Apologies for the x-post, but although my post in the "interiors" section has over 250 views after being there quite a while, no one has posted some thoughts.

So maybe someone in the X300 forum has a thought:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/i...-wheel-118692/


The steering wheel leather has shrunk or slid down just a small amount at the 10 and 2 locations on the wheel. I know I can just work it back up with some effort, but wondered if I should perhaps soften the leather a bit with water, or?

Any suggestions on the best way to get the gap closed and reglued is much appreciated.

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Water's probably not the answer. I would expect it to harden up after it dries. Maybe with leather conditioner?

 

Hi Al,

For some reason I think I recall seeing something on television about leatherworkers in an automobile factory upholstery department steaming the leather before fitting it to curved parts and stitching it in place. Don't take my word for it, but it might be worth doing a little online research. Actually, now I'm curious so I just googled it and found this link near the top of the list:

http://www.steamblade.com/who-we-are/

Note the statement near the bottom of the list: "Leather industry professionals use the power to steam to soften, stretch and mold leather goods."

Steaming may leave the leather a bit "open grained" after it evaporates. The best leather conditioner I know of is Rejuvinator from Leatherique. Not the cheapest, but several applications of it restored the cardboard-hard leather in our '88 and made it soft and pliable again. It can also be used before redying your steering wheel if necessary. Gliptone is the other one I hear recommended. There may also be a forum sponsor who offers an excellent leather conditioner.

Cheers,

Don

 

Count me among the Gliptone fans..

 

Thanks all, I do have a garment steamer, so maybe that's an approach.

I'll check it out.

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Al,

If you have a scrap piece of leather on which to test the steamer (maybe an old purse or thin-leather shoe?), it might be prudent to practice before working on your good steering wheel.... (this is my "voice of experience" speaking!)

Let us know how it goes.

Cheers,

Don

 

Steaming will destroy the finish on the wood.

 

BTW, instead of anything drastic, I just went ahead and started "working" the leather upward toward the gap while I was driving. It was tough to knead and stretch the leather back up, but the gap is now nearly closed.

Once it is 100% and seems stable, I'll probably put a little hide glue or similar behind it to help hold it in place.

No water or steam was needed, just effort and patience.... and a few hundred miles


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