Steering wheel: 914 to RSR, part 2

[GeorgeK]

OK, I've had a few hours off work to continue the steering wheel project.
I bought a piece of leather, then used the old leather covering to create a rough template. I always cut the leather at least 1/2" too large, because it is easier to cut more than the reverse.
I measured the circumference of the wheel, then removed some to account for the leather's elasticity. The tighter the leather, the less you risk folds. Don't forget the inner perimeter is a lot shorter than the outer one.
So, I have decided on a length. I must "close the circle". Problem: I end up with double the thickness at the seam. Solution: thin the leather. How? Either by grounding some thickness off with a rotating grinder. or by cutting into the thickness with a scalpel.
Then, I have my circle. I pull it on the wheel (it's real tight). And it looks like this:



Then, I glue it on the back, with a nice straight cut, along the stitch line that was visible from the old cover. This assures that the stitching will be straight.
Then I adjust, cut, sew, re-adjust, re-cut, swear some, poke my fingers, and start again. The spokes have a different stitching pattern.
Here is where I stopped tonight:







I'll follow up when I get time to do more.