What's the best way to prevent further fraying of the stitching on my car's leather (?) covered steering wheel? Alternatively, is the stitching purely decorative (i.e. not functional) and can therefore be ignored?
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Is it because someone driving is wearing a ring .I know its frustrating looking at it .
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Contact a boot, shoe or saddlemaker.
There are still a few about, particularly in the more affluent areas.
Is the fraying on the rim or the boss?
Think there's an airbag under the boss and I'd take expert advice before tinkering.
There's probably little risk of setting the thing off accidentally, provided you know what you're doing.
Another thought, an upholsterer, car or otherwise, might be able to help.
Edited by ifithelps on 01/04/2009 at 08:22
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If a leather specialist, (as described above), cant help, a wheel from a wreck recycler would be cheaper than a new one, even if fitted by your local indi.
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I'm still wondering whether the stitching is purely cosmetic and whether the frayed ends are best just cut off. How can I find out, other than to wait and see whether the "leather" starts to part company with the wheel? It can't be that uncommon an occurrence. The steering wheel was standard fitting on the car.
Edited by L'escargot on 01/04/2009 at 10:41
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chances are the leather will peel back once the stitches wear through
its rather expensive to have one re covered , id suggest looking on ebay for a good used one to replace it
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I've owned several Focus's. Never had the problem you mention. But if the plastic stitching is coming away, clip it off. We are not talking about a real stitched hand crafted job.Remember these are mass produced.Have a very close look, you will see the stitching is purely cosmetic. No need to search out an upholsterer. Its not Bentley or RR quality.
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Flame the thread ends with a lighter. The thread will most likely be synthetic and will seal itself if you do that. Get ready to extinguish it as it gets to the leather with a licked thumb though !
Standard practice in the shoe and leathergoods industry during final prep. But we don't mention it to the Elf........
;-)
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