Stitched a Leather Cover Onto my Steering Wheel

[Big C]

Happy with how this came out for $30 shipped from eBay . Picked up some matching orange stitching too. Link here if you’re interested in the kit.

Steps:
1. Disconnect battery
2. Remove the steering airbag
3. Remove steering wheel controls
4. Stitch the wrap and place tape as you go

Thank you for posting! Just what I was looking for.

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[WNYEscapee]

It looks like it thickened up the steering wheel itself a little bit. That would be a good thing! I'm still trying to get used to it being so thin and the feel of the vinyl -- let's call it what it actually is, it also less than ideal.
I suspect in the cold the heat from the wheel will still be felt, it gets quite warm as it is; however, I wonder if it will just take longer to be felt or it won't get as warm. I'd also be a bit concerned that the insulating affect may affect long-term life of the element.

 

[OleFordGuy]

That is a really Nice Job!!!!! Looks Fantastic

 

[Maverick Life]

Happy with how this came out for $30 shipped from eBay . Picked up some matching orange stitching too. Link here if you’re interested in the kit.

Steps:
1. Disconnect battery
2. Remove the steering airbag
3. Remove steering wheel controls
4. Stitch the wrap and place tape as you go

This looks awesome!

Do you think this could be done without using adhesive tape?

 

[Edge Haley]

Lot of work and looks great. For those looking for a simpler solution, the below steering wheel cover is a quick solution on Amazon. 2 yrs ago when I ordered it, it was $14 but has gone up to $18+-. Takes roughly 4 or 5 minutes to pull it on and align it centered...very tight fit and much better hand grip feel. Mine has been on for almost 2 years and still looks like the day I put it on. Hundreds of colors/styles available. The orange stitching seems to be the most popular for XLT interiors.

 

[Hennenator]

It looks like it thickened up the steering wheel itself a little bit. That would be a good thing! I'm still trying to get used to it being so thin and the feel of the vinyl -- let's call it what it actually is, it also less than ideal.
I suspect in the cold the heat from the wheel will still be felt, it gets quite warm as it is; however, I wonder if it will just take longer to be felt or it won't get as warm. I'd also be a bit concerned that the insulating affect may affect long-term life of the element.

It definitely did thicken the wheel a bit which I really like! Makes the overall drive feel more substantial. The leather material is soft while providing added grip. I like this kit especially because it has perforations in the leather. Allows the material to breathe while increasing usability of a heated function, if you happen to have that, than no perforations at all.

 

[Hennenator]

This looks awesome!

Do you think this could be done without using adhesive tape?

Thank you! I think it is feasible but not recommended. The tape is meant to prevent the wrap from shifting and/or twisting over time. The eBay kit I bought comes with a small roll of double sided tape - perfect for the job. All I did was add a one inch strip of tape to all four “sides” of the wheel, and two extra strips behind the wheel at the 9 & 3 grip to help keep the leather flat back there.

 

[Hennenator]

Lot of work and look great. For those looking for a simplier solution the below steering wheel cover is a quick solution on Amazon. 2 Yrs ago when I ordered it was $14 but has gone up to $18+-. Takes roughly 4 or 5 minutes to pull it on and align it centered...Mine has been on for almost 2 years and still looks like the day I put it on. Hundreds of colors/styles available.

Hi and thank you! Those covers definitely save a lot of time and effort. After years of using them, I wanted to try stitching one on for hopefully a more OEM finish. Really happy I did! What’s funny is the day after I finished stitching, the good ol’ mom and pop convience store in my area started selling leather covers with orange stitching, like the one you posted. These Mavericks are becoming popular here haha

 

[My1stFord]

Do you have a heated steering wheel? I'm curious how this effects that.

 

[SLingbarT]

Mine is scheduled to come with a "Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel" but their definition and a users can be different. I have to echo these sentiments--removing the airbag would scare me.

I did a leather wrap recently with a $17 kit from Amazon on my 1969 Mercedes (plastic steering wheel) and have to agree that removing the steering wheel makes the job so much easier. I used a two needle "baseball stitch".

I'm enjoying see all the nice little upgrades and touches Maverick owners are doing. One of the reasons why I joined here!

Removing the steering wheel is as easy as changing a tire, you can do it.

 

[Jwaz68]

Lot of work and looks great. For those looking for a simpler solution, the below steering wheel cover is a quick solution on Amazon. 2 yrs ago when I ordered it, it was $14 but has gone up to $18+-. Takes roughly 4 or 5 minutes to pull it on and align it centered...very tight fit and much better hand grip feel. Mine has been on for almost 2 years and still looks like the day I put it on. Hundreds of colors/styles available. The orange stitching seems to be the most popular for XLT interiors.

Do you have a link?

 

[Edge Haley]

Do you have a link?

Can't do a link since there are so many color choices depending on interior and exterior color. And do note there are 2 sizes of steering wheels, pretty sure it is the 15" one...but not positive on diameter of Mavericks, but only one size fits.

Just enter "steering wheel cover" in Amazon and 100's of image/colors pop-up. Currently $18 last time I looked. It's leatherette material, and mine was thick and soft material and actually has more grip and more comfortable than my P-car's stitched leather.

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