Discolored Leather Steering wheel

[atcdoug]

My Boxter Red steering wheel and shifter were slightly soiled and I tried to clean them with leather cleaner. The dye came off and they now appear as though they're faded. Is there any suggestions on how I can restore them to normal? Anyplace I can get a matching dye? Thank you!

Doug

[Fens911]

I appreciate your dilemma.  I put in an aluminum Shift knob and hand brake in my old 1991 964 C2 and the boot on the Shift knob did not exactly match the Lobster red interior.  I was using Foreign Exchange for service and other maintenance that I couldn't do.  The owner of the place recommended dying the boot to match and while I was at it, dying all of the leather interior to improve all the age fade.  You can see the results at my site on the owners page under G. Cable.  You can get the dye and try it yourself, but it can be tricky.  You have to remove all the oil and other contamination by applying a leather cleaner and degreaser and prep solution.  Then you apply the dye but you must make sure the application is even and do not rub it in as it wil burnish the leather and leave darker spots where you rub.  After seeing how the dye dries, you have to evaluate whether or not you need a second coat.  Watch it here because it will only get darker and there are few if any ways to lighten it back up.  After it all dries then you have to come back with a sealer and conditioner.  The website for Foreign Exchange is at www.foreignx.com/main.htm,  You might go there and send them an e-mail and ask what their source for the dye is.  Good luck with your steering wheel job and if it all goes wrong or you just want to take a short cut you can try a "wheel skin" from Pelican's site as long as you don't mind a thicker grip on the steering wheel.

[[e-mail]]

Appreciate the advice. Does the wheel skin from Pelican Parts match the boxter red? Pelican Parts told me it was more of a burgandy.

Doug

[Fens911]

No the colored one probably will not match.  I dyed the one I put on the 964 at the same I did the shift boot.  As an alternative you could go with a black one which would leave you with a two colored steering wheel, I guess.  Its all a matter of personal taste. If it were me, I would pursue the dyeing route first especially when you consider that the steering wheel is the thing that you see and handle the most.