Any advice on how to restore the color and finish to the leather steering wheel?

The color has mostly worn in the 9 to 12 quarter, and Id like to know how to smooth down and refinish. And what materials you recommend and from here.

Thanks!

 

Just the same procedure as for seats with leather dye.
You can buy small repair sets in the correct color, I bought mine in the UK.

If the damage is limited, you can do it on the spot, without removing the wheel.
Just be very sure you de-grease everything very well though, it gets nasty over time.
Then tape off the wooden parts, and start carefully dabbing the new layers, allowing them to dry in between.

Finish it off with a sealer if the dye is water based, or you are good if oil based.

Alternatively, you can easily remove the steering wheel, allowing for easier access if more work is needed.

Procedure of removing the wheel is here on the forum, and internet provides a wealth of info on re-dying leathers.

 

 

And I don't know what your interior color is, but if you find a source for the "antelope" color leather repair stuff, please post back. I've been looking for a long time. They all say send in a sample and they'll match it, but its just the steering wheel that's antelope. There's nowhere I can cut a sample from like a scrap of leather from underneath the seat.

 

@Phil - drop these guys a line, they supply the Jaguar Factory....
https://www.liquidleather.com/-c57/-...ch-up-kit-p213

 

Thanks, but according to their website, they don't ship to the USA. Also I tried ordering the scuffmaster product from the UK a year ago and they responded that they didn't actually have the antelope color and wound up refunding my money.

 

Maybe I can help.
I'm the Canadian distributor of Leatherique products. I also own a '99 VDPSC, and have several parts cars.
From the Jag-Lovers forum, it says that 308's that came with Oatmeal leather AGD had Antelope piping and trim.
I looked in my private bone yard, and found one - see pic.
If that looks like your colour, I should be able to make a small dye kit for you. It would be about $40 delivered.
Good luck,

Rob Laughton

 

That would be awesome! Actually, it doesn't look like it, but its not reliable to compare colors from a computer screen to the real thing. If your parts car has the same trim code, then its probably right tho.

 

I also highly reccomend Leatherique products. Their dye is top notch and durable.
Their cleaner and conditioner products will bring leather back to life and add years to the seats,
No affiliation, just a very satisfied customer.
Home Page | Leatherique Restoration Products

 

Thank you Phil D. My trim code is SDZ on a 2001 XJ8. The dark color you show in your pic looks like what I have on the top of my dash, the wheel and the top of four doors above the wood panels. Is that Antelope? I had heard it referred to as sable or mink. But I am not sure.

 

Leatherique products are great. No complaints on them.

I restore MGs, Triumphs and Rovers as a hobby and drive an '03 XJ8. I use products from a company in PA called Color Plus. https://colorplus.com/

I was introduced to them by my local auto museum and have been using their products for many years. They are a small, family-owned business that believes in real customer service and will work with you on any project you have. They custom mix colors to match whatever you have and their Soffener conditioner is amazing. I use it on the interiors of my XJ8 and BMW 750iL and it makes the leather like new.

Another option is to take the steering wheel off and send it out to have a company redo it with wood inserts in the wear locations. I have used a company in Texas called Craft Customs Custom Steering Wheels | Wood Steering Wheel | Repair | Restoration and had the steering wheel on my BMW redone in black wood, black leather with red french stitching and a matching shift lever. It never fails to get compliments and their work is top notch. (and priced accordingly. LOL)

Good luck and let us know what you end up doing.

 

This might come in handy (not sure on the source and its credibility though):

 

I like to restore cars and components,however if I can find a good used part sometimes its more cost effective,steve