Installation of the steering wheel wraps is quite simple, in fact, although definitely doesn't appear so. But if you follow this write-up you will see that indeed, technically, it is quite simple. Here shown on a 2006+ Mazda Miata, but the same principles apply with minor differences to all vehicles.
Please watch the instructional videos from RedlineGoods if you haven't done so already, which will explain how to lace the new wrap on the steering wheel. Find them here.
DISCONNECT THE BATTERY BEFORE STARTING! and let it sit for a minute or two so the airbag system powers down completely. Failure to do this could result in the airbag deploying in your face when you remove it!
This is what you will receive in package from RedlineGoods: Leather cover, Thread and Needles.
To remove steering wheel, begin by removing one screw from bottom side of steering wheel that holds horn/center in place.
Push upward on horn/center to remove it from clips holding it in place at top.
Pull horn wire loose from blade-shaped connector to release horn/center.
Remove large nut in center of steering wheel.
Remove steering wheel with steering wheel pulling tool.
Stretch leather cover around wheel , and locate where leather is cut for hub spokes. Once leather cover is in correct location, you will need to stretch the leather to make edges meet at inner circumference of wheel. There are several Youtube videos of this on RedlineGoods' channel (link above). THIS IS AN IMPORTANT STEP!
I made a stand to hold the steering wheel while I glued and stitched the leather. It is simply two scrap pieces of 2x4 nailed together, with a hole drilled in top. A large bolt and nut through the hole hold the wheel in place. This will make a huge difference in how easy it will be to sew on the leather!!!
This simple needle-threading tool is helpful!
Put a knot in one end of thread, and run other end of thread through eye of needle. Leave five inches of thread extending beyond eye to keep thread from coming out of needle.
How much thread do you need? Measure around the outside circumference of your wheel.let's say 47 inches. You will need roughly four inches of thread for each inch of circumference. 47 X 4 = 188 inches of thread. Redline sends you enough thread to make a few mistakes and still have thread left over.
You will need glue to put on inside of wheel and cover. I got this at local fabric/craft store. It has a brush in cap, doesn't dry too fast, dries clear, and easy to clean up.
Put glue on inside of leather and on wheel, then stretch leather and hold edges together until they become tacky. I found it worked best to put glue on about 6 inches , then start stitching. Then, glue another 6 inches, and continue stitching. This way glue will not dry too quickly.
Here is a good video showing how to do the stitches! I first stitched the short area between the two hub spokes. That gave me a chance to get used to the process, and if I made a mistake(which I did) it was not too much thread to have to undo.
Important to keep thread pulled tight so edges of cover meet together. Once pulled tight, the glue does a good job of holding it in place.
Cover is on! This took me almost three hours, but I'm sure it will go faster the next time!
This picture doesn't really show stitching very well.but it turned out very nice!
Wheel with fresh leather cover reinstalled in car! Looks great!! Good for another 25 years!!!
Useful tip
You have installed a product made out of genuine leather. As you know, to maintain a leather product in good condition, you should take care of it. We suggest occasionally (every 4-6 week for example) applying some leather conditioner/UV protector to keep your leather from drying up in the sun and cracking.
Redline Automotive Accessories Corp. will not be held liable for any labor, incidental or consequential damages of any kind. Proceed at your own risk.
