Got an idea for an interior mod.

[Pushrodsnake]

After the successful paint job I managed to get on the arm rest pad for my new console...

I got to thinking about whether or not I could also successfully paint a steering wheel. I personally love the style of the FR500 steering wheel, but it only comes in black. The only real difference is that the arm rest pad is made of vinyl, but the steering wheel is wrapped in leather. Do you think the vinyl paint I used on the arm rest pad (still have plenty left) would work on leather? Anyone have any experience with this? :shrug:

 

[Cookieman00x]

I wouldnt paint the leather.. Its too much of a wear spot... The center console or dash is fine because it doesnt get that much action.

 

[TDoh]

I wouldnt paint the leather.. Its too much of a wear spot... The center console or dash is fine because it doesnt get that much action.

I'd second that opinion...

Plus, you don't paint leather, you dye it.

 

[Pushrodsnake]

I'd thought about that, too. Not sure how I would dye the steering wheel, though. Oh well.

 

[TDoh]

I'd thought about that, too. Not sure how I would dye the steering wheel, though. Oh well.

Google that shit!

All the supplies are publickly available, and there's a world of information out there. Even some Youtube videos and such...

You can doooo it!

 

[FISHTAIL]

Well, I don't know what you used for the arm pad, but all the vinyl products I restored for my fox were dye'd. I hit them with spray dye from 50resto, and that stuff is tough. I tried to scrape it off on a practice piece, and I wasn't able to do it. They may make leather dye too, I'm not sure.

If you find out though, let me know, my BMW has a few spots that could use re-dyed.

 

[Pushrodsnake]

Google that shit!

All the supplies are publickly available, and there's a world of information out there. Even some Youtube videos and such...

You can doooo it!

Google saves the day!

Well, I don't know what you used for the arm pad, but all the vinyl products I restored for my fox were dye'd. I hit them with spray dye from 50resto, and that stuff is tough. I tried to scrape it off on a practice piece, and I wasn't able to do it. They may make leather dye too, I'm not sure.

If you find out though, let me know, my BMW has a few spots that could use re-dyed.

I used the same 50resto stuff. It really worked great on the pad.

I found a place that sells a recoloring kit for $50.

Scroll down the list and they have a lot of different colors including '94-'98 saddle.

 

[PSUCOBRA96]

tell me what you figure out, I am changing my interior from saddle to black, so I have to do the opposite of what you're doing lol

 

[Pushrodsnake]

Will do. I went ahead and ordered that kit, which was about $58 with shipping. I'll probably order the steering wheel soon, too. I'll probably see about doing a how-to if it turns out good.

 

[SVT-VNM]

I'm doing the FR500 wheel sooner or later, but I have the shift boot and e-brake boot from redline. I think if I covered the arm rest it would be in similar black fashion. I forget the link to the old site I used.

 

[Pushrodsnake]

You talking about redlinegoods.com?

What's funny is they offer an e-brake boot as well (which I need for my console), and it's $32 cheaper than the Ford piece from LRS. Hell, the Ford piece is $76, and I could get the shifter boot AND e-brake boot from this other place for $69. I think I know where I'm getting my e-brake boot.

Edit. Does anyone know if I'll run into any problems with my stock '95 e-brake handle and the '01-'04 style boot?

 

[Pushrodsnake]

The re-coloring kit arrived yesterday, and the wheel is supposed to arrive today. I'll probably get started on it tonight.

 

[Pushrodsnake]

Started re-coloring the steering wheel tonight.

Starting off with the cleaner and a light scuff with the supplied scuff pad.

A few light coats to start.

A break for some cereal.

This is pretty much where I'm at right now. I'm going to finish it up tomorrow so I can let the coats that are on it dry before I try to put more on there. Looking alright so far.

 

[NeverFastEngh]

As long as that doesnt rub off it looks great.

 

[sunburned]

As long as that doesnt rub off it looks great.

I agree. I was going to tell you to just paint the center of the steering wheel to match the FR500 outer, but that looks pretty damn good.

 

[Pushrodsnake]

Yeah. We'll see how it wears over time.

 

[Cookieman00x]

That doenst look bad at all. Good job, im intersted to see if it wears off ..

 

[gcassidy]

How was the cereal? I loves them Rice Chex!

 

[Pushrodsnake]

The cereal was great! The wheel still isn't done. I'm going to get a spray bottle for the final coats since the sponge is leaving marks that are akin to brush strokes. Needless to say, it looks kind of unsightly, and I want the finished product to look better. Overall I'm pleased with the current results. Just needs to be finished up. I'm a little concerned as to how it wears over time, but I'm optimistic about that since it's not my daily.

 

[Robuilt]

How is it wearing over time? Still look good?