Leather repair on steering wheel... Odd problem

[AllenB]

Ok, so I am a typical narrow-a$$ guy but I have managed to damage my steering wheel upon exit from the car. Don't laugh just yet, I have a point here!

I have noticed that as I exit the car, I "roll" out and unfortunately I have managed to damage the leather on the steering wheel. I carry a pocket-knife in my right pocket (have for MANY years) and it has an exposed clip, thus scraping the steering wheel as I exit the car. This has led to damage to the leather on the steering wheel.

The leather is, for lack of a better explanation has been "chafed" and I am unsure if I can repair it. My initial thought was to lightly sand it and try to dye it but figured I would ask before created more damage.

The damage is more of a nuisance now since you can't see it but I can feel the rough areas on the wheel when driving. My actual concern is I would expect it to get worse with time...


Allen

[SHIFT_COUPE]

I know this sounds kind of silly but what about shoe polish to bring back the color on the scuffed area a bit?

My knee jerk reaction would be to leave something like this up to a professional but there might be a way to make it look more presentable to you. A couple leather repair kits came up on a Google search. Not sure how reputable or how well they would work.

A dye may be the way to go...

http://www.leatherrepairkits.com/
http://www.leatherique.com/steering-wheels.html

[AllenB]

The color match is not really my concern- it is the scuffs on the finished leather.

It is hard to explain (a picture may be in order) but the finished surfaced of the leather is "ripped". Not down to the wheel itself or cut per se; better described as a chafed. I guess i need to snap some pics tomorrow...

The problem is how to perhaps sand out the leather to remove the rough areas, then a way to dye and re-seal the leather to prevent deterioration. Yes, a professional may be in order but the extent of the damage (pretty minimal) hasn't prompted a search just yet.

With as hot as it is getting here in Yankee-Land (New England) I may take the car tomorrow and enjoy some conditioned air vice riding my motorcycle! If I didn't know better looking at the thermometer, I'd swear I was back in God's country- the Deep South! At least it won't last for months on end up here!

Allen

[boystar22]

I only paid $40 for my whole leather steering wheel on eBay, so if worst comes to worse you could always just replace the wheel.