Opinion - Vinyl / Foam Covered Steering Wheel

[Zavala]

Does anyone have an opinion on using this type of "foam covered" steering wheel?

https://www.surplusunlimited.com/Mercha ... e=2200-120

I know a lot of people put wheel covers on right away, but wondered if anyone had experience with this approach?

Thanks,
Kevin

[Tom Root]

Kevin, your call, but personally I like the fact that after a few years, I can just slip the old cover off and install a brand new one. The elements will take it's toll, then you'll end up just replacing that $40.00+ wheel, or resorting to covering it with a Car steering wheel cover for less than 4 bucks!

[kmclemore]

Yeah, my experience is that that foam turns to rubbish in a few years, with sun and your hand's oils and (god forbid) any chemicals that hit it.

Keep the standard wheel and cover it with a nice elk-hide or other leather cover.. stays cool, looks great, and you can simply replace it when it gets htatty.

[Zavala]

Thanks. That helps a lot. I wondered how the foam would hold up over time myself -- sound slike not very well.

I need to purchase a wheel either way, so I think I'll go with the standard metal one and plan for a new cover every couple of seasons.

[Captain Steve]

I got about 2 years out of the foam covering before the sun degraded it. Got tired of having black hands all the time. Cut it off and now back to SS again. I am covering it by wrapping 1/4 inch nylon around it. A buddy is supposed to help me....said to get 163 feet of line, sounds like a lot. Will let the list know.

[kmclemore]

If you're really handy and want to spend a *lot* of time fiddling... try making a nice rope covering out of good quality thin line... hey, you can practice those handy lashing skills (along with some new and creative language skills a well).

[Tripp Gal]

yes, it's very nautical to do the cordage around the wheel, but in all honesty, I have had the best experiences with hide. I have a hide on there now that is over 5 years old.

You can either get the kit at places like Fisheries Supply or at West Marine, or do it yourself. If you insist on doing it from scratch, you will need to buy a special type of leather called utility split, or sometimes called apron split. Utility split leathers are chrome tanned rather than vegetable and are much better for sitting out in the elements.

[kmclemore]

Yes, I agree, Trip Gal. Elk hide is really the best IMHO... I had it on a C&C 36 that we used to race many years ago and I loved that wheel. Been trying to find a good Elk kit to fit the Mac wheels - do you know of one?