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Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: Ceefeesh on 25 May 2020, 17:08

Title: Steering wheel re-trim
Post by: Ceefeesh on 25 May 2020, 17:08
Hi everyone

I am sure there may be previous threads re this but I have looked and can’t find any. I plan to have my 7.5 GTI steering wheel professionally recovered in perforated leather and alcantara, but I am undecided about a 12 o clock marker. It has paddle shifters. I have a company in mind and I am ok with the cost and wheel removal for shipping.  Before I do this  can anyone recommend a company they have used and if so I would appreciate pictures. I know there will be a wealth of knowledge within the forum and stupid not to ask those who have it. I have looked at the covers available on Ali Express but have decided not to go this way. Thanks.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Steering wheel re-trim
Post by: Watts on 25 May 2020, 17:31
The 12 o'clock marker is the one thing I dislike about my interior. It's pointless in normal driving and I find it distracting.
Title: Re: Steering wheel re-trim
Post by: Ceefeesh on 25 May 2020, 17:40
Thanks. I know it’s personal taste but I was unsure because I thought it might become irritating and might be better without it.
Title: Re: Steering wheel re-trim
Post by: RM on 25 May 2020, 17:46
It’s a style thing only for road use. You tend to know which way your wheel and car are pointed without one - if you don’t, the kerb or oncoming car will tell you.

Therefore if you like the look go for it. You could always go for something subtle if you’re not sure, grey (assuming the wheel will be black) for example.
Title: Re: Steering wheel re-trim
Post by: Ceefeesh on 25 May 2020, 17:47
I agree subtle is the way to go👍
Title: Re: Steering wheel re-trim
Post by: boardlord on 25 May 2020, 17:52
The steering wheel on my Ford Racing Puma was Alcantara, looked good for about 6 months/9000 miles then just became a pain, it was blue though so showed all the dirt.

I worked for Ford at the time and had it re-trimmed for free, thinking back it certainly wouldnt be my first chioce of material.....

Maybe the material is better made nowadays and it lasts longer?
Title: Re: Steering wheel re-trim
Post by: Rob_benton on 25 May 2020, 17:57
I’ve heard loads of good reviews on forums from Royal steering wheels.
If I was to get a steering wheel retrim I wouldn’t use anyone else.

http://royalsteeringwheels.com/
Title: Re: Steering wheel re-trim
Post by: Ceefeesh on 25 May 2020, 18:06
Thanks for the recommendation. Unsure whether alcantara for sides or top and bottom with perforated leather. I was wondering about durability but as I have low annual mileage it might not be too relevant.
Title: Re: Steering wheel re-trim
Post by: barrym381 on 25 May 2020, 18:28
Optimus In Glasgow is really good at stuff like this and is a vw man so has probably done a few already
Title: Re: Steering wheel re-trim
Post by: Ceefeesh on 25 May 2020, 18:36
Thank you. I see they have the wheel from a Golf R on their Facebook. Looks good👍
Title: Re: Steering wheel re-trim
Post by: Watts on 25 May 2020, 18:37
Apart from the red marker I think the TCR wheel is great with the perforated leather sections and smooth leather elsewhere. I'd be concerned about the looks of alcantara long term in such a high wear area.

(https://i.postimg.cc/vT3f5FjJ/20200507-120545.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/n99Xt5n2)
Title: Re: Steering wheel re-trim
Post by: Ceefeesh on 25 May 2020, 18:45
Thank you that’s helpful. The perforated leather looks good, reminiscent of a 2016 Audi A3 S line Sportback I had  and I liked the feel of it. Perforated might be sufficient to distinguish it from most GTI wheels. I think I saw a mk 8 GTI photo with perforated leather on the wheel.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Steering wheel re-trim
Post by: barrym381 on 25 May 2020, 18:49
Thank you. I see they have the wheel from a Golf R on their Facebook. Looks good👍

I’ve had stuff done and have seen loads of his work  :smiley:
Title: Re: Steering wheel re-trim
Post by: N14ll on 25 May 2020, 19:26
This is something on my “to do” list & this company look to do some nice work (carbon, alcantara, leather..it’s all there. Plenty of pics available on their Instagram a/c
https://controlcustoms.com/?gclid=CjwKCAjw2a32BRBXEiwAUcugiDO-UVdf1ThqzZNuEflqjT9nZkkyONJLhBRP9-HJKDE7z1vjQCkfCBoC2EMQAvD_BwE
Title: Re: Steering wheel re-trim
Post by: Ceefeesh on 25 May 2020, 19:47
Thanks. That’s who I have been talking to but was having a final look around. I now have three to look at and I have a price for comparison. 🤔
Title: Re: Steering wheel re-trim
Post by: Exonian on 25 May 2020, 22:34
Perforated leather for the areas held the most is definitely the nicest tactile feel in my experience.
I found the alcantara steering wheel in my Ed40 stayed clean, but it’s an easy material to keep looking it’s best so long as it’s decent quality stuff that doesn’t wear in patches.
Perforated leather to the sides of the ‘wheel with alcantara sections top and bottom would be a nice contrast and fairly grippy.
I personally like the 12 o’clock marker. I appreciate it’s a bit OTT for many but I think it sets the ‘wheel off. Maybe a grey marker instead of red might be a bit more subtle.
Title: Re: Steering wheel re-trim
Post by: 2007GTI on 26 May 2020, 11:05
Chris Harris had a good rant about alcantara and how awful it is to live with, as it soaks up sweat and dirt etc, it might look nice, but it should not be used as an everyday steering wheel material according to him.
Title: Re: Steering wheel re-trim
Post by: Robo999 on 26 May 2020, 11:17
I have an alcantara steering wheel and i find it to be perfectly fine. It just needs a little more attention than your average leather wheel for cleaning and you just need to keep in mind what it is, so no dirty hands, no hand cream, no cheese doritos  :laugh: i find it adds a nice element to the car. Something a little special. If you read reviews on clubsports they say that is one of the best pieces, ive done 27k in my car and the wheel looks brand new. Its not like im constantly cleaning it either and i dont have the cleanest of jobs. Id say go for the alcantara and just look up how to look after it. Theres a great video on youtube.

Https://youtu.be/KVAFuUGydgI
Title: Re: Steering wheel re-trim
Post by: rajb on 28 May 2020, 08:03
I can vouch for Jack@Royal as I've used him for a number of wheels in the past.

I have the BMW Performance wheel on my 3er and that is Alcantara. I'd agree it is nice but not for a daily. My 3er doesn't see that much road time hence it still look good.

I'd definitely consider Exonian's suggestion of perforated leather on the sides and Alcantara on the top/bottom. Could be a really nice contrast and the Alcantara isn't then in high wear areas.