Wheelskins leather steering wheel wrap
I recently purchased this and was so blown away by the quality of the product that I just had to share it here.
I'm sure that many others are quite annoyed by the cheapo hard, slippery, skinny plastic SRS airbag steering wheel from the 1990s Hondas, but do not know what to do with it besides getting another steering wheel.
But ok if you think those $20 steering wheel covers from supercrap auto are cool then maybe this isn't for you. Otherwise, read on.
I wanted a thicker rimmed, more luxurious feeling steering wheel, then I remembered that way back in the 1990s Honda Australia did sell a leather steering wheel wrap as a genuine accessory. Will set you back $70-80 in those days, and that's before installation. My mate bought one for his DC2 back then, unfortunately they are classed as 'out of production' by now.
The USDM DC2 Integra GS-R and Type R came with the leather already wrapped on the steering wheel straight from the dealership. For those who didn't know, USDM DC2Rs did not have the Momo tiller, just the regular SRS one wrapped with a leather rim.
So the alternative? I found out that Wheelskins from the USA made the OEM steering wheel leathers for Honda/Acura USA, and they do make them in many different sizes for many cars.
So I ordered one online. Ebay and many US based retailers stock them. Search and shop around for the best prices.
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...eelskins03.jpg
It arrived and took me 2 hours to install. Why 2 hours? Because the leather is literally skin tight on the steering wheel. It needs to be stretched on, then each stitch pulled very hard to securely wrap it around the whole rim. There's like 100 pairs of holes to lace up all round, and you'll need to wear thick gloves or else the thread will cut and blister your fingers from all that 2 hours of tugging. This isn't a 10minute job, not by a longshot!
The package does include a roll of very strong linen thread and big sewing needle.
Initially there is a steep learning curve as you figure out how tight to lace and how to align everything up. But by halfway round you should get the hang of it. If you're not happy with the alignment and haven't completed the whole rim, it's a simple matter of unravelling it and lacing again.
The final results speak for themselves:
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...eelskins02.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...eelskins01.jpg
I specially asked for red thread with the black leather, and it was sent with no extra charge.
The only difference this to the Out-of-production OEM Honda wrap is that there are lacing holes going over the spokes. The Honda specific ones had the areas crossing the spokes blank and without lacing holes.
The difference in feel is AWESOME. The thicker, softer, grippier rim has such a luxurious feel now. The leather is very high quality and supple. It shapes to the finger grip nubs behind the rim perfectly. And also because of this, you'll want the steering wheel absolutely clean and smooth before you put it on. Really clean it of all gunk before installing!
The material's finish is a smooth, luxurious satin texture and looks nothing like the shiny plasticky ones photographed on the Wheelskins website.
I appreciate that for some chaps who have not had the experience of driving many cars, the original plastic Tonka toy feeling steering wheel rim isn't much of a bother, but I've driven a bunch of Audis and Lexus in my time and the leather steering wheel is a real delight to hold, so I sought out the same for my Honda.
Other plus points are that the fitting is so secure that to the uninitiated it looks like original equipment, and the leather protects the original rim from permanent sun damage. American forumers have noted that the leathers lasts beyond five years, and even then when it gets old just buy another one.
Need proof that Wheelskins makes the OE Honda steering wheel covers? Here it is:
Original Honda installation instructions:
http://www.handa-accessories.com/ody...eringcover.pdf
Wheelskins installation instructions:
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...wheelskins.jpg
The drawings are identical.
