leather steering wheel repair

[Pandora]

I recently purchased this to use on the clubmans racer:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/OLD-MORGAN-CL ... true&rt=nc

It's a lovely, possible home made, wheel, and I dodn't want to do too much to it, as the leather is pretty good.

BUT, I don't want the split stitching at the bottom to deteriorate, and the leather is quite taught in this area. I'm worried that trying to pull it closed may split / rip the leather. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to soften / loosen the cover sufficiently to pull the seam closed? Steam?

Also, if anyone has a (cheap)mini alloy boss, let me know, as I think I'll need to adapt one to fit the wheel to the column. Mounting holes are on a 4" PCD, and the inner hole is 2.25" dia,

Al

[chichestermini]

Len Chandler's name springs to mind with regards to steering wheel restoration! Hope that's a help...

len.chandler@btinternet.com

Thom

[mk1]

Len would do a brilliant job, but if all you want is advice on softening the leather then Neatsfoot oil is what you want to use. It was recommended by a leather worker I know who is a proper genius.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neatsfoot_oil

M

[Pandora]

excellent. I'll saddle up and head down the jodpur shop at the weekend!

Al