to forestall an excessive amount of materials from gathering on the seam.
I additionally had to determine how vast the quilt can be. I wanted sufficient materials to shut the hole, however not a lot that it might be unfastened. I reduce a small pattern piece at a dimension that was about ten % lower than the true dimension, permitting for stretch.
Stitching
With my closing dimensions, I reduce the clean for the quilt, permitting an overhang on the perimeters for seam allowance. Utilizing my trusty previous Sears Kenmore stitching machine, I sewed the ends collectively and had my fundamental wrap. Opposite to what you might need heard, you don’t want a commercial-grade machine to do upholstery. Actually, I’ve accomplished not less than two full interiors from scratch together with numerous small initiatives like this.
Patterning
I selected to skip the unique top-stitch/cross-stitch closure methodology and as a substitute perforate the perimeters and cross-stitch solely. This was based mostly on the truth that my machine’s largest sew charge in 6 stitches per inch. I wanted 4 stitches per inch for it to look proper. I made a paper sample that had marks each 1/4 of an inch; these had been additionally set again from the sting 1/4 of an inch.
My sample included two traces of sew marks and was made the precise width of my materials. This was vital to making sure all of the sew holes lined up on either side of the quilt. Utilizing the smallest die on a handheld leather-based punch, I knocked out all of the holes on the template. I then laid out the template the place I wanted to punch by way of the leather-based and marked the again facet of the fabric with a pen. Lastly, I used the identical leather-based punch and the smallest die to make all my sew holes.
Stitching
With all of the holes punched, I lined up the quilt on the wheel and laced the quilt on utilizing a waxed, heavy-weight upholstery thread. I selected a double cross-stitch sample to most carefully match the unique sample, preserving the thread drawn tightly with every passing sew. This section was essentially the most tedious and time consuming, taking between 20 and half-hour per opening.
Ending
The ultimate steps concerned making wonderful changes to the quilt on the wheel to align the stitched seam with the inside centerline of the wheel. A little bit of contact adhesive was used to tack down the tabs of leather-based that lined the spokes the place there’s no stitching. And with that, the steering wheel appears to be like like new. All that’s left is to reapply the silver and purple stripes to the horn button.
