DIY Steering Wheel Wrap (3rd Gen)

I posted some of this in the 3rd Gen threads.
I didn't see any threads on this mod, so I figured I share the write-up I put together.
@csuviper feel free to add to the DIY section.

About the cover:
Best one I found after years of searching, is from Loncky on

$56 Loncky Custom Steering Wheel Cover for Toyota Tacoma 2012-2023 / Tundra 2014-2021/ Toyota 4Runner 2010-2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024/ Sequoia 2014-2022 Accessories

Amazon.
The cover comes in a kit, complete with double-sided tape, needle and thread, and a trim tool.
I also used Weldwood Contact Cement (3 oz. bottle w/ brush lid), available at most any hardware.

Few points before getting started:

• Get beer.
• Get radio, Spotify on phone, etc.
• Put on your patience britches.
• Put truck in A/C garage, or wait until it's cooler.

Getting started:

1. Disconnect battery!!!
2. Disassemble steering wheel. I left the airbag plugged in and just set it up on top of the column. (Here is a great thread for painting the trim pieces, with pics of steering wheel disassembly)
3. Wipe down steering wheel several times with 70% alcohol. I used blue shop towels.
4. This video is what I used for reference. It's a good guide for getting started and demonstrates the stitching technique.

Here's a bit more of a play by play of what I did.

Positioning the cover:

1. As is demo'd in the vid, I positioned the cover and initially put the double sided tape all over, front and back.
   • I put the tape close to the center of the cover such that I left about 1/4 - 1/2" from the seam, which is what I glued as I stitched.
2. I removed the backing and first stuck the tape to the wheel at the 6 o'clock position.
3. I then removed the backing and stuck tape at the 12 o'clock position, then 9, 3.
4. I then removed the rest of the tape as I worked my way around.
5. I made sure the position was correct, removed the tape backing then set it. Applied the glue (waited a few mins), then stitched/pulled it together, and so on and so on.

For the contact cement:
The directions say to wait 15 mins - 2 hrs. I found that as long as the wheel is cleaned/ degreased really good (with the alcohol), 5 mins or less is fine. The 3 oz bottle comes with a brush attached to the lid (part of the reason I went with it).

• I brushed a little on the wheel and a little on the cover. Wait a few minutes until its tacky and then position it like you want it.
• I used the glue in 3-4" sections as I worked around. As noted, removed the tape, positioned, applied the glue, then ran the stitching.
• I left the corner/ end pieces unglued initially, where you'll start the thread (as you'll see in the vid).
  • Once you complete the stitching, you can go back and glue the ends/ edges and thread know down.

For the thread/stitching:
The kit I used comes with a shit-ton of thread. Just like the video, I doubled the thread. Each piece was about 3 feet for the lower sections. For the upper part, I used about a 5 foot length piece. I started at the bottom and worked my way around. I stitched it together in the following order.

1. In between the vertical arms (at the bottom of the wheel)
2. From the 5 o'clock, up and around the under-side of the right arm.
3. From the top of the right arm, back out to the steering wheel (at 3 o'clock), up and around and across the top of the left arm.
4. Back of the left arm, down to the 7 o'clock.

As noted, just add a little contact cement 3 -4" ahead of where you're about to stitch. Wait a few minutes, then pull together and touch the seams together. Don't over-tighten the thread to prevent the edges wrinkling (pay attention to the technique in the video). You want to pull it tight, but not to hard. Again, take your time.

Few Final Notes:
Make sure you get some contact cement on the back of the arms at 3 and 9, where they meet the wheel...It's the largest surface area of the wheel in between stitch points.

While apart, it's a good time to paint or wrap the vertical trim pieces.

Few pics of mine, all done and back together.

 

Can you do a 12 o’clock strip stitched in?

 

Looks great btw!

 

You mean like a race car steering wheel, with the usual red strip?
If so, I don't know. Seems like I saw a version somewhere like that. I just can't remember if it was the Loncky brand on Amazon. They do have several styles to choose from.

 

Looks great! Has me tempted to try it

 

Looks awesome. I have a similar kit from Meiwei that I’m waiting to install when it’s cooler. I was considering removing the wheel entirely to install. Sounds like you left it on and just worked your way around without turning the wheel (airbag still attached so you must not have turned it much).

Really great job man.

Is the carbon fiber a wrap? Can you give some details on that?

 

Man you are a saint for typing this up! This is probably my next project.

 

Nice write-up! I'm looking at one of these right now as well. Waiting to hear back from them ATM.

 

Do it! Just make sure you take your time.

Thanks bud! I did leave the wheel on. If you look at the link for painting the trim pieces, there's pics of the airbag on top of the steering column. That's exactly what I did. I did turn the wheel a bit when I was working on the undersides of the arms at 3 and 9, and the top from 10 - 2. I just turned the wheel until it locked, then turn key over to 'On', to release the steering lock and turn it the other way until it locks again.
The carbon fiber is 5D vinyl. I've used several brands and 3D, 4D, etc. Of what is available on the market right now for a clear/gloss carbon, IMO the 5D looks the best. The issue is that it doesn't lay as well when stretched as some of the higher quality brands like Oracal and 3M. So you have to be careful stretching it around the smaller corners and openings (like the volume switch) where you don't have a lot of material to wrap around to the back side.
IMO the Oracal and 3M vinyls lay, stick and stay the best. The 3M, 3D vinyl is a textured, matte finish. It does look good, but the zig-zag weave is apparent no matter the angle you look at it. With the 5D, as you move your viewing angle, the weave pattern seems to shift just like real carbon fiber, if you've ever seen it up close.
That was my thing...I want it to look good up close, not just far away.

You bet man! It's what we're all here for...connect, learn and share!

By ATM, can I assume that means the wife?
Their covers are less than $60. A new steering wheel is minimum, $250....
There are some of the options that say "Only 2 left"... Just tell her they're hard to come by and its a great deal, and you need to take advantage...

 

lol... At The Moment. I sent them a message asking if they could add a marker on one of their patterns.

 

awesome!

 

im going to add this to this awesome thread. 100% need to glue the tucked in edges.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=L0Qz1KMrcjU

 

The website link here shows any options you want to add... if you are attempting this in the future. you can do smooth leather, perforated, suede, any color of stitching, add markers or not, etc...

http://www.lonckyauto.com/loncky-bl...-2016-2017-2018-2019-toyota-sequoia-2014-2019

 

IMO just buy a platinum wheel or a tacoma wheel lol that would aggravate the hell out of me. Plus id probably be there for a week sewing

 

LOL totally understand. I have a Platinum wheel, and I am pretty sure it is not leather. Guess I love misery , bc I am going to attempt this in a few months.

 

God bless you. Lol i just got a used wheel on fleabay its still better then my sr5 eraser

 

If I screw up I am buying a leather tacoma steering wheel. Hope I don't have to though. LOL

 

It def looks easier with the wheel off. My neighors would call mental health on me if i attempted especially in the truck

 

I went to the stealership and almost passed out when they told me a wheel cost $700.00

 

. The good thing is the used Leather Tacoma wheels can be had on ebay for $200 or so.

 

Yeah i found a couple i just feel it wont go with my truck as far as looks, cause i purchased from @Roman all the limited leather dash pieces so i found a limited/platinum bare wheel for 180

 

The one's on Amazon are cheaper than the Loncky website...and I think they offer just as many (if not more) options.

 

Ok thanks!

 

@GAknight
On the loncky install, at the beginning were you able to fit the wheel wrap all away around the steering wheel?

I placed mine to align the seam and the wheel wrap doesn’t fit all away around the circumference of the wheel.

Just checking to see if that’s normal or it’s the wrong size before taking off the wheel.

Thanks

 

It’s normal. Took a lot of stretching to get it to fit. At one point I was scared I was going to rip the seams.

 

I remember it was tight fitting. Just make sure the cut-outs align (at the bottom of the vertical columns and at the 3 and 9 o'clock arms). If so, then I'd say you got the right size.

Get a little warm water and apply to the under side of the leather and it should help relax some of the fibers and make it easier for stretching. I would just get a small spray bottle or a small glass and dip your finger in it, then apply on the under side of the leather. Or...if you have steamer. Just go lightly with it...don't wet it too much.

 

Thanks, I let it sit on the dash in the sun for awhile and I was able to fit it on there.

Just wasn’t sure how much force to get it to stretch or if it’d rip.

 

Found this: https://toyotaonlineparts.mcgeorgetoyota.com/p/WHEEL-ASSEMBLY---STEERING/63087187/451000C420C0.html

I think this is the black leather for Tundras...anyone know for sure?

 

I'm about to give this a try. You mention to glue the tucked in edges.

Is this done after you stitch a section or have completed the whole thing?
Is it possible to glue the edges without dismantling the wheel?
Any recommendations on glue?