Leather steering wheel

[Shaky]

Spoke with my agent for the first time today (he had emailed previously)

I cancelled the rear seat covers (for some reason the fronts were not showing) and changed the steel wheels to the 17” alloys.

I also asked for the saddle leather wheel, however this may be a sticking point as they are in short supply apparently. He had said he will try and add it on but we have agreed that if it is going to delay the vehicle then I won’t be having it.

A shame but but it’s my fault as I have known I wanted it for the last two months at least but only go round to sorting it just.

Apparently mine is being built in Jan and he reckons I should get it at the end of Feb (I have a feb-march delivery date).

He says a showroom vehicle will be there before Xmas although it might not be able to be driven and first deliveries for customers just after Xmas.

 

[BD1]

After seeing the saddle leather in Car Expert review and pics, I am more intrigued by the saddle leather option. I wasn't sure if the brown saddle worked with the grey interior. But it looks very good in this picture. It adds character and breaks up the all grey interior. Hopefully I can see in person before making a final decision.

 

[bemax]

After seeing the saddle leather in Car Expert review and pics, I am more intrigued by the saddle leather option. I wasn't sure if the brown saddle worked with the grey interior. But it looks very good in this picture. It adds character and breaks up the all grey interior. Hopefully I can see in person before making a final decision.

View attachment 7802628

It is indeed very nice! Maybe I should have ticked that box...

 

[Shaky]

The more I see it the happier I am that I went back and made the change. It hasn’t made a difference to my delivery date as the agent thought it might do..

I intend to have the sand colour seat covers in a canvas material and they have some leather bits that a very similar so it should all match in very nicely.

Very much a safari look I think

 

[muxmax]

The more I see it the happier I am that I went back and made the change. It hasn’t made a difference to my delivery date as the agent thought it might do..

I intend to have the sand colour seat covers in a canvas material and they have some leather bits that a very similar so it should all match in very nicely.

Very much a safari look I think

@Shaky: Your seat covers sound interesting and, as I fall for everything made from canvas and leather (like Filson and Croots bags), do you have a source for me?

 

[Earthwatcher]

It is indeed very nice! Maybe I should have ticked that box...

My thinking too so rang the agent. "Too late bud, it's in production," he said. First I knew of it, still no sign of a contract but I'm not bothered. I want to see the whites of its headlamps before parting with all that dosh. They're definitely making these cars so somewhere there must be a big pound with last minute parts (but not steering wheels which seemed to have become an endangered species) and checks going on, not to mention the changed alarm system. If the replacement ain't as good do we get some money back? Silly question, I know.

 

[Shopkeep]

After seeing the saddle leather in Car Expert review and pics, I am more intrigued by the saddle leather option. I wasn't sure if the brown saddle worked with the grey interior. But it looks very good in this picture. It adds character and breaks up the all grey interior. Hopefully I can see in person before making a final decision.

View attachment 7802628

It will get darker and darker over time (much darker than the photo) and develop an amazing patina. Only issue I see is the passenger grab handle is less used so will look very different (more reddish) after a year or two than the steering wheel and hand brake.

 

[Shaky]

@Shaky: Your seat covers sound interesting and, as I fall for everything made from canvas and leather (like Filson and Croots bags), do you have a source for me?

Of course buddy.

Melville and Moon

They have already supplied covers for the IG in South Africa. They do have a UK supplier not sure about Germany though

 

[Shaky]

It will get darker and darker over time (much darker than the photo) and develop an amazing patina. Only issue I see is the passenger grab handle is less used so will look very different (more reddish) after a year or two than the steering wheel and hand brake.

That will be easily blended in with some leather oil/wax I hope, as you do have a very valid point there Shopkeep

 

[stickshifter]

@Shaky: Your seat covers sound interesting and, as I fall for everything made from canvas and leather (like Filson and Croots bags), do you have a source for me?

Just as another option, the Carhartt Precision Seat Covers are all canvas, and of good quality. Probably not as popular outside of North America, but maybe worth a look:

https://www.covercraft.com/us/en/product/carhartt-precisionfit-seat-covers.CGT-GTCA?owned=d2c_seatprotection_landingpage_sitelink&utm_source=CARHARTT&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=carhartt

 

[Shopkeep]

That will be easily blended in with some leather oil/wax I hope, as you do have a very valid point there Shopkeep

Just need to give the grab handle a couple of strokes each time you go for a drive!

 

[Tazzieman]

It will get darker and darker over time (much darker than the photo) and develop an amazing patina. Only issue I see is the passenger grab handle is less used so will look very different (more reddish) after a year or two than the steering wheel and hand brake.

I'll just let my wife drive now and again.
My turn to grab the jesus bar , with my often grubby paws.
Not saying my wife can't drive, but she does invoke the lord's son on occasions.

 

[SALTYVOODOO]

The saddle steering wheel is a hallmark of The Grenadier. I’m getting one, it is a very cool feature.

Totally agree, I was a bit unsure due to the cost but on delivery it remains one of my favourite features of the vehicle. Looks superb and as the leather ages I feel it will only enhance and remind me of adventures had.

 

[Shaky]

I’ll bump this thread.

Has anyone actually treated their saddle leather wheel yet. I noticed mine is probably due to a feed of some kind and am wondering what others have used and what they think of the results.

I have a few options I already own but looking for feedback first.

 

[Tazzieman]

I’ll bump this thread.

Has anyone actually treated their saddle leather wheel yet. I noticed mine is probably due to a feed of some kind and am wondering what others have used and what they think of the results.

Dubbin natural wax. It was good enough for Dobbin back in the day.

 

[Max]

I’ll bump this thread.

Has anyone actually treated their saddle leather wheel yet. I noticed mine is probably due to a feed of some kind and am wondering what others have used and what they think of the results.

I have a few options I already own but looking for feedback first.

I will be using Hydrophane which is a conditioner, renovator and waterproofing oil made in the UK. I have tried all sorts and use different products for different applications. Hydrophane has very little residue and repels sweat and you can clean the surface with cold water. For saddles, whips and boots I use a R M Williams saddle dressing and finish with a dubbin for its waterproofing quality...Hydrophane is not cheap but neither are saddle leather steering wheels

 

[grenadierboy]

Dubbin natural wax. It was good enough for Dobbin back in the day.

Dubbin is sort of OK to waterproof leather but there are much better products these days.

Anyway the leather steering wheel is not subject to rain and the need for extensive waterproofing but rather to clean it from dirty hands and maybe condition and protect from UV light.

I think the best are automotive products that clean & protect leather seats

 

[Tazzieman]

Dubbin is sort of OK to waterproof leather but there are much better products these days.

Anyway the leather steering wheel is not subject to rain and the need for extensive waterproofing but rather to clean it from dirty hands and maybe condition and protect from UV light.

I think the best are automotive products that clean & protect leather seats

Use what cowboys use.

 

[Shopkeep]

Use what cowboys use.

Horses?

 

[Shopkeep]

I’ll bump this thread.

Has anyone actually treated their saddle leather wheel yet. I noticed mine is probably due to a feed of some kind and am wondering what others have used and what they think of the results.

I have a few options I already own but looking for feedback first.

I have been using this, came with my Frank Clegg briefcase (which is a heavy belting leather) and it works a treat on that. I also give it a clean now and then with a generic spray & wipe.