PICS >>> New to me MTechII Steering Wheel.
 

I picked up the steering wheel from Npavs - my original wheel, although functional, was pretty beat up. the leather was literally barely holding on.

I've had this wheel before on my E30 and just love the feel of it. Just like I did with my previous mtech wheel, I took it all apart and freshened it up. Stripped the oils with rubbing alcohol, then used some sandpaper to smoothen any scrapes (yes, you can sand leather very carefully!) then applied a coat of paint. Learned this trick from an old friend that does leather work for dealers. I'm really happy with the results! Special thanks to Jess - I guess I did everything right without having the airbag deploy! lol

Anyhow here's the pics...

My original wheel with the leather removed - so skinny!
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h4...p/IMG_3754.jpg

Taking the M-Tech II apart
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h4...p/IMG_3755.jpg

You can see the leather was shiny and had a few blemishes
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h4...p/IMG_3758.jpg

All done..
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h4...p/IMG_3762.jpg

Different angle.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h4...p/IMG_3768.jpg

Dang, that's sexy! How much did it cost you?

picked up the wheel for $200

You made it look better than new!

Very clean look. Turned out great!

I like it a lot Dave!! Did you take care of the light? or who cares?

Want to do three more Tech II or post a quick how to? Thinking 1000 grit paper or better? Mine are shiny as well.

Lookin pretty spiffy there David, keep up the good work!

Thanks for the compliments..

Lazoh - Right now I'm not to concerned about the airbag light, I need to figure out the horn first! lol.
Sanding the leather with 1000 grit is about right. you may have to go 600 depending on the damage... make sure you clean it with rubbing alcohol. There's really not much to it. You can use leather dye, but it looks a little purplish and I don't like that look at all. Go with the spray instead.

Hey Jess, we need to hook up soon. I've been meaning to drive over to check out your swap!

Very sexy, that is a mod I would love to do. You really did make it look amazing too.

Might look for an early E36 EU non airbag slip ring for horn issues.

wow, that looks great, most people probably wouldn't have even bothered going through that much trouble

Dude that looks so good I thought it was a completely different style of wheel. Props man.

wow david. that looks really good. i wasnt a fan of the m-tech II wheel but i think its growing on me. BUT my all time favorite is the triangular wheel. believe its the m-tech one. good work.

thanks. :biggrin:

I'm getting so good at this maybe I should start a side-business.

or it would be great project for a tech day meet!!

Tech I wheels are nice but too BIG. In the smaller hard to find 370mm version they are great. But 385mm is just a smidgen to big.

I'm not sure what this one is. My E30 wheel was the 370mm wheel. Feels the same to me.

Most Tech II's are 370mm unless you happen across an E34 Wheel which is 385mm.

On a Tech I there is not notch in between the spokes and the wheel where the small emblem is found.

yeah dave. that'd be a great idea. next time we all meet up show me how you did it so i can fix mine up a bit.
you said 600 grit, 1000 grit, and spray paint? what type? matt? or glossy?

depends on how bad it's scratched or how deep the grooves. 1000grit makes it pretty smooth. Clean with alcohol (let dry). Then apply several coats of SEM Classic Coat - 5 minutes apart.

here's a pic.
http://www.tcpglobal.com/images/semclassic.jpg

Here's a website that sells it. I found it at my local automotive paint dealer.

http://www.tcpglobal.com/autobodydepot/sealcoat.aspx

wow that looks amazing! :eek: