Steering wheel worn

[Cactussed]

Guys

The leather on the top of the wheel is a little worn and matte (rest of the wheel is shiny). Before I splash out on a new wheel or a full retrim, does anyone have any tips for restoring the existing leather, perhaps with a stripper / cleaner then sealant?

Cheers

[belleair302]

Re trimming a steering wheel is around £200, and you cannot replace worn leather, so forget liquids, gels, cleaners etc. Bite the bullet and go for the full retrim.

[RReflections]

I would recommend getting some Gliptone leather cleaner and conditioner.

In most cases steering wheels can be brought back from the dead with these two products, use the cleaner and a very soft nail brush to agitate, lift dirt from the grain all over and a damp cloth to remove the residue. Then apply some conditioner, less is more to re-moisturise the leather.

In 99.9% of cases there is no issues attached to using these products, but I would recommend doing a small test somewhere out of sight first just to make sure.

[jac-in-a-box]

Try the Gliptone cleaner, but DON'T use the conditioner!
I know one driver who lost control of his car - after some spirited driving, the wheel became very slippery (sweaty hands!) all because he "conditioned" the wheel
It's dangerous.

If the leather is worn and thin, there's nothing out there worthwhile using; re-trim is your best bet

[Cactussed]

Sorry, let me clarify.
Leather is fine, however most of the wheel is shiny (some sort of sealant perhaps?) whereas the top of the wheel has become matte. Suspect sealant has worn off. I thought perhaps I could clean then re-seal the wheel?

[jac-in-a-box]

Ahh, All's clear now!

Easily resolved, Gliptone make make "Scuffmaster" leather dye kits which will suit your needs perfectly.

More info on their site: www.liquidleather.com (might be .co.uk)

Inexpensive, effective and easy to use!

[Cactussed]

Just an update on this for those that may be interested or have similar problems.

I cleaned the wheel using glitone cleaner, then ussed the scufmaster dye (have these products anyway) and the colour came up well (although was not really very worn anyway).

I then applied some resolene leather sealer (http://www.eleatherworks.com/home.php?cat=746) and this has brought the finish basically back to new. Would post some photos if I could figure out how (will read the guide) but for about 5 squids rather than 200 for a recover, I figure it is money well spent...