78 steering wheel refurb

Brown747 · Brown747's Garage

I'm trying to figure out how to remove the unsightly marring as a result of some sort of product sprayed onto the horn pad of my steering wheel. I've noticed this in pictures of other cars as well. Not so noticeable in daylight but really pops out under flash photography. I've tried a light rubbing with some acetone on a rag to no avail.

About 2/3 of the thread holding the leather wrap together has deteriorated. I'm guessing that with a curved needle I might try restitching it. Anyone tried this?
TIA Thor

KNS · 05-06-2011, 08:47 AM

That might be part of the manufacturing process when the foam rubber was injected into the mold, it may never go away. Most of them seem to have it to some degree. Try posting a "want to buy" or WTB ad on the Pelican classifieds. They pop up for sale from time to time. You could also try calling some of the Porsche used parts places to see if they have one. You'll find them for about $20-$50 bucks depending on condition.

Evans, Marv · 05-06-2011, 08:54 AM

Certainly does look crappy. Before I tried for a replacement, I'd mask it off (either in the car of removed) and spray it with SEM colorcoat. If you remove the steering wheel and take it with you, you can try to match the finish as closely at you can using the cap on the can for comparison. That would be the fastest, cheapest, and maybe just as good as looking for a replacement that wouldn't be that perfect either. Good luck.

Evans, Marv · 05-06-2011, 08:57 AM

By the way, yes you can try to fix the leather cover using a curved needle. You can also buy replacement kits, but they are a real PITA to do and no fun at all.

mlfox · 05-06-2011, 11:04 AM

Try Mother's "Back to Black" first. That took care of a smaller spot on my horn pad.

Regards,
mlfox

tcar · 05-06-2011, 11:07 AM

+1 Mother's BTB

Think you may need 2 heavy curved needles, according to a friend that has done it correctly...

911freek · 911freek's Garage

If you pull it out gently, the horn pad will come loose. You don't need to take the entire wheel with you.

This looks like a spray pattern of silicone or some other coating that may have been used in a car wash place or by the PO - probably sprayed too close.

I suggest you pull the horn pad out, and wash it with dish liquid and water, dry well and then spray some marine grade silicone (not the coating solution but rather the liquid runny silicone lubricant) which should wipe this pattern off. You will have a nice and shiny center horn pad, remove all excess silicone with a towel or paper - and if you can not see it now then you can apply Silicone coating on it or renew this application whenever you wash the car. Eventually, the pad will absorb some of the silicone and as time passes this mark will fade completely.

If, after the first time, it does not help - the silicone is removable by dish liquid and water.

When done, spray some contact cleaner on the 3 studs at the back, to ensure propper contact before you put this back in place.

If this does not help then painting should do it. Only problem is that the pad not solid, and so the paint will crack unless its designed to be used on rubber.

As for the leather wrap, here is a link from eHOW on how to lace it:
How to Install Lace on a Steering Wheel Cover | eHow.com

May the force be with you,

Guy.

Brown747 · Brown747's Garage

I'll give it a try. Thanks!