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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: richard5933 on April 18, 2019, 02:55:25 PM

Title: Steering wheel cover
Post by: richard5933 on April 18, 2019, 02:55:25 PM: Decided to tackle the look of the steering wheel today. It was tolerable last year, but it seems like the extreme cold this winter didn't do the plastic steering wheel any favors. You can see the cracking getting bad in the 'in-progress' photo as I'm sewing on the leather cover.

I was unsure what I'd use to cover such a big steering wheel, and then I found http://wheelskins.aapd.net/t/wheelskinsspecialorder where it was possible to order a custom made steering wheel cover to fit perfectly.

I was a little concerned at first since I couldn't get them on the phone and they didn't respond to email, but I finally decided to just follow the directions on their site for measuring and order the thing. Order was placed on Monday for a custom cover, and it arrived today. That's quick, especially for a custom order.

Not sure my install was perfect, but the end result is so much nicer to look at than the cracked wheel.
Title: Re: Steering wheel cover
Post by: lostagain on April 18, 2019, 07:10:35 PM: Nice. Leather is always nice to hold on to.

The cracks can be filled with epoxy putty, sanded smooth, then the whole wheel painted. I have done it a few years ago and it came out pretty good.

JC
Title: Re: Steering wheel cover
Post by: richard5933 on April 19, 2019, 02:35:48 AM: Quote from: lostagain on April 18, 2019, 07:10:35 PM
Nice. Leather is always nice to hold on to.

The cracks can be filled with epoxy putty, sanded smooth, then the whole wheel painted. I have done it a few years ago and it came out pretty good.

JC

Thanks JC.

I did that with a '68 Cutlass years ago. It looked good for a while, but the wide temperature swings around here summer-to-winter it ended up cracking again. Also showed scratches pretty easily.

I like the feel of the leather too, so for now this is the solution.
Title: Re: Steering wheel cover
Post by: chessie4905 on April 19, 2019, 03:47:42 AM: When the time comes, you can get a VIP wheel.
Title: Re: Steering wheel cover
Post by: daddysgirl on April 19, 2019, 08:11:50 AM: That looks great..
I don't think I could handle a wheel that big again...old bus had a round ball built into the wheel for turning. But I am spoiled now.
Thanks for the link.
Title: Re: Steering wheel cover
Post by: chessie4905 on April 19, 2019, 09:28:16 AM: He has the larger(22" ) inch I think. I changed mine to the 20 inch from my parts coach.
Title: Re: Steering wheel cover
Post by: richard5933 on April 19, 2019, 09:32:49 AM: Quote from: chessie4905 on April 19, 2019, 09:28:16 AM
He has the larger(22" ) inch I think. I changed mine to the 20 inch from my parts coach.

Correct - 22"

Other than being difficult to get into the driver's seat, the wheel works for me at this size.
Title: Re: Steering wheel cover
Post by: chessie4905 on April 19, 2019, 03:06:37 PM: Maybe I can find you a 24" . :P
Title: Re: Steering wheel cover
Post by: buswarrior on April 19, 2019, 04:21:31 PM: Always preferred a larger wheel.

Wish the new coaches had a bit bigger diameter.

Small wheel doesn't feel "right" the way a larger one does.

Maybe doomed by my history?

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior
Title: Re: Steering wheel cover
Post by: chessie4905 on April 19, 2019, 04:54:59 PM: I'll try to find you a 26 incher ::)
Title: Re: Steering wheel cover
Post by: buswarrior on April 19, 2019, 05:05:18 PM: Chessie, you have a heart of gold!

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior