SL/R129: Leather for Steering Wheel
03-23-2019, 04:32 PM
#1
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Leather for Steering Wheel
Small cracks & localized discoloration ...
The leather on the steering wheel of the 1999 has seen lots of sun exposure and not much leather conditioner over the years.
The leather now looks thin, a bit cracked and has a patina look that I am not fond of.
The stitching is all in good shape.
Should I stop being so fussy - or is there a way to refresh (replace) the wheel?
I have read of leather specialists ... maybe not in Vancouver Canada.
Last edited by ChrisB; 03-23-2019 at 08:37 PM.
03-23-2019, 09:33 PM
#2
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
I am doing some internet research - finding that these leathers can be reworked;
1) Deglaze with rubbing alcohol
2) Leather filler
3) Dye application
4) Protectant
Has anyone done this?
Looks like it could be done on seats as well.
1) Deglaze with rubbing alcohol
2) Leather filler
3) Dye application
4) Protectant
Has anyone done this?
Looks like it could be done on seats as well.
03-25-2019, 10:11 AM
#3
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94 SL 600, 98 993, 89 XJS Conv., 85 Daimlier Princess 16 Hybrid Lincoln 16 Chevy crewcab
In my experience over 60 years of ruining experienced leather I have distilled:
Clean and deglaze yes Not a fan of alcohol Bickmore Bick 1 Lexol cleaner and time and repeat again and again and again! I do this in low to no sun .
Not a fan of leather filler has broken down later leaving a dust/grit that may have caused additional breakdown?
After I have fully hydrated the leather, then dye in limited area, when it feels soft and grippie I have stretched the softer leather to close the cracks I have used super glue but never liked the feel, but looked good for a sale! ( as does the filler )
The clear wrap method to re juice the leather was a matter of weeks, not hours.
Clean and deglaze yes Not a fan of alcohol Bickmore Bick 1 Lexol cleaner and time and repeat again and again and again! I do this in low to no sun .
Not a fan of leather filler has broken down later leaving a dust/grit that may have caused additional breakdown?
After I have fully hydrated the leather, then dye in limited area, when it feels soft and grippie I have stretched the softer leather to close the cracks I have used super glue but never liked the feel, but looked good for a sale! ( as does the filler )
The clear wrap method to re juice the leather was a matter of weeks, not hours.
03-28-2019, 07:41 AM
#4
Member
Small cracks & localized discoloration ...
The leather on the steering wheel of the 1999 has seen lots of sun exposure and not much leather conditioner over the years.
The leather now looks thin, a bit cracked and has a patina look that I am not fond of.
The stitching is all in good shape.
Should I stop being so fussy - or is there a way to refresh (replace) the wheel?
I have read of leather specialists ... maybe not in Vancouver Canada.
03-28-2019, 10:54 PM
#5
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
In my experience over 60 years of ruining experienced leather I have distilled:
Clean and deglaze yes ...
Not a fan of leather filler has broken down later leaving a dust/grit ...
After I have fully hydrated the leather, then dye in limited area, when it feels soft and grippie I have stretched the softer leather to close the cracks I have used super glue but never liked the feel, but looked good for a sale! ( as does the filler )
The clear wrap method to re juice the leather was a matter of weeks, not hours.
Clean and deglaze yes ...
Not a fan of leather filler has broken down later leaving a dust/grit ...
After I have fully hydrated the leather, then dye in limited area, when it feels soft and grippie I have stretched the softer leather to close the cracks I have used super glue but never liked the feel, but looked good for a sale! ( as does the filler )
The clear wrap method to re juice the leather was a matter of weeks, not hours.
I think I will just live with it. Not interested in botching it up.
The other suggestion ...
The leather wheel cover just looks goofy.
06-01-2019, 04:35 PM
#6
Mine was so cracked that I was looking for a new whell, and then I got price tag shock. So ...At a local autopart store, I found a wheel cover for about 20 that was just the right color. It was an experience getting it to stretch on, but once there, it was a reasonable fix. Actually looks pretty good.
