Steering wheel badly worn. What to do?

I love my Landy Freelander but what is it with the pathetic quality of their steering wheels? I've seen the same issue on Disco's and Defenders too so it seems to be a generic LandRover issue. Unless you have a leather one they seem to wear really badly so that after 50,000 or 60,000 miles they look like you've driven 500,000 miles.
Has anyone successfully resprayed theirs or fitted a cover they would recommend? I know I could buy a leather one off fleabay but I'm a miserable sod and don't like parting with cash.

Can we have a pic?

Hippo said:

Can we have a pic?

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Don't have one handy but it all the shiny stuff is worn off so the sponge is exposed. Like I said I have seen the same issue on several cars with similar mileage.

Is this the type with black plastic/rubber stuff instead of leather? Don't think you can do much with them.

Yes. I considered replacing with a leather one then thought I'd ask here if anyone had refurbed them.
It makes an otherwise fresh looking car look like it has been round the clock.

I have a 2002 TD4, ES with the grey leather steering wheel. After a while the colour on the wheel fades due to wear from handling. I just re-colour it with a leather dye when this happens and it comes up as good as new and lasts around 12 months or so. I use Gliptone leather dye which comes in the LR colours and the job takes around an hour from start to finish. Google "Gliptone" for more info and cost.

Irishrover said:

I have a 2002 TD4, ES with the grey leather steering wheel. After a while the colour on the wheel fades due to wear from handling. I just re-colour it with a leather dye when this happens and it comes up as good as new and lasts around 12 months or so. I use Gliptone leather dye which comes in the LR colours and the job takes around an hour from start to finish. Google "Gliptone" for more info and cost.

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LOL, Nice one Irish. I just ordered a bottle of leather dye off ebay last night before seeing this, wasn't sure it would do the job but thought it was worth a try.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/181725162341?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2648&var=480676624051&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
Will report back with the results when I've tried it.

Alibro said:

LOL, Nice one Irish. I just ordered a bottle of leather dye off ebay last night before seeing this, wasn't sure it would do the job but thought it was worth a try.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/181725162341?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2648&var=480676624051&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
Will report back with the results when I've tried it.

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I'm sure you will be happy with the results. Follow the instructions and wait for each coat to dry before applying the next.
*TIP*
Clean the area(s) to be dyed with Methylated Spirit, to remove the oil residue from previous skin contact-use a clean rag soaked with the Meth's for this job. When the stuff has evaporated, you can then start the process. Mask off the areas around the wheel to prevent smudges.
Dab the dye on with the sponge thinly and leave to dry before building up the cover.
Good Luck

Thanks bud. Will give it a try when the stuff arrives.

Can't you purchase a pink fluffy steering wheel cover,

freelance said:

Can't you purchase a pink fluffy steering wheel cover,

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You know I fitted one last week but but the missus wouldn't let me keep it.
Said it made the car look girly!!!!
Can you believe that?

Used the stuff I linked to and the wheel is looking way betterer. It took half the day to do mind as the first 4 or 5 coats soaked into the sponge but it gradually built up and now it may not look new but it's almost as good, the texture is not as original but no more grey sponge.
Only thing is I got a bit heavy handed on the last couple of coats and there as a few lumps where it dripped a bit but nothing too bad. It was a bit tacky for a day or two but now is fine.
Defo worth doing to pick up a tired looking steering wheel.

Some pics