Made a thing for my ride...

[garypl]

7 hours ago, YinTx said:

Thank you.  It was a bit tedious, you have to pull each stitch tight, hold it, stretch the leather, do the next stitch.  Took many hours.  Had to prototype the shapes for each spoke and to get the shape for the enlarged sections just above the left and right spokes.  Tried to use tape to get the shape, but that was a worthless exercise.  Expect the leather to stretch too much in some places, not enough in others.  Stitches occasionally pulled through the leather, had to take it all out and start again.  I think skiving and folding for a double top grain for strength may help, as well as possibly adding some rip stop under the fold for strength would be a way to go in the future.  Used soggy leather vs just wet, seemed to really help especially considering how long it took.  Not sure it was worth all the effort, pretty sure no one would pay me enough to do their car.  If I recall, it was 4 to 5 oz leather, could have used thinner but I worried the thinner leather would tear through too easily when pulling the leather and stitches tight.  Used 1.4mm Tiger thread, really thick stuff.

YinTx

You have more patience than me!  Nice job and I enjoy seeing the cool projects you make

[YinTx]

7 hours ago, Scoutmom103 said:

Maybe these videos from Cechaflo will help

How to Make a Basic Shift Boot - Car Upholstery for Beginners. - YouTube

Shift Knob in Leather - Auto Upholstery - YouTube

I had seen these before, gave me some ideas, but this shifter is a  bit different.  I didn't use any glue at all on the pieces I put on so far, hoping to not have to.  All the stitches are functional and not decorative.

2 hours ago, garypl said:

You have more patience than me!  Nice job and I enjoy seeing the cool projects you make

Thank you!

As an aside, I got to drive around with it finally.  The stitching really gives some tactile enjoyment I wasn't anticipating, and it is everywhere regardless of hand position.   I know where all the flaws are, and I can feel them as I drive, but interestingly instead of bothering me (I am a bit of a perfectionist), I really appreciate them.  The contrast of the smooth leather and the rough thread is interesting.  All the contours of the original wheel, with the finger bumps on the back, and the thicker grip sections above the spokes translate completely through the leather.  It was just really enjoyable, especially in contrast to the dry crumbly uncouth rubber from before!  Despite the struggle to get this thing together, I am really glad I did it!

YinTx

[DrmCa]

This is super cool!

I've been contemplating making the same kind of wrap for my vehicles for a long time but never had the courage to get on with it.

[YinTx]

On 10/23/2021 at 2:09 PM, DrmCa said:

This is super cool!

I've been contemplating making the same kind of wrap for my vehicles for a long time but never had the courage to get on with it.

Thank you.  It was a bit of an ordeal, but I've enjoyed it.  And it has rapidly acquired a golden tan hue from the South Texas sun.  It really doesn't match the interior of the car, but I'm not in the least bit concerned, lol.

YinTx