opinions of the batwing steering wheel leather kits

[jrsully]

Checking opinions on the quality of the various steering wheel leather restoration kits out there. I know our host has one, Automotion has one, Alan Gunn has one etc.. Any experience with any of these.? I have a 71 batwing wheel, and I am looking for a decent replacement for the toasted original leather covering. Also trying to see how difficult these are to install. Thx in advance

[jrsully]

Bump for some opinions out there. Any help appreciated

[tharbert]

If you are going to DIY this, you can easily do it all yourself. My wheel cover was toast on my 72 batwing wheel. I pulled it off and used it as a template to cut out the shape and punch the stitching holes exactly as the factory did. STL Leather Company in, well, St. Louis had some nice cuts of leather I bought for $17. The thread came from a local craft store and ran $10, waxed cotton, I think. That one spool will probably do 10 wheels. I used two large needles and a pair of pliers to help get the needles through when they stuck. I think you can use wax to help with that but I just powered through. I did it in stages as my clumsy hands would cramp after 30 minutes of trying to keep it all tight. Mine turned out great but I can see how folks that do this charge a premium. It's time consuming and tedious.

So, I have no opinion about the kits. If you are handy, you can do without.

[djdsc]

I used a kit from Alan Gunn. The first kit had a horrible leather match where it was seamed and I returned it. I can't say the process was easy or timely.........the return and replacement. Once I finally had a good matched kit it fit well and I was pleased with the DIY results.