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Steering Wheel Restoration
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Posted 3/12/2012 6:53 PM
H1LM002G55
Expert




Date registered: Mar 2010
Location: S Florida / Geneva / Jeddah
Vehicle(s): 500 GE, G55, LM002, H1
Posts: 1796
1000
Steering Wheel Restoration

Fellow 500 GE owner AGuess was very kind and sent me the wood and leather non-airbag steering wheel from his 500 GE. This steering wheel has a good story also, because the broker that originally sold this 500 GE to the U.S. was also a friend of mine and had procured this same steering wheel.

Phase 1: Handed it off to my woodguy who took care of polishing the protective clear coat, a polyester type finish with gloss enhancers.

Phase 2: Leather and Vinyl work, ala Leatherique, which I performed. Really came out killer.

Pictures to follow. I hope I may encourage some other members to do a project like this to their steering wheel or seats...



#201497
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Posted 3/12/2012 6:57 PM
thanito
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Date registered: Aug 2009
Location: Greece
Vehicle(s): MB G400CDI, MB 300E-24, Mini Cooper S
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Re: Steering Wheel Restoration

Waiting for the pics!
#201499 - in reply to #201497
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Posted 3/12/2012 7:41 PM
H1LM002G55
Expert




Date registered: Mar 2010
Location: S Florida / Geneva / Jeddah
Vehicle(s): 500 GE, G55, LM002, H1
Posts: 1796
1000
RE: Steering Wheel Restoration

Step One: Gather Materials

- Griot's Garage Interior Cleaner (This stuff is BY FAR the best interior cleaner I have ever used. It is CLEAR. I use it on fine furniture, too. Never had any problems with it not removing dirt. It has never discoloured any interior material. From leather, to alcantara, to shagreen, and everything in between. Great for the household, too. Now sold at Advanced Auto Parts).

- Leatherique Rejuvenator Oil

- Leatherique Pristine Clean

- Foam Applicator Pads on Sticks (Go to Walmart, pick them up on the arts & crafts aisle. Pack of 6 was $2.00 USD)

- Lots and lots of Microfiber Cloths and terry cotton rags, WHITE in colour. The terry cotton is good for cleaning as it is slightly more abrasive than microfiber.

- Blue Painters Tape

- Tissue Papers

- Saran Wrap/Cellophane




*You need to follow directions. Check and double check the directions posted here.*

Step One. Begin by taking tissue paper and blue painters tape. Cover the wood parts of the steering wheel with the tissue paper layered 2-3 sheets thick. Use the blue painters tape to mask off the tissue paper to the end points of the wood veneer, where the wood meets the leather rim of the steering wheel.

Step Two. Invert the steering wheel and place it on top of an old towel, which will catch the run off of the spray interior cleaner.

Step Three. Set Griot's Garage spray nozzle to "mist" and mist the leather and vinyl parts of the steering wheel with the griot's garage Interior Cleaner. Note: I chose to remove the airbag cover and did this piece separate from the steering wheel. It easily pops off with your fingers. You will get some on the tissue paper, it is fine. Just don't hose the tissue paper down such that it is soaked. You don't want the wood to ever stay immersed in a cleaning agent.

Step 4. Take a microfiber cloth and a terry cotton cloth/towel and start wiping down the steering wheel. You will see a lot of dirt that gets removed using the Griot's Garage Interior Cleaner. Fantastic Stuff.

Repeat steps 3 and 4 until you notice that your preferably white terry cotton and microfiber towels are only producing minimal "grey" dirt spots on your cleaning cloths.

Let sit.
#201500 - in reply to #201497
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Posted 3/12/2012 7:42 PM
H1LM002G55
Expert




Date registered: Mar 2010
Location: S Florida / Geneva / Jeddah
Vehicle(s): 500 GE, G55, LM002, H1
Posts: 1796
1000
RE: Steering Wheel Restoration

Fotos



(IMG_1917.jpg)



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#201501 - in reply to #201497
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Posted 3/12/2012 7:52 PM
H1LM002G55
Expert




Date registered: Mar 2010
Location: S Florida / Geneva / Jeddah
Vehicle(s): 500 GE, G55, LM002, H1
Posts: 1796
1000
RE: Steering Wheel Restoration

After you have a reasonably clean steering wheel, from repeated treatments of the Griot's Garage Interior Cleaner, you can proceed with deep cleaning and rejuvenation.

Deep Cleaning and Leather Rejuvenation.

Step One: Take one of the foam applicators on a stick from Walmart. Soak it, both sides, in Leatherique Rejuvenator Oil.

Step Two: Liberally begin painting the rejuvenator oil onto all leather AND vinyl surfaces of the steering wheel. You want the surface noticeably wet and slick with rejuvenator oil. So plan on a thick coating. Be sure to AVOID the wood trim that you still have covered in tissue paper and taped in place with blue painter's tape.

Step Three: After liberal application of rejuvenator oil, cover leather and vinyl surfaces in clear cling wrap/saran wrap,cellophane. The purpose of this is to seal in the rejuvenator oil so that it will not evaporate.

Step Four: If you have a heat lamp, place the steering wheel under a heat lamp. If not, place it in the trunk area of your G and let it soak out there in the hot cabin on a warm day.
Alternatively, you can use a hair dryer or a heat gun to heat up the cling wrap and rejuvenator oil covered wheel. This helps to open the pores in the leather, so it will accept the rejuvenator oil. It will also help purge contaminants and float them up towards the surface after the rejuvenator oil dries.

Let it sit in a warm environment for about 4 to 5 hours.

You can leave it wrapped overnight for best results and absorption.

This is the most critical step. Let the rejuvenator oil work. It needs time to work. Do not rush this step. Use cling wrap. Use heat. Follow these guidelines and you will be impressed.





(IMG_1918.jpg)



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#201503 - in reply to #201497
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Posted 3/13/2012 2:36 PM
G-AMG
G-Class DIY Host




Date registered: May 2006
Location: South Texas
Vehicle(s): '04 G55, '80 280GE, '99 S420, '98 E320, 2011 E350
1000
Re: Steering Wheel Restoration

Dude!

Thanks for the write-up.

I'm curious, it is OK to use the Oil on the PLASTIC materials, as well??

Is there an oily residue which remains on the Plastic?

Also, when you are finished with the Leather treatment, do you advise any type of "sealant" or do you just wipe off the Excess oil?

G
#201523 - in reply to #201497
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Posted 3/13/2012 2:51 PM
H1LM002G55
Expert




Date registered: Mar 2010
Location: S Florida / Geneva / Jeddah
Vehicle(s): 500 GE, G55, LM002, H1
Posts: 1796
1000
Re: Steering Wheel Restoration

More pictures coming. Not finished. Standby.

Yes, never had any issue using the rejuvenator oil on the plastic. Oily residue is left over only until you clean it with Pristine Clean, which is the step that follows the Rejuvenator Oil.

The Rejuvenator oil is a cleaner and conditioner, two in one. Pristine Clean is used to remove the oily residue of the rejuvenator oil.

More pictures coming. Standby.

Completed wheel looks brand new. Standby for further pictures.
#201524 - in reply to #201497
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Posted 3/14/2012 7:37 PM
AlanMcR
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Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: US, CA, Los Altos
Vehicle(s): G300DT E300DT 230SL
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RE: Steering Wheel Restoration

I heartily recommend the use of these products.  They saved my seats and steering wheel. The drivers seat went from something that looked like patent leather to a supple handbag.  That was a few years ago.  It is time for treatment again. 

Advice: Warm weather and patience definitely improves the treatment result.

#201564 - in reply to #201497
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Posted 3/15/2012 3:50 PM
H1LM002G55
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Date registered: Mar 2010
Location: S Florida / Geneva / Jeddah
Vehicle(s): 500 GE, G55, LM002, H1
Posts: 1796
1000
Re: Steering Wheel Restoration

Warm weather, patience, AND using cling wrap. The cling wrap REALLY helps.
#201610 - in reply to #201497
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Posted 3/16/2012 7:36 PM
G-AMG
G-Class DIY Host




Date registered: May 2006
Location: South Texas
Vehicle(s): '04 G55, '80 280GE, '99 S420, '98 E320, 2011 E350
1000
Re: Steering Wheel Restoration

I am a little disappointed to learn that all 3 of your stated products are unavailable here in town. I checked Pep-Boys, O'Reilley's, and AutoZone today, and came up empty-handed.
#201682 - in reply to #201497
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Posted 3/17/2012 1:08 PM
H1LM002G55
Expert




Date registered: Mar 2010
Location: S Florida / Geneva / Jeddah
Vehicle(s): 500 GE, G55, LM002, H1
Posts: 1796
1000
Re: Steering Wheel Restoration

My post stated Advanced Auto Parts. Here is a link: http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/CarParts/brand_Griots%20Garage___

As regards Leatherique, you have to purchase it directly.
http://www.leatherique.com/

Don't think we have Pep Boys or Oreilley's in S Florida. Wish we did. The idiots at Advanced Auto Parts didn't know what a spark plug was last time I asked. ?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!!?
And most of them don't speak English, either.
#201700 - in reply to #201497
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Posted 3/17/2012 1:20 PM
H1LM002G55
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Date registered: Mar 2010
Location: S Florida / Geneva / Jeddah
Vehicle(s): 500 GE, G55, LM002, H1
Posts: 1796
1000
RE: Steering Wheel Restoration

Sorry boys for the delay...

THE NEXT STEP:

You need to remove the cling-wrap that you used to seal the rejuvenator oil in onto the leather portions of the steering wheel.

NOTE: This works best. After painting on a thick layer of rejuvenator oil, so that the leather is slick with the stuff, wrap the leather areas tightly with the cling wrap. The cling wrap will stick to the rejuvenator oil and the leather, making a seal. Go over the cling wrap with a heat gun or hair dryer once you have everything in place. Let sit overnight.

---

The following day, remove the cling wrap. You will notice white deposits that are now on the surface of the leather areas. The white deposits are dirt and debris that once was embedded in the leather that has been brought up to the surface.

You need to remove this.
-------

Take PRISTINE CLEAN, which is a leather cleaner that has some conditioners mixed with it. Find a SMALL spray bottle. Put a little bit of PRISTINE CLEAN into the spray bottle. Spray a clean, white, microfiber towel with the pristine clean. Wipe away any area that rejuvenator oil was on with Pristine Clean. Pristine Clean will not harm leather or vinyl.




Edited by H1LM002G55 11/22/2017 1:56 AM




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(IMG_1922.jpg)



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#201701 - in reply to #201497
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Posted 3/17/2012 1:25 PM
H1LM002G55
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Date registered: Mar 2010
Location: S Florida / Geneva / Jeddah
Vehicle(s): 500 GE, G55, LM002, H1
Posts: 1796
1000
RE: Steering Wheel Restoration

On the back side of the steering wheel, there are some metal contact points that I chose to clean and lubricate.

To do this, I used a Switzerland produced Lubristyl oil pen. These are commonly found in the watch making industry, and used for lubricating fine mechanical timepieces.

I have one "oil pen" filled with ATF. Clean ATF is a wonderful cleaner and protectant. It is highly detergent, also.

I flipped the wheel over, and lightly lubricated and cleaned these metal contact points with ATF out of an oil pen.

Edited by H1LM002G55 3/17/2012 1:26 PM




(IMG_1923.jpg)



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#201703 - in reply to #201497
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Posted 3/17/2012 1:54 PM
H1LM002G55
Expert




Date registered: Mar 2010
Location: S Florida / Geneva / Jeddah
Vehicle(s): 500 GE, G55, LM002, H1
Posts: 1796
1000
RE: Steering Wheel Restoration

Next step, I took some gun grease, applied it to a paint brush, and went over the splines where the steering wheel mates with the steering column shaft.
The gun grease is a great cleaner, lubricant, and protectant, rolled into an easy to use, heavy paste.





(IMG_1927.jpg)



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#201706 - in reply to #201497
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Posted 3/17/2012 1:56 PM
H1LM002G55
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Date registered: Mar 2010
Location: S Florida / Geneva / Jeddah
Vehicle(s): 500 GE, G55, LM002, H1
Posts: 1796
1000
RE: Steering Wheel Restoration

I also buffed the contact points with Eagle One "Never Dull". This is a GREAT all metal cleaner AND polish. I use it on lots of the decorative metal work on the Gs. Works fantastic. Also, NEVR DULL From Ace Hardware I believe is the same product.





(IMG_1928.jpg)



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#201707 - in reply to #201497
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Posted 3/17/2012 7:43 PM
H1LM002G55
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Date registered: Mar 2010
Location: S Florida / Geneva / Jeddah
Vehicle(s): 500 GE, G55, LM002, H1
Posts: 1796
1000
Re: Steering Wheel Restoration

My final post will be describing how to use Leatherique Black Dye to touch up a wear area on the steering wheel, at the 9 and 3 positions, where the thumbs normally rest.

Standby.
#201719 - in reply to #201497
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Posted 3/18/2012 8:57 AM
DUTCH
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Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: US, GA, Atlanta
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Re: Steering Wheel Restoration

H1LM002G55 - 3/17/2012 7:43 PM

My final post will be describing how to use Leatherique Black Dye to touch up a wear area on the steering wheel, at the 9 and 3 positions, where the thumbs normally rest.

Standby.


Great thread! Don't forget to post a pic of the restored wheel mounted in place.
#201737 - in reply to #201719
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Posted 3/21/2012 2:16 PM
H1LM002G55
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Date registered: Mar 2010
Location: S Florida / Geneva / Jeddah
Vehicle(s): 500 GE, G55, LM002, H1
Posts: 1796
1000
Re: Steering Wheel Restoration

Steering wheel mounted.

Some tips: You need a special 10mm socket to remove the bolt to the steering column.

The bolt is slightly tapered/conical. They normally use some type of Loctite to secure it. It is going to be very tight.

DO NOT use an impact gun. You MUST NOT.

Spray some WD40 and let it soak for a while. Get a hammer, insert the socket and a short extension, and start tapping. A couple hits at 12 o' clock. Then at 3, then at 6, then at 9, and so on.

You may need to do this a couple times.

As soon as you loosen it enough, it will pop off. We used a good size breaker bar. It is a two man job. One needs to hold the wheel, the other needs to operate the breaker bar.

Don't forget to re-connect the horn contact.

Also, you may need to remove the brush if you had a previously installed airbag steering wheel.
#201856 - in reply to #201497
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Posted 3/21/2012 2:33 PM
H1LM002G55
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Date registered: Mar 2010
Location: S Florida / Geneva / Jeddah
Vehicle(s): 500 GE, G55, LM002, H1
Posts: 1796
1000
RE: Steering Wheel Restoration

Installed...



(IMG_1930.jpg)



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#201858 - in reply to #201497
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Posted 3/21/2012 4:43 PM
DUTCH
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Date registered: Apr 2006
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RE: Steering Wheel Restoration

H1LM002G55 - 3/21/2012 2:33 PM

Installed...


It looks brand new. Nice job!!
#201860 - in reply to #201858
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