10 AE steering wheel repair

Robbo · Postby **Robbo** » Sun Dec 31, 2017 10:59 am

Hi Guys,
I have a 10AE and need the steering wheel leather repaired. The leather is ok but the blue colour is wearing off and it looks a bit skanky.
I live in the eastern burbs of Melbourne and would like your input as to who could do the repair job.
Cheers Robbo :NB8A:

bruce · Postby **bruce** » Sun Dec 31, 2017 2:14 pm

Not sure if I'd want it repaired. All the leather repair guys will just paint it. I guess the original would have been dyed.

hks_kansei · Postby **hks_kansei** » Mon Jan 01, 2018 12:24 am

Options are to re-dye it, won't be perfect but may help the looks.

Ideally they'll pull the leather off and stitch in fresh stuff.

Have a chat with an upholsterer to get an idea of cost and what's possible.

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Mon Jan 01, 2018 10:33 am

If its the same as later MX5s the so called leather will not be renewable. The stitching that you may see is often just faux stitches created from an original and then forms a die to replicate in production. Then again maybe its the real MC Coy. If its leather or some other material you can change the colour or try to match it- there are products readily available - see shoe repairers.In theory you could mix colours to match - You can also use Raven oil also readily available but its colour ranges are limited. By all means talk to trimmer.

hks_kansei · Postby **hks_kansei** » Mon Jan 01, 2018 11:41 am

Mr Morlock wrote:If its the same as later MX5s the so called leather will not be renewable. The stitching that you may see is often just faux stitches created from an original and then forms a die to replicate in production..

While I believe the leather used may be similar to the gear boot, being simulated leather (or at least, a very thin leather over a cotton backing) the stitching is real, and the leather can be replaced.

It is however, a slow and labour intensive process to do so.