A flat bottom factory steering wheel

[05V70RGT]

Here is my attempt at a flat bottom 850 steering wheel that still is airbag friendly

[05V70RGT]

It will be leather covered

[05V70RGT]

Here is my first and only steering wheel recover.

[Swedespeed96]

Man that is cool!!

[IPD-PaulK]

Yooo, do you mind explaining a bit of your process? That is so cool!

[05V70RGT]

Cut out bottom section
replaced with 10mm steel rod
beveled all 4 ends
weld and grind smooth
polyurethane structural foam (has a similar density as factory foam) (two parts mixed)
once cured shaped with sanding

not an especially easy process and not inexpensive either.
cut grooves for the seams made by the second color leather piece on the "R" steering wheel.

normally, I'd purchase a replacement leather skin and do all of the stitching to put it on but because it's flat on the bottom, the overall length is different. An upholstery shop will make the template, cut and stitch the two leathers together and I'll stitch it on the wheel. So, we'll see how it looks. I'm not sure if I like it yet as the FLAT section may be a little too large.
if it looks weird or whatever when all done and installed, it doesn't really matter too much as there are literally millions of steering wheels in bone yards that are practically free. If you can weld steel successfully, you too should try your hand at fabrication. For me, my time is free but if I was to make one for someone else, it would be cost prohibitive.
the leather alone is $100-$150 plus the hours it takes for the installation. (Stitching)

[IPD-PaulK]

When you break it down step by step like that it makes any job feel possible. I'd love to get the space for some fabrication, but in the mean time I do love stitching. The leather seats on my V70 P80 have split in a couple of places so I think I'm going to tackle stitching those up myself. Do you have any tips on what thread to use? Thanks!

[05V70RGT]

They (thread makers) have specific threads for specific uses. JOANNE FABRICS as well as any larger chain store has a bunch of colors etc. The spool will have what it's good for on the label ie; UPHOLSTERY, ALL PURPOSE, DENIM, ETC...

[98V70R]

That looks good! Great job!

[IPD-Stefen]

I think you may be onto something here!

[05V70RGT]

Well, if people want to pay me to make one, I'll need to speak to my attorney about liability first.