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View Full Version : DIY Leather Wheelskin Install / Pics Inside

YarisSedan
03-05-2010, 06:29 AM
http://i689.photobucket.com/albums/vv257/jasonlabar/wheelskin/step1.jpg

Step 1: Remove from the box your new wheelskin and thread and needle. Unravel the thread completely so there are no knots at all and thread the needle.

http://i689.photobucket.com/albums/vv257/jasonlabar/wheelskin/step2.jpg

Step 2: Punch out any loose chads. I would take the needle and poke out every hole just to be on the safe side when I did mine there were about 10 chads that fell out. If not they will come out while you are stiching and you will have an annoying bump.

http://i689.photobucket.com/albums/vv257/jasonlabar/wheelskin/step3.jpg

Step 3: Start between one of the spokes but not at a seam. When sewing to save time go through two holes at once as show in picture.

http://i689.photobucket.com/albums/vv257/jasonlabar/wheelskin/step4.jpg

Step 4: Between finger and thumb pull extremely hard after every stitch. Wearing gloves is highly recommended . Even with gloves your finger will be sore when you are done. From start to finish its going to take at least a hour so take your time.

http://i689.photobucket.com/albums/vv257/jasonlabar/wheelskin/step5.jpg

Step 5: When coming to a spoke skip 4 holes and loop around the front for a false stitch. Keep note however many holes you decide to skip start at that same place when you continue. If easier rotate the wheel so you can see from the back the holes you missed. Otherwise you will find out the hard way when you finish you missed a stitch.

http://i689.photobucket.com/albums/vv257/jasonlabar/wheelskin/step6.jpg

Also note make sure you are still keeping the line taught compare to the previous pic you can see how it looks loose. I had to go back and redo that spoke.

http://i689.photobucket.com/albums/vv257/jasonlabar/wheelskin/step7.jpg

Step 6: When you are finished tie a double knot and cut off the loose ends. Take a flat head screwdriver and gently tuck it in. Enjoy your new leather steering wheel.
YarisSedan
03-05-2010, 06:35 AM
Side note if your curious about trying this but not sure what color matches your interior you can have them mail you swatches for free on their website http://wheelskins.com/. I found their charcoal color is a nearly dead match to my interior. This is a easier and cheaper method than changing out the entire steering wheel. And easily reversible if you sell the vehicle or change your mind down the road.
RedRide
03-05-2010, 01:38 PM
Excellent DIY :smile:
Yaris4ever
03-06-2010, 06:23 AM
Well done, looks great :thumbsup:
kazama82
03-08-2010, 09:29 AM
maybe if used black or red thread look more sporty..:)..but very nice DIY
MUSKOKA800
03-10-2010, 12:47 PM
It's been a few days now. Are you satisfied with the results? Would you do it again?

NOTE: I requested samples or black, charcoal and grey.
My sedan has a charcoal (almost black) interior with silver accents.
YarisSedan
03-10-2010, 03:01 PM
Really depends on driving style. Since i drive super aggresive i noticed i cant use the thumb grips by the spokes because the cover adds a little bit of bulk. If our factory wheel was a little thinner like some hondas then the cover would be perfect. So not sure about it so much now. Cosmetically i think a all plain charcoal cover would look perfect especially if you do a baseball stich will look oem. If you plan to do that make sure you request 2 threads when you order.
auxmike
03-10-2010, 07:43 PM
Really depends on driving style. Since i drive super aggresive i noticed i cant use the thumb grips by the spokes because the cover adds a little bit of bulk. If our factory wheel was a little thinner like some hondas then the cover would be perfect. So not sure about it so much now. Cosmetically i think a all plain charcoal cover would look perfect especially if you do a baseball stich will look oem. If you plan to do that make sure you request 2 threads when you order.

Did you need two threads to do yours?
I thought everything needed would already come with it.
Also, what size/diameter did you buy?
BTW:respekt: great job!
YarisSedan
03-10-2010, 07:53 PM
Did you need two threads to do yours?
I thought everything needed would already come with it.
Also, what size/diameter did you buy?
BTW:respekt: great job!

I just used one thread. I am not sure the diameter if you go to the website you put in your vehicle information and they will send you the exact size.
2009BBPliftback
03-12-2010, 12:46 PM
Awesome I just installed mine today and love it.. My hands are a little raw but I will heal. I went with the grey color so I have a little contrast nice write up btw.
fluke_boy
03-17-2010, 01:26 AM
Awesome find YarisSedan.
MUSKOKA800
03-17-2010, 02:03 PM
Really depends on driving style. Since i drive super aggresive i noticed i cant use the thumb grips by the spokes because the cover adds a little bit of bulk. If our factory wheel was a little thinner like some hondas then the cover would be perfect. So not sure about it so much now. Cosmetically i think a all plain charcoal cover would look perfect especially if you do a baseball stich will look oem. If you plan to do that make sure you request 2 threads when you order.

1)Do they provide instructions for this "baseball stitch"?

2)And did you use any adhesive or double-sided tape to hold the leather in place to get started?

3)Is you sedan dark charcoal grey like mine? Tough to tell in the photo's.
YarisSedan
03-17-2010, 03:07 PM
No but if you google baseball stich wheelskin there are lots of diys with pictures. The leather is super super tight. Took me a while to work it on to the wheel. It does not move at all. And yes my interior is the same as yours.
Qilene15
03-20-2010, 12:47 AM
This is what mine looks like, my girlfriend got it for me. Matches the interior quite nicely. Will eventually change out seats for something that matches the colors of it (black outside, sand inside). Here's the link. The picture is too big dunno how to resize.

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/7088/0319001638.jpg