Wheelskins

[4/23/2006] Reviewed by: Tom L

Applicable to: '90 - '97 '99 + 1.6 liter 1.8 liter

High quality leather cover for steering wheel - single or two-toned color

The leather on my steering wheel had really been deteriorating - lots of gouges out of the leather, and when it was damp out, the leather became extremely tacky and could easily rub off. So, ordered a black Wheelskins, size AX - BIG IMPROVEMENT. Looks very good, high quality. Took my time stitching it, following the exact directions and making sure everything was aligned and stitched very tightly. Took a bit over an hour, but the results are well worth it. Only "issues" are that it's just bit loose on the back side of the spokes (facing the front of the car, not visible), and it covers the horn buttons by maybe 2 or 3 millimeters - functionally, not an issue. But, if your extremely anal like me, you'll notice it. But, I'll (we'll) get over it pretty quick. Good feel, too. Just a bit thicker. I used the stitching method detailed in the (very good) instructions. They tell you to make sure you pull it tight, saying "tight is right". They also recommend using gloves, band-aids or tape for your fingers, and believe me, after getting a quarter of the way around that string really starts to hurt. Reminded me of playing hockey as a kid, lacing up my skates. Ended up putting two or three layers of duct tape on my little, ring and middle finger of my right hand (I'm right handed). Took me just over an hour to do. Took my time, wanted to make sure it looked right... me being anal and all.

Highly recommended!

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


Wheelskins wheel cover

[7/16/2003] Reviewed by: Bill Dennis

Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.6 liter

Leather steering wheel cover, stitches over OEM wheel.

I like it.

My leather covered OEM wheel was getting discolored at the top from the sun - also was getting a nasty tacky feel I didn't like. I'm surprised, actually, at how pleased I am with this product. I don't usually like half-measures, but this thing actually looks pretty good and feels fine. I like the thicker grip on the wheel now. I didn't want to lose the airbag (guess I'm the only one) and the cost of an aftermarket wheel WITH airbag was prohibitive. I went with all black thinking it would call less attention to itself than a two-tone cover. I think I was right. Just follow-the directions and stitch it up TIGHT! Also, I think it looks better with the dummy stitches than without - you'll know what I mean when you see the directions.

Under 5 minutes to remove


Wheelskins Steering Wheel Cover

[3/1/2003] Reviewed by: Nikki Phillips - nikkihamrick@hotmail.com

Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.6 liter

Quality dyed leather steering wheel cover sized to fit the Miata.

I ordered the Wheelskins Leather Steering Wheel Cover from AfterthoughtsAuto.com after researching various sites for the best price. The cover was $29 ($10 BELOW suggested retail!) with $5 priority shipping. Let me tell you, this came FAST. I placed the order late Tues. and got it first thing Friday morning, from California to Mississippi. Afterthoughts Auto was cheaper than PBC and the same price as Moss, but I'm not positive that Wheelskins makes the cover that Moss sells. My 1993 Miata uses Size AX. The leather feels nice, which was important to me. The edge seams are glued, not stitched. I hope that holds up in the heat. This is real leather, dyed black, and it has quite a bit of elasticity. It's fairly soft without a deep grain, though not totally smooth. It has a kind of "chemical" smell right out of the box, which I assume is part of the dye and which I hope will dissipate.

The instructions are well-written with helpful illustrations. Like almost everyone else, installation took about an hour. Make sure to keep pulling the cover so the seam ends up where you want it. Once you start tightening down an area, it's too hard to move the seam over. I am very pleased with the feel of the leather, it's smooth but not too smooth. The seam tightens up very nicely and the thread included is strong. Take your time and pay attention to how the seam looks. I picked out a few stitches and re-did them, since once the thread is tied off, you can't go back. I double-stitched around the spokes in the steering wheel just for the extra security (right before and after the "dummy" stitches). I am very pleased with the quality of the leather. Read the other user reviews, they're a valuable source of tips.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


Back to Product Reviews 12 May, 2006