Steering wheel refurb

[suffolkfox]

Those of you that know me, know that I will do virtually any job on a car. The previous owner of my cerb must have been Ali G, serious ring damage & scuffs on steering wheel. New one approx £390, just missed a second hand one so decided to recolour the leather.

Removed the wheel, you can see the damage




The buttons are hard wired into the wheel



So I cut the wires

Ready to colour after cleaning, feeding, & de-greasing.
I used a small hobby airbrush to put on a huge number of thin coats (took 4 hours to spray in total)
Then soldered wiring back together

The final article, mounted again, quite pleased.


Matched toner ordered from Gliptone, enough to do this 4 times over, total cost £31. I'm also going to try it on the small scuffs on the seat edges

[kojak69]

Nice thread Jerry. Like the series of photos showing 'step by step' to refurbishing the wheel. You should get a job with Haines..or even with Steve (shpub) for his cerbera manual he's compiling.

[simonsparrow]

Great work, liked the before 'n' after shots.

Can I deduce from the pics that it might be possible (by extending the wiring) to put a steering wheel spacer in?

I've always wanted to move the steering wheel a bit closer......(and yes, I've adjusted it under the dash

[suffolkfox]

Hi folks, yes I am trying to take pictures of all the jobs I'm doing, in case anyone needs a pointer.

OK, as far as adding a spacer is concerned, this should help. This is the unit that fits between steering wheel & column


This is it fitted to the wheel (note the slot for the connector)

This is the end of the column showing the connector sticking out (load of white electrical contacts at the top of the disc)

This is the wheel in place (note the connector in the top)


I would suggest that a spacer could be fitted between the wheel and the adapter, with longer allen key bolts as this would not appear to effect the safety/operation of the wheel. As you can see the fitting of the connector in the wheel is 'snug' so using the other face would be virtually impossible.

[kojak69]

I think its a brilliant idea taking photos. It does help when you see actual step-by-step shots.

[andy4200]

Excellent work.
Mine is needing the same treatment.
How easy is it to get a colour match, did you have to go and see them for that.
I need a grey toner to get mine done.

Andy

[Buster4.2]

Top job jerry.

I'm looking to recolour the edge of my seat also.

Do you have contact details of the company and a colour code for the cream colour (same as mine)?

Many thanks

[tvrslag]

Fox

Do you think its possible, for those of us not quite as technical as yourself, That rather than refurbing the original wheel, how about using another aftermarket wheel that has four redundant buttons that could be wired up to the functions used on the Cerb?

[suffolkfox]

OK, I sent them a sample of the leather cut from under the seat so thay could colour match it so I don't have a code. Their web site is www.liquidleather.com/index.htm but you are better off calling as the site's a bit flakey. You have two choices, either a 65ml scuff set for £25 or order 250ml of toner plus conditioner & cleaner for about £31 (can't remember the exact amount). Ask them to include a lightener/darkener toner so that you can adjust the colour (I didn't need to)

You will also need methylated spirits to degrease the surfaces prior to coating and I also bought a hobby spray gun & propellant for £17 to make the application easier. You can alternatively use makeup/art triangular fine sponges (wife used to be manager for Virgin V) to put on layers.

Please note, light colours are difficult to cover with as they are translucent so loads of layers required. Dark colours are apparently easier.

Aftermarket steering wheel? Hmmm. Would need to have only two horizontal spokes, otherwise the vent will be covered. Fixing holes in the right place? Could in theory be done, but might look a bit odd/cr4p. Demon Tweeks does the pre-drilled rally wheels and buttons but would have to be the right combo. The Cerb originals are just push single contact ones so not too complicated.

Dark leather interior with carbon fibre instrument panels, carbon fibre door infill panels and high tech wheel????????????

[jamesk]

Well speaking as someone who couldn't hammer a nail into a wall let alone do anything vaguely technical I wanted to say what a fantastic thread this is. There is no way I would ever trust myself to do any of it of course but praise where it's due. Truly inspiring!

Now, can someone please provide a pictoral of how to multiply my disposable income sufficiently to buy a Cerb

[hexhamhc]

TVR will refurb your existing wheel as required for £150-£200 depending on what needs doing. You'll need to use the mole grips to steer whilst the wheel is away! (Only joking...don't try this at home!!).