AWESOME !! Had no idea this could be done. . I can’t tell you how many steering wheel repairs I’ve missed out on from my lack of knowledge. Thanks for sharing!! “Iron sharpens iron”
I’ve watched a couple of reviews but yours is definitely the best and most thorough. The sun has damaged the top of my steering wheel (a common problem with car interiors in Australia) and I can’t get a replacement steering wheel for my 20 year old 4WD so I’m going to give the acetone a try first of all. If I’m not happy with the finish I’ll get some grain pads and finish the job off. Thanks for putting the effort into making the video 👍
I'm back watching this video a year later and am still so amazed by your use of high rez imagery, your knowledge of chemistry and your expertise, and the fact that you're freely sharing all of that with the public. Thank you so much.
Hi ART. With difference the best cheap and Real Repair ever!!. I've followed this tutorial and my old 4WD with a peeled steering wheel now is like new and with a nice touch!!!. Why others are giving (complicated and expensive) solutions if this is the best with a pinch of common sense?. Thanks and happy new year!!!
Oldie but goodie. I just fiished doing this on my 2011 Honda Pilot. Worked PERFECT. So Cal sun damage on upper portion was significant. Now it looks like new. Thanks. The fix would have never occureed to me.
Thank you! My '94 Accord wheel is ruined (missing sections of foam) I picked up a new used one and it was almost perfect but this will make it perfect.
Omg, you just saved me from buying a junk yard steering wheel for my Monte just so I could take it apart to make a perfect leather template to cover over the foam portion.
Wow!!! how can i apply a million likes? I've been looking for this idea for a long time, will you save my old steering wheel. Thank you and greetings from Brazil.
Great video. Thank you so much. This is just what I need. I just saved a car from the crusher and the wheel is nasty.. I thought I would have to get a new one. I can't wait to give this a try. Thank you again. Hope I can find dye/paint in gray.
What about wen the foam is loose on the metal ring of the wheel? Anyway to tighten that up? I’ve considered trying to inject glue of some kind in to is but not sure if it’ll get enough air to dry
HOLY COW!!! Thank you for this tutorial, and it worked wonders on our 2010 Toyota Rav4! I bought the restorative color per your suggestion (but the Toyota Dark Charcoal) and even used the color on some of the scratches within the car interior plastic door panels. Is there another product you might suggest that I can seal the steering wheel with? Something that is $20 or under? I saw the clear product on the restoration website, but it was more than I wanted to spend. Thanks!
Is it possible to use coarse sandpaper instead of a graining pad? The end result will obviously look different. I'm concerned that material will come off the sandpaper and embed into the rubber. What are your thoughts on this?
Good question! i am always encouraging repair technicians to think like this. Of course no one knows until you try. Feel free to post your results. Thanks for contributing!
So far so good, dealerships still operating so we are working ! And your videos are helping me learn new things , since there's no open house this year
Thank for the video!! I am a novice, having the exact same issues with my Honda Civic steering wheel. The acetone surfacing and Heat Gun / Texturing seem pretty straight forward, but I'm concerned about the paint and finishing... I'm about to purchase the Honda: 20 - Black from the website in your description.. but I wanted to ask if I need anything in this final step. Do I dilute the color with anything? Is there a protective coating I should use after to keep the color on? I've seen similar repair videos with SEM texture coat spray paint and Dupli-Color Vynil & Fabric spray paint... Your method look much cleaner and less messy. Great video and thanks for the insight!!!!
I am using the waterbase black. Add crosslinker. I also use a waterbase clear as a protective coat which is also crosslinked. Any of the solvent products you mentioned are soft and not durable. In the old days we did use solvent paints. Better than nothing perhaps. The foam steering wheels have a very limited useful life by design so we can't be concerned overmuch about what we use anyway, would you think? I hate them as much as the next guy. Thanks Rick
I'm here for the exact same reason 🤣 and it's amazing that you fixed the same steering wheel as mine so my question is which texture are you using for your impression after the heat? There are so many grain texture to choose
Thank you so much for this video, I also would like to know if you have any info to share a out the sticky dashboard on Toyota Camry or Lexus that's will be GREAT!!!
I bought my civic new and it’s a 2016 and at 70k miles has more material missing than my 2001 civic with 170k, it’s actually missing material and is no longer round in 2 spots vs the old civic where it didn’t wear a ton but the finish wore. Crazy they’re moving backwards after 15 years
Hi, thank you for the video, you solved an issue I wasn't looking for ;) My issue is the seperation of the rubber from the rubber steering wheel ring. what do you suggest for that? I suspect injecting silicon or tarzan grip?
@@a.r.t.srealrepairsforrealc8247 I found some people are using Loctite 408 and injecting it in via a needle. I have ordered a tube from eBay and will trial it and let you know.
Hello Rick. Thanks for the making the video. It's clear and concise. Just one question though, in the video you said the it's best to make your own graining pad. How can I do that? P.S. first time watching one of your videos. I think I'll be spending a lot of time on your channel.
I have a 2008 Renault Twingo with a greyish steering wheel. The airbag is some kind of rubbery plastic and it's pretty worn, how would you go about fixing that? I don't think the heatgun method works there. Great video though!
Hi Rick - I drive a Honda HRV and boy do I need this video! QUESTIONS: In other videos you finish vinyl or leather repairs with a clear coat. Is that advisable for the foam steering wheel? If so, what type product am I looking for? Thank you, Sir!
Yes a clear coat is a good idea. Usually I will add a polymer clear with crosslinker and slip additive to help resist hand oils, French fry grease etc.
@@a.r.t.srealrepairsforrealc8247 I'm about to attempt this cause my steering wheel has gotten really bad somehow. Will nail polish remover work? I'm a little wary of discoloration.
@@shaazy I use acetone, and am not qualified to comment on something I haven't used. Also this is not intended as a DIY channel. But to show the public that better professional repairs can be had. Thanks.
Great video! I've been looking for something this all around the web. Couldn't find anything. I have a 2011 Camry and the steering wheel looks similar to the one you worked on. Top was smooth at first but over time it started becoming more brittle. Now I can feel where the foam has fallen off. Is there a curing time for the acetone or treatment after I use the acetone?
While the acetone is very aggressive it also evaporates very quickly. A good way to tell is by temperature. If the area is colder than the ambient temperature then evaporation is still happening. Thanks
Great vid! Can you tell me how to color match the steering wheel on my car? It is a 2010 Honda Fit. The color is some kind of darkish gray. Can I do a match using the VIN?
I have a steering wheel that has a smooth finish, that has worn away exposing the foam underneath. The problem I have is in the winter the foam steering wheel gets damp & then gets stuck all over my hands. Will using just the acetone help to reseal the foam? so as to avoid it getting stuck all over my hands in the winter.
Hello. How to fill holes or cracks in foam steering wheels? I have read that it can be filled with flexible epoxy glue, which comes as a 2k injection. Do you apply this epoxi and then paint? Could it be filler with air-drying filler? or the repair would not last long. Thanks.
I have done one with a 2 part epoxy but then I made a custom leather wrap for it. Before doing too much please understand that these steering wheels are garbage to begin with. Thanks for your question! 👍
Thanks for the GREAT VIDEO! You mentioned "color" at the end of the video. My steering wheel is a dark grey color. What, if anything will I need to do re: color during the repair process and if I need a coloring "agent" of some sort where do I get one that will match a 10 year old steering wheel?
Hello, and thank you for showing this process. the steering wheel on my F250 is wearing out and replacement is discontinued. I am going to attempt to wrap new lather, but also need to fix worn spots in the foam. I already found the factory matching color, but was wondering which graining pad you would recommend for my specific application? I am going to order ASAP!
Where do you get the thinker pad that you used behind the graining pad? You can find the SEM graining pads online but the thicker pad to protect your fingers I cannot.
Just double up any pads you have. I make my own graining pads and they have randomly varied in thickness over the years. They can get quite hot using this method. Also you can wear a leather work glove! Thanks
Hi Rick - Great video. I Tried the above on the steering wheel of my 1972 W115 Mercedes. Problem is that I can't get the surface to melt so that I can put the graining on. Can it be that the rubber is not the same? / Is there another technique? Thanks again!
Hello Louis, I don't remember what that year Mercedes has in it. If you can send a pic to the email address I'd be glad to advise if I can. Thanks. realrepairsforrealcustomers@gmail.com
Any repair tech in your area should be able to do this. If the damage is too severe I recommend a customized leather wrap. You'd have to check with an upholstery shop. Or shop for a replacement steering.
That's right. Although compressing with the grain pad does close up any pin holes that appear in the foam. You could use a pad with just the faintest or no texture for that. Otherwise you'd have to use a filler for the pin holes or at least a primer prior to color. Thanks for the question.
Can't get ahold of the graining pads. Would it be unsafe to heat seal the foam after the acetone scrubbing without imprinting grain? I mean, would the wheel become slippery and unsafe to grab? Thanks.
I'm a bit late to finding this video. But I'm curious to know if this same method can be used on cracked/worn leather steering wheels at all, if anyone has done it successfully on leather please comment. Cheers.
Corey, we do sand leather dry with 100 grit to contour. Not the same method as here. We have several videos for different leather steering wheel options: 22, 40, 72, 86, 104. And even one on how to make a jig - 42.
What can you do for a steering wheel that is foam like that but the top half where I keep my hands is just eroded away. No breaks in the foam, its just a lot thinner on the top half than the bottom and getting rougher in texture.
Well, no. The acetone works by dissolving the foam and reconstituting it, for leather you will need to remove the stitch and stitch a new leather cover on. There are several youtube videos on how to do this, best one is by ChrisFix
A polyol component and a polyisocyanate component, hydrochlorofluoroolefin is used as a foaming agent, a powdered fluorine resin is used as an additive all injected into a mold to make a polyurethane foam.
Hey Rick, thanks for a great video, you may have just saved me the cost of ordering a new steering wheel. I do have a question, How well does the water base color hold up?
As you know, oils from the hands are very destructive to the foam steering wheel and leather steering wheels. So durability will vary on usage. I would fully anticipate recoating after a couple years. For retail customers I would recommend a custom fitted leather wrap. You'll enjoy it so much more too. Thanks.
I realize you are trying to actually restore, but I don't care much about the finish I just want my steering wheel (GM truck) to not be gooey and rubbing off on my hands when it is the cool and humid time of the year. I haven't tried but I think that just cleaning wont do it, it is decaying. Will the reconstituting and heating get what I need?
Don't know about your particular model but all the GM trucks have leather wrapped steering where cleaning will do the trick. If I'm wrong about yours feel free to email. If you have a foam wheel it's unfortunate but they just won't last very long no matter what you do. The restoration in the video is certainly a stop-gap measure for a time on an already very limited life product. Which is why I encourage a custom made wrap. Thanks.
Do I have to treat the whole steering wheel with aceton or only the damaged area? Wont there be a difference between the color later if I only put the paint on the particular part of the wheel? How long will the effect last? And what is that grey pad that you use with aceton?
You will only need to melt the damaged area. Don't forget to clean and prep the entire wheel though. The pad is a Scotch-brite scuff pad that auto refinishers use. As for recoloring, most of the time we are spraying the color with a paint gun around the entire circumference of the wheel. However, an experienced tech will sometimes be able to paint only the repair area or even just wipe the color in the case of black. Color is our specialty. If the color matches well but the sheen is different, we will still spray the entire wheel to even the sheen. Thanks for contributing!
@@a.r.t.srealrepairsforrealc8247 thank you for your answer, I have more questions though :) what can I use instead of that scotch grey pad, can it be some cotton part of cloth or the cleaning sponge? Also in Poland there are no such graining pads like the ones you used. Can I use some part of the leather cloth with the similar structure on it, instead of that pro graining pad? Will that be enough? Saying about cleaning should I just use some benzine on the wheel first? And what type of paint should I use? The one For leather type of wheels? My steering wheel if you can have a look : www.sendspace.com/file/vpls5n www.sendspace.com/file/7c13vt www.sendspace.com/file/lyq8e1 Great job anw , greetings :)
Maybe you have an abrasive kitchen pad that might work as well. And any general purpose cleaner for the rest of the wheel. I'm sorry but all my recommendations are directed toward people in the business and I don't know what household products to recommend. Thanks again. Couldn't access your picture. Also bear in mind that automobile interior parts vary in composition from the US to Europe so I hope that this method, in principle, works with what you have there.
I have a 2010 honda fit and when I tried doing this the steering wheel became extremely sticky and lots of the residue came off onto my pads. Its now been over 2 days and its still sticky and some residue is still coming off. It's as if the foam hasn't dried yet and at this point im not sure that it ever will. Do you have any suggestions? I need to sell the car ASAP
Ok, I've never heard of the Honda Fit so I guess my customers don't carry them. All I can suggest is to try one of the aftermarket covers. There are some rather good ones out there. Email me if you need help. And thanks for posting! realrepairsforrealcustomers@gmail.com
What is the graining material made from? You said it was commercially available. Where would I buy it? My grain is worn off quite a bit and I have been looking for just such a fix. Thanks.
The bottom one is from the double cartridge dispenser from Superior Restoration Products. The white one is also from there but is from the jar and you have to add a certain amount of catalyst. Both are silicone. The one from the cartridge is more expensive but grains better IMO. On their facebook page they have a video I did some time back on making the double sided one to cut costs. i may post it on my site soon. Thanks for your questions. Glad I could help.
Virginia State Flag. A deep blue field contains the seal of Virginia with the Latin motto " Sic Semper Tyrannis" - "Thus Always to Tyrants". Adopted in 1776. The two figures are acting out the meaning of the motto. Sic semper tyrannis is a Latin phrase attributed to Marcus Iunius Brutus, one of the people who assassinated Julius Caesar. It can be translated as "Thus always to tyrants". It is a shortened version of the phrase "Sic semper evello mortem tyrannis" ("Thus always I bring death to tyrants").
Yes, these foam wheels are the worst and some are super cheap. Be assured that any tech has to assess each repair individually and would likely turn this one away. Making educated judgements on a case to case basis is what we do.
What type of color are you using? What is the touchup paint that you used on the switch? Thanks for showing us how to restore this type of steering wheel. When approaching this type of project, how do you tell whether leather, bonded leather or plastic covered foam is involved in covering a steering wheel? I know the differences should be obvious, but the car makers cut corners where they can, and can process plastic to make it look and act like anything they want. As you move forward with your videos, you will find you attract more viewers if you put the specific materials you use in the “Show More” box (sometimes called the video description box) with links to where the products can be obtained. Take a look at the Sweet Project Cars channel on TH-cam to see how one shop uses links to let its viewers know about the products used in its videos, and they make a little bit of money if people order these products using those links.
Thanks. The color is made of Classic Dye base for leather mixed with pigments. The switch was touched up with the leather dye. Simply because I had it at hand and wasn't going to walk away leaving it like that. Real life. I formulate the color on the van for each job. I have several videos in the pipeline concerning bonded leather vs leather vs vinyl still to come. As far as product description, it would help if a supplier gave a care to help sponsor what is over $20k of videos originally commissioned but not compensated. So why should I give a care. The how to is free.
I am using a flexible water base polymer for leather. I add pigments to 20 %. Each repair is a custom color for the most part. I add Slip, Flattener, Flex as needed and crosslinker. Thanks
I put acetone on my Tacoma foam steering wheel...had absolutely no effect! It didn't melt it...at all...ever. I was using 100% acetone. Both Honda and Toyota steering wheels are polyurethane. So I have no idea why his would melt and mine wouldn't.
Please feel free to comment but be aware that it is against TH-cam terms of service to post advertisements on someone else's channel. Don't be a jerk!
@sem Aka acetone or nail polish remover
ill like to be part of your circle here from Dominican republic a restorator from scratch
Hi there what exactly is the grain pads is it leather sorry I'm from South Africa maybe there is another name for it regards luxline
@@luxlineaccommodation5666 It's in the description. thanks
Is there a good way to add rubber to more severely worn rubber?
AWESOME !! Had no idea this could be done. . I can’t tell you how many steering wheel repairs I’ve missed out on from my lack of knowledge. Thanks for sharing!! “Iron sharpens iron”
I'm here because of a Honda Civic steering wheel, appreciate you.
I’m also here because of a Honda Civic steering wheel lol
@@u_n_c_l_e_m_i_s_o '96-2000?
@@notbanksy8294 One would have tought at Honda to do changes.
2012 + 9th gen. same steering wheel
@@deanl0 summer time steering wheel hands lol. Damn foam rubber crap.
I’ve watched a couple of reviews but yours is definitely the best and most thorough. The sun has damaged the top of my steering wheel (a common problem with car interiors in Australia) and I can’t get a replacement steering wheel for my 20 year old 4WD so I’m going to give the acetone a try first of all. If I’m not happy with the finish I’ll get some grain pads and finish the job off.
Thanks for putting the effort into making the video 👍
This was WONDERFUL! Thank you for taking the time to put this together. That wheel turned out fantastic!
Thanks! They do take a lot of time. Glad you appreciate it.
I'm back watching this video a year later and am still so amazed by your use of high rez imagery, your knowledge of chemistry and your expertise, and the fact that you're freely sharing all of that with the public. Thank you so much.
Genuinely the only useful video I could find on this subject.
Thanks for the help👍
Hi ART. With difference the best cheap and Real Repair ever!!. I've followed this tutorial and my old 4WD with a peeled steering wheel now is like new and with a nice touch!!!. Why others are giving (complicated and expensive) solutions if this is the best with a pinch of common sense?. Thanks and happy new year!!!
Glad it worked out for you. Thanks for sharing with our viewers.
Oldie but goodie. I just fiished doing this on my 2011 Honda Pilot. Worked PERFECT. So Cal sun damage on upper portion was significant. Now it looks like new. Thanks. The fix would have never occureed to me.
Great job! I've didn't know i could redo foam with acetone and regrain with my grain pads. My customers will be pleased. More videos please!
How are you making the grain pads?
Excellent. Soothing background music. I'm betting you composed that, or arranged a tune or parts of another one. Talent in different spectrums!
Ive been looking for a year for a tutorial like this. Thanks mate!
Ok dumpydo! This fix won't last forever on this material but it will help appearance wise for a bit.
Finally something that works and is very needed. Thank you and God bless you.
Thank you! My '94 Accord wheel is ruined (missing sections of foam) I picked up a new used one and it was almost perfect but this will make it perfect.
That's a good video, what if the steering wheel is foam and a piece is missing, how to fill that ?
You can fill it with epoxy. I have one in the archive so I'll get around to posting it whenever I can. Thanks
Omg, you just saved me from buying a junk yard steering wheel for my Monte just so I could take it apart to make a perfect leather template to cover over the foam portion.
Best video I’ve seen on this done, thank you!
You got a civic?
Great informative video I'm going to try this on my BMW what is the coloring you use though?
Your supplier will have it. See the description box.
Wow!!! how can i apply a million likes? I've been looking for this idea for a long time, will you save my old steering wheel. Thank you and greetings from Brazil.
Will mineral spirits work in place of acetone for this? Your really good at this
Great video. Thank you so much. This is just what I need. I just saved a car from the crusher and the wheel is nasty.. I thought I would have to get a new one. I can't wait to give this a try. Thank you again. Hope I can find dye/paint in gray.
What about wen the foam is loose on the metal ring of the wheel? Anyway to tighten that up? I’ve considered trying to inject glue of some kind in to is but not sure if it’ll get enough air to dry
I´ve surfed 3 hours now in a row and found nothing about this. Will have to develop my own method...
HOLY COW!!! Thank you for this tutorial, and it worked wonders on our 2010 Toyota Rav4! I bought the restorative color per your suggestion (but the Toyota Dark Charcoal) and even used the color on some of the scratches within the car interior plastic door panels. Is there another product you might suggest that I can seal the steering wheel with? Something that is $20 or under? I saw the clear product on the restoration website, but it was more than I wanted to spend. Thanks!
Thanks so much for this tutorial! I just fixed my foam steering wheel. I didn't use the acetone part, just the heat gun and imprint.
what material is your inprint
thanks
@karelmarx8899 there are recommendations right below the video :)
@@karelmarx8899 I just used something I found around the house that closely matched the wheel pattern
Is it possible to use coarse sandpaper instead of a graining pad? The end result will obviously look different. I'm concerned that material will come off the sandpaper and embed into the rubber. What are your thoughts on this?
Good question! i am always encouraging repair technicians to think like this. Of course no one knows until you try. Feel free to post your results. Thanks for contributing!
I had no idea ! Awesome ! Nice to see you again !
Hello my friends!!!! Hope you are well through all this turmoil.
So far so good, dealerships still operating so we are working ! And your videos are helping me learn new things , since there's no open house this year
Thank for the video!! I am a novice, having the exact same issues with my Honda Civic steering wheel. The acetone surfacing and Heat Gun / Texturing seem pretty straight forward, but I'm concerned about the paint and finishing... I'm about to purchase the Honda: 20 - Black from the website in your description.. but I wanted to ask if I need anything in this final step. Do I dilute the color with anything? Is there a protective coating I should use after to keep the color on? I've seen similar repair videos with SEM texture coat spray paint and Dupli-Color Vynil & Fabric spray paint... Your method look much cleaner and less messy. Great video and thanks for the insight!!!!
I am using the waterbase black. Add crosslinker. I also use a waterbase clear as a protective coat which is also crosslinked. Any of the solvent products you mentioned are soft and not durable. In the old days we did use solvent paints. Better than nothing perhaps. The foam steering wheels have a very limited useful life by design so we can't be concerned overmuch about what we use anyway, would you think? I hate them as much as the next guy. Thanks
Rick
@@a.r.t.srealrepairsforrealc8247 THIS WORKED PERFECTLY - its like brand new!!!!!!! Thanks again!!!
@@frankbull6456 Great! Glad it was helpful. and thanks for sharing.
Thank you very much. I will try this before I take apart and vinyl cover my 2000 Xterra. How do I reattach the foam to the actual wheel?
I'm here for the exact same reason 🤣 and it's amazing that you fixed the same steering wheel as mine so my question is which texture are you using for your impression after the heat? There are so many grain texture to choose
Thank you so much for this video, I also would like to know if you have any info to share a out the sticky dashboard on Toyota Camry or Lexus that's will be GREAT!!!
v53
I bought my civic new and it’s a 2016 and at 70k miles has more material missing than my 2001 civic with 170k, it’s actually missing material and is no longer round in 2 spots vs the old civic where it didn’t wear a ton but the finish wore. Crazy they’re moving backwards after 15 years
My aunt bought a 2017 civic and I noticed how cheap everything inside felt vs my older civic
Hi, thank you for the video, you solved an issue I wasn't looking for ;) My issue is the seperation of the rubber from the rubber steering wheel ring. what do you suggest for that? I suspect injecting silicon or tarzan grip?
Your guess is as good as mine. I would likely source a replacement wheel. Let us know what you find out.
@@a.r.t.srealrepairsforrealc8247 I found some people are using Loctite 408 and injecting it in via a needle. I have ordered a tube from eBay and will trial it and let you know.
@@octapc Hello, did the loctite work? I have the same problem.
Hello Rick. Thanks for the making the video. It's clear and concise. Just one question though, in the video you said the it's best to make your own graining pad. How can I do that?
P.S. first time watching one of your videos. I think I'll be spending a lot of time on your channel.
Thank you for this. Can you tell me what type of paint you used?
I have a 2008 Renault Twingo with a greyish steering wheel. The airbag is some kind of rubbery plastic and it's pretty worn, how would you go about fixing that? I don't think the heatgun method works there.
Great video though!
Can't comment on it without seeing it. For further info see v116 where I answer a question about the steering wheel.
Hi Rick - I drive a Honda HRV and boy do I need this video! QUESTIONS: In other videos you finish vinyl or leather repairs with a clear coat. Is that advisable for the foam steering wheel? If so, what type product am I looking for? Thank you, Sir!
Yes a clear coat is a good idea. Usually I will add a polymer clear with crosslinker and slip additive to help resist hand oils, French fry grease etc.
@@a.r.t.srealrepairsforrealc8247
Thank you very much, my friend!
Thank you so much for your insightful videos Mr Rick
Wow that result was amazing! Thank you for the video!
You're welcome! Hope that gets you a little further down the road.
@@a.r.t.srealrepairsforrealc8247 I'm about to attempt this cause my steering wheel has gotten really bad somehow. Will nail polish remover work? I'm a little wary of discoloration.
@@shaazy Nail polish remover may contain acetone which will help melt and level the foam. Protect everything including the seat below.
@@a.r.t.srealrepairsforrealc8247 that's true but is nail polish remover right for the job?
@@shaazy I use acetone, and am not qualified to comment on something I haven't used. Also this is not intended as a DIY channel. But to show the public that better professional repairs can be had. Thanks.
Great video! I've been looking for something this all around the web. Couldn't find anything. I have a 2011 Camry and the steering wheel looks similar to the one you worked on. Top was smooth at first but over time it started becoming more brittle. Now I can feel where the foam has fallen off. Is there a curing time for the acetone or treatment after I use the acetone?
While the acetone is very aggressive it also evaporates very quickly. A good way to tell is by temperature. If the area is colder than the ambient temperature then evaporation is still happening.
Thanks
Great vid!
Can you tell me how to color match the steering wheel on my car? It is a 2010 Honda Fit. The color is some kind of darkish gray. Can I do a match using the VIN?
I mix by eye. The principles are discussed in various videos on this channel. One dealing with grey in particular is v60
I have a steering wheel that has a smooth finish, that has worn away exposing the foam underneath. The problem I have is in the winter the foam steering wheel gets damp & then gets stuck all over my hands. Will using just the acetone help to reseal the foam? so as to avoid it getting stuck all over my hands in the winter.
That's a good question! Melting the surface smoother with acetone just might help. And with these foam wheels...can't hurt!
@@a.r.t.srealrepairsforrealc8247 Okay thanks.
my goodness, learned something so valuable today, thank you.
Hello. How to fill holes or cracks in foam steering wheels? I have read that it can be filled with flexible epoxy glue, which comes as a 2k injection. Do you apply this epoxi and then paint? Could it be filler with air-drying filler? or the repair would not last long. Thanks.
I have done one with a 2 part epoxy but then I made a custom leather wrap for it. Before doing too much please understand that these steering wheels are garbage to begin with. Thanks for your question! 👍
Thanks for the GREAT VIDEO! You mentioned "color" at the end of the video. My steering wheel is a dark grey color. What, if anything will I need to do re: color during the repair process and if I need a coloring "agent" of some sort where do I get one that will match a 10 year old steering wheel?
It's in the description.
Hello, and thank you for showing this process. the steering wheel on my F250 is wearing out and replacement is discontinued. I am going to attempt to wrap new lather, but also need to fix worn spots in the foam. I already found the factory matching color, but was wondering which graining pad you would recommend for my specific application? I am going to order ASAP!
I make my own pads. It's not super critical. Use something in your kit.
thanks for your reply! How good it the color? can i take a tan steering wheel and color it gray? will it rub off with oil from hands?
Where do you get the thinker pad that you used behind the graining pad? You can find the SEM graining pads online but the thicker pad to protect your fingers I cannot.
Just double up any pads you have. I make my own graining pads and they have randomly varied in thickness over the years. They can get quite hot using this method. Also you can wear a leather work glove! Thanks
Hi Rick - Great video. I Tried the above on the steering wheel of my 1972 W115 Mercedes. Problem is that I can't get the surface to melt so that I can put the graining on. Can it be that the rubber is not the same? / Is there another technique? Thanks again!
Hello Louis, I don't remember what that year Mercedes has in it. If you can send a pic to the email address I'd be glad to advise if I can. Thanks.
realrepairsforrealcustomers@gmail.com
Is there a specific type of scuff pad you used? Coarse? Medium? Fine? Great video. Thanks.!
The acetone is doing most of the work so you don't need anything too abrasive. Thanks
Hi I have a Ford fusion hybrid 2017 I need that same repair it's really wore out on top where can I get it repaired
Any repair tech in your area should be able to do this. If the damage is too severe I recommend a customized leather wrap. You'd have to check with an upholstery shop. Or shop for a replacement steering.
Where can I get the sponge for steering wheel renewal?
So if we want a smooth finish we dont proceed beyond acetone?
That's right. Although compressing with the grain pad does close up any pin holes that appear in the foam. You could use a pad with just the faintest or no texture for that. Otherwise you'd have to use a filler for the pin holes or at least a primer prior to color. Thanks for the question.
Is there a process to replace the foam if missing in a section?
epoxy then make a custom leather cover
Can't get ahold of the graining pads. Would it be unsafe to heat seal the foam after the acetone scrubbing without imprinting grain? I mean, would the wheel become slippery and unsafe to grab? Thanks.
In this case, don't heat the foam. Just reshape it with the acetone and leave it smooth. No worries. Thanks for contributing!
@@a.r.t.srealrepairsforrealc8247 Thanks!
I'm a bit late to finding this video.
But I'm curious to know if this same method can be used on cracked/worn leather steering wheels at all, if anyone has done it successfully on leather please comment.
Cheers.
Corey, we do sand leather dry with 100 grit to contour. Not the same method as here. We have several videos for different leather steering wheel options: 22, 40, 72, 86, 104. And even one on how to make a jig - 42.
Hi bud what are you using for the color is it leather paint
What can you do for a steering wheel that is foam like that but the top half where I keep my hands is just eroded away. No breaks in the foam, its just a lot thinner on the top half than the bottom and getting rougher in texture.
In my opinion, make a custom leather wrap. It won't have the cheesy aftermarket look and it will upgrade the interior at the same time.
Thanks
Great job! Wish you were near me to fix mine.
What did you use to scrub the acetone on the steering wheel?
Where can i get this graining pad? I need it for my Chevy Malibu 2017
Thanks for the great video! I tried googling but couldn’t find anything, could you tell me how you make your graining pads?
I prefer the two part silicone cartridge. I prepare them in advance using a sample vinyl on a firm surface for maximum depth of grain.
Can this work on a scuffed leather steering wheel?
Well, no. The acetone works by dissolving the foam and reconstituting it, for leather you will need to remove the stitch and stitch a new leather cover on. There are several youtube videos on how to do this, best one is by ChrisFix
what foam material is this made out of?
A polyol component and a polyisocyanate component, hydrochlorofluoroolefin is used as a foaming agent, a powdered fluorine resin is used as an additive all injected into a mold to make a polyurethane foam.
Great but how do you make grains? They are not selling that in my country 😁
They are in the description below the video. Thanks!
Hey Rick, thanks for a great video, you may have just saved me the cost of ordering a new steering wheel. I do have a question, How well does the water base color hold up?
As you know, oils from the hands are very destructive to the foam steering wheel and leather steering wheels. So durability will vary on usage. I would fully anticipate recoating after a couple years. For retail customers I would recommend a custom fitted leather wrap. You'll enjoy it so much more too. Thanks.
I realize you are trying to actually restore, but I don't care much about the finish I just want my steering wheel (GM truck) to not be gooey and rubbing off on my hands when it is the cool and humid time of the year. I haven't tried but I think that just cleaning wont do it, it is decaying. Will the reconstituting and heating get what I need?
Don't know about your particular model but all the GM trucks have leather wrapped steering where cleaning will do the trick. If I'm wrong about yours feel free to email. If you have a foam wheel it's unfortunate but they just won't last very long no matter what you do. The restoration in the video is certainly a stop-gap measure for a time on an already very limited life product. Which is why I encourage a custom made wrap. Thanks.
Do I have to treat the whole steering wheel with aceton or only the damaged area? Wont there be a difference between the color later if I only put the paint on the particular part of the wheel? How long will the effect last? And what is that grey pad that you use with aceton?
You will only need to melt the damaged area. Don't forget to clean and prep the entire wheel though. The pad is a Scotch-brite scuff pad that auto refinishers use. As for recoloring, most of the time we are spraying the color with a paint gun around the entire circumference of the wheel. However, an experienced tech will sometimes be able to paint only the repair area or even just wipe the color in the case of black. Color is our specialty. If the color matches well but the sheen is different, we will still spray the entire wheel to even the sheen. Thanks for contributing!
@@a.r.t.srealrepairsforrealc8247 thank you for your answer, I have more questions though :) what can I use instead of that scotch grey pad, can it be some cotton part of cloth or the cleaning sponge? Also in Poland there are no such graining pads like the ones you used. Can I use some part of the leather cloth with the similar structure on it, instead of that pro graining pad? Will that be enough? Saying about cleaning should I just use some benzine on the wheel first? And what type of paint should I use? The one For leather type of wheels? My steering wheel if you can have a look :
www.sendspace.com/file/vpls5n
www.sendspace.com/file/7c13vt
www.sendspace.com/file/lyq8e1
Great job anw , greetings :)
Maybe you have an abrasive kitchen pad that might work as well. And any general purpose cleaner for the rest of the wheel. I'm sorry but all my recommendations are directed toward people in the business and I don't know what household products to recommend. Thanks again. Couldn't access your picture. Also bear in mind that automobile interior parts vary in composition from the US to Europe so I hope that this method, in principle, works with what you have there.
@@a.r.t.srealrepairsforrealc8247
thank you for our advice :)
I have a 2010 honda fit and when I tried doing this the steering wheel became extremely sticky and lots of the residue came off onto my pads. Its now been over 2 days and its still sticky and some residue is still coming off. It's as if the foam hasn't dried yet and at this point im not sure that it ever will. Do you have any suggestions? I need to sell the car ASAP
Ok, I've never heard of the Honda Fit so I guess my customers don't carry them. All I can suggest is to try one of the aftermarket covers. There are some rather good ones out there. Email me if you need help. And thanks for posting!
realrepairsforrealcustomers@gmail.com
Any type of acetone can do it?
Where can I buy the grain pad? I want to try this to my corolla steering wheel
I always suggest checking with your current supplier. Thanks
What type of paint is used to touch up steering wheel?
Does this add foam or other material to the steering wheel or just shave it to the shape you want?
Just melts it to the shape, yes.
What is the graining material made from? You said it was commercially available. Where would I buy it? My grain is worn off quite a bit and I have been looking for just such a fix. Thanks.
The bottom one is from the double cartridge dispenser from Superior Restoration Products. The white one is also from there but is from the jar and you have to add a certain amount of catalyst. Both are silicone. The one from the cartridge is more expensive but grains better IMO. On their facebook page they have a video I did some time back on making the double sided one to cut costs. i may post it on my site soon. Thanks for your questions. Glad I could help.
@@a.r.t.srealrepairsforrealc8247a.r.t.sreal repairs for real customers
Did you use any paint on sterring wheel after grain pad? What type of colorPaint?
Wow this is awesome! Thanks for sharing 🙏
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Thanks for your video, what can be use as graining pad please?
Thanks! I make my own pads. Get the silicone from your supplier.
Thank you for doing this!
I clicked on the link on the description for the graining pads. Which texture did you use in this vid?
I make my own pads using the silicone cartridges and dispenser. If I recall I used the Sierra grain here.
Wish you were in Illinois
I tried this and it separated the foam from the metal core. Now its loose and wiggles around. Bad idea.
Yes, these foam wheels are the worst and some are super cheap. Be assured that any tech has to assess each repair individually and would likely turn this one away. Making educated judgements on a case to case basis is what we do.
what graining pad do you recommend for 2013 f250 xlt?
Since the uses of textures vary so much, we just choose the texture pad on a case by case basis for the repair at hand, not by vehicle model. Thanks!
Thank you really great idea n how much it can help people ..
Is this “foam” the same thing as a Urethane steering wheel?
Polyurethane foam. You are correct. Thanks
Great job. Good work.
Running fast to keep up with you, Buddy! 👍
Nice. I do a couple of these a week.
You don't say what you use for a 'grain pad' or what you use as the finishing black colour.
In the description.
What type of color are you using? What is the touchup paint that you used on the switch? Thanks for showing us how to restore this type of steering wheel. When approaching this type of project, how do you tell whether leather, bonded leather or plastic covered foam is involved in covering a steering wheel? I know the differences should be obvious, but the car makers cut corners where they can, and can process plastic to make it look and act like anything they want.
As you move forward with your videos, you will find you attract more viewers if you put the specific materials you use in the “Show More” box (sometimes called the video description box) with links to where the products can be obtained. Take a look at the Sweet Project Cars channel on TH-cam to see how one shop uses links to let its viewers know about the products used in its videos, and they make a little bit of money if people order these products using those links.
Thanks. The color is made of Classic Dye base for leather mixed with pigments. The switch was touched up with the leather dye. Simply because I had it at hand and wasn't going to walk away leaving it like that. Real life. I formulate the color on the van for each job. I have several videos in the pipeline concerning bonded leather vs leather vs vinyl still to come.
As far as product description, it would help if a supplier gave a care to help sponsor what is over $20k of videos originally commissioned but not compensated. So why should I give a care. The how to is free.
so that mean you use acetone to touch up and repair the damage foam
Acetone melts the foam. The extent varies with different models of cars.
I did this but my steering wheel is all sticky now, It didn't fully cure
This happened to a small part of my steering wheel as well. I think this is caused by heating the foam too much
can you do a video making the pads?, thanks.
I have one from some years past. Hopefully I'll be able to find it and if not, I'll shoot another. Need some new pads anyway! Thank You
yes please, I can't find your video about pads, I can see your oldest video is 10 months old.
I’m waiting for the pads too. Where you purchase or how you make these pads
@@patreeshorkirila9518 th-cam.com/video/cWe5hdj-yKc/w-d-xo.html
here is the video, I'm use white silicon, works great.
What grain pad texture did you purchase ?
I make my own pads so that they are bigger and rounded on the edges.
@@a.r.t.srealrepairsforrealc8247 thank you and good job in restoring that steering wheel looks perfect
How can I make sure mine is foam and not vinyl?
just go for it.
What about when the foam is partially missing
great video man
Thank you very much, I almost bought a new one.
Eventually you may need to. For the long term, a custom made leather wrap looks best.
What material can I use as a regrainer?
Did you read the description?
@@a.r.t.srealrepairsforrealc8247 don’t be a smart ass .. either answer his question or don’t say nothing at all
Hi, great video.
What type of paint/colour is that you have used? Just so I can look it up in my own country to save on shipping etc.
Thanks.
I am using a flexible water base polymer for leather. I add pigments to 20 %. Each repair is a custom color for the most part. I add Slip, Flattener, Flex as needed and crosslinker. Thanks
This worked wonders on my 04’ ba falcon
I put acetone on my Tacoma foam steering wheel...had absolutely no effect! It didn't melt it...at all...ever. I was using 100% acetone. Both Honda and Toyota steering wheels are polyurethane. So I have no idea why his would melt and mine wouldn't.
Excelente señor , I will try it in my Nissan Tida , gracias.