little retrim project - M steering wheel

[NZ_M3]

So about a year ago I bought a pretty beat up M steering wheel for bugger all money - intending on taking it apart to understand how it is stitched together. The idea behind it was so I could retrim the Alcantara steering wheel myself whenever I need to (despite the fact that I actually have three of these) ...


I am pretty handy with a sewing machine and needle and I figured this wouldn't be too hard to learn and do.

I purchased the correct CSL Alcantara material (a full yard of it) about four years ago ... have only just decided now to give this a try


Taking it apart:


Understanding how it is stitched together:


Peeling it back ... half way there:



The CSL Alcantara material in the background:



"Face off" - Will be used for pattern making


"Naked steering wheel"



More to come when I find the correct M stitching colour thread and when I've had time to cut out the pattern and saw it together.


Leather separated into individual pieces, ready for steam ironing to soften leather and pattern tracing:

(you must iron the leather in between a top and bottom cotton layers - otherwise the leather will simply stick to the iron!!)

Before steam iroing:


After steam ironing, ready for pattern tracing:

[cantfind1]

Fuck me mate...that is dedication!!

[s.mac]

Bloody Hell +1 to the dedication

[Mark CSL]

Great Post Tom

We want more

[s.mac]

Have 4 of us already got some of that sheet of Alcantara in our cars ??

[NZ_M3]

Originally Posted by cantfind1

Fuck me mate...that is dedication!!

Originally Posted by s.mac

Bloody Hell +1 to the dedication

I call myself a fanatic ... my wife just thinks I am nuts

Wait till I post a photo of my spare parts room !!

Originally Posted by Mark CSL

Great Post Tom

We want more

Have cut out the pattern but I haven't had time to go and hunt down the threads yet .... will update when there's a bit more to show for Mark

Originally Posted by s.mac

Have 4 of us already got some of that sheet of Alcantara in our cars ??

Four of you do indeed Happy to provide more if needed!!


The technical side of retriming isn't actually that difficult. I was actually rather surprised when I took it apart - it was a single thread from start to finish ... quite simple really.