SV8Predator
Zorg Guru (I)
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2018
- Points
- 94
- Model of Z
- Z4 E89 2.0 Atacama Yellow / Z3 3.0 Topaz Blue
This is a short how-to guide on steering wheel refurbishment using the Furniture Clinic Steering Wheel repair Kit, which I can thoroughly recommend. It doesn't even take very long, waiting for things to dry was helped by doing the job on a sunny summer's day with the top down.
The kit was delivered very quickly after I ordered it online, and contains: 50ml each of liquid degreaser, alcohol cleaner, leather binder and leather repair paint. Two small application sponges, a piece of lint-free cloth and two small pieces of wet&dry paper are also included.
I quite like this design of steering wheel on the Z3, just the right thickness of rim. On my car though, it was (as only to be expected after 23 years!), very shiny and really quite worn on the right-hand side right down to the bare leather. (See pics below.)
First step is to thoroughly clean the whole steering wheel with an all-purpose cleaner (not supplied) and leave it to dry. Then use the (supplied) 320-grit wet&dry to gently sand down the leather. Yes, sand the leather. Sounds strange but it certainly works. Sand down the whole leather portion of the wheel rim, paying particular attention to the very worn areas. If there's any really bad, rough and cracked areas, then sand them smooth.
Now, more cleaning! Dampen a cloth with the supplied liquid degreaser and thoroughly wipe down the whole surface of the leather. You may have to use heavy pressure to really remove all the years of grease in the heavily contaminated areas. Do this a couple of time to get the leather as clean as possible.
To finish off, and remove any residual liquid degreaser, and specifically to remove any silicones used in the original manufacturing process and (perhaps) from subsequent application, change cloths and use the supplied alcohol cleaner. Leave the leather to completely dry before proceeding to the next step. Not a problem on a dry, sunny day, but if needed, use a heat gun (very carefully) to accelerate this process if required. Borrow the wife's hair dryer if you don't have a heat gun!
After the previous steps the leather may have become fibrous or rough; a leather binder liquid is included in the kit and is now used to strengthen and repair these areas. This is impressive stuff. Rub it right into the bare portions of the leather, let it soak right in. In completely bare areas of leather apply this liquid leather binder at least three times, ensuring each layer is thoroughly dry before applying the next. This product will seal-off the bare leather, providing a uniform surface over the whole steering wheel rim. If necessary, use the supplied 1200-grit wet&dry paper to scuff over the areas where the binder has been applied, and then clean off any dust with the alcohol cleaner.
Time to mask off the areas of the steering wheel that you don't want to get covered in black leather dye.
Now apply the (in my case, black), leather repair paint. This product has two functions: it seals off the leather surface as well as re-colouring. Use a light, even, dabbing motion using the supplied sponge. I cut the sponge into quarters, an ideal size for applying the repair paint to a steering wheel. Don't wipe on, dab on; if this appears to leave tiny bubbles, ignore them, they will disappear as the product dries. Build up the colour gradually; several light coats will give a far superior result than a couple of heavy coats. I used four coats to get a result I was happy with.
The instructions say that the wheel can be used as normal after three hours. I left mine overnight.
I've got to say that I'm very happy with the results. There's enough product to do two wheels, I reckon, I may use what's left to tidy up a couple of areas on the seats.
No affiliation with the company (I work for a tool company), just a satisfied customer!
www.furnitureclinic.co.uk
The kit was delivered very quickly after I ordered it online, and contains: 50ml each of liquid degreaser, alcohol cleaner, leather binder and leather repair paint. Two small application sponges, a piece of lint-free cloth and two small pieces of wet&dry paper are also included.
I quite like this design of steering wheel on the Z3, just the right thickness of rim. On my car though, it was (as only to be expected after 23 years!), very shiny and really quite worn on the right-hand side right down to the bare leather. (See pics below.)
First step is to thoroughly clean the whole steering wheel with an all-purpose cleaner (not supplied) and leave it to dry. Then use the (supplied) 320-grit wet&dry to gently sand down the leather. Yes, sand the leather. Sounds strange but it certainly works. Sand down the whole leather portion of the wheel rim, paying particular attention to the very worn areas. If there's any really bad, rough and cracked areas, then sand them smooth.
Now, more cleaning! Dampen a cloth with the supplied liquid degreaser and thoroughly wipe down the whole surface of the leather. You may have to use heavy pressure to really remove all the years of grease in the heavily contaminated areas. Do this a couple of time to get the leather as clean as possible.
To finish off, and remove any residual liquid degreaser, and specifically to remove any silicones used in the original manufacturing process and (perhaps) from subsequent application, change cloths and use the supplied alcohol cleaner. Leave the leather to completely dry before proceeding to the next step. Not a problem on a dry, sunny day, but if needed, use a heat gun (very carefully) to accelerate this process if required. Borrow the wife's hair dryer if you don't have a heat gun!
After the previous steps the leather may have become fibrous or rough; a leather binder liquid is included in the kit and is now used to strengthen and repair these areas. This is impressive stuff. Rub it right into the bare portions of the leather, let it soak right in. In completely bare areas of leather apply this liquid leather binder at least three times, ensuring each layer is thoroughly dry before applying the next. This product will seal-off the bare leather, providing a uniform surface over the whole steering wheel rim. If necessary, use the supplied 1200-grit wet&dry paper to scuff over the areas where the binder has been applied, and then clean off any dust with the alcohol cleaner.
Time to mask off the areas of the steering wheel that you don't want to get covered in black leather dye.
Now apply the (in my case, black), leather repair paint. This product has two functions: it seals off the leather surface as well as re-colouring. Use a light, even, dabbing motion using the supplied sponge. I cut the sponge into quarters, an ideal size for applying the repair paint to a steering wheel. Don't wipe on, dab on; if this appears to leave tiny bubbles, ignore them, they will disappear as the product dries. Build up the colour gradually; several light coats will give a far superior result than a couple of heavy coats. I used four coats to get a result I was happy with.
The instructions say that the wheel can be used as normal after three hours. I left mine overnight.
I've got to say that I'm very happy with the results. There's enough product to do two wheels, I reckon, I may use what's left to tidy up a couple of areas on the seats.
No affiliation with the company (I work for a tool company), just a satisfied customer!
Leather Steering Wheel Repair Kit
The ideal kit; perfectly designed for restoring or repairing any old, worn or faded leather steering wheel. Easy to use Professional results Clean, degrease, repair and restore colour Achieve near invisible repairs Robust, long-lasting restorations
www.furnitureclinic.co.uk
Last edited:
