Classic Vintage Steering Wheel Restoration

Bring Back the Beauty of Your Classic Car Steering Wheel

If you drive a classic car, you know how special its steering wheel is. It’s more than just a way to turn — it’s part of your car’s history. But over time, cracks, fading, warping, or damage can make the wheel look worn out and take away from your car’s style. That’s where a classic car steering wheel restoration can make a huge difference. At Craft Customs, we restore steering wheels and dash trim panels to look like brand new — or even better.

What Is Classic Steering Wheel Restoration?

Restoring a classic steering wheel means taking an old, worn wheel and bringing it back to life. We remove damage, repair cracks, replace missing pieces, refinish wood, leather, vinyl, or other materials, and match original or custom styles. Sometimes the wheel is factory stock: woodgrain, wood & leather, or full leather. Other times, people want to upgrade it with new materials, modern stitch patterns, or custom trim.

Why Restoration Matters

1. Keeps Authenticity & Value
   Original details—like woodgrain finishes or leather stitch styles—matter a lot in classic cars. Restoring the steering wheel helps preserve that look, which can protect or even increase your car’s value.

2. Improves Comfort & Safety
   A cracked or splintered rim can hurt your hands, and a worn leather surface might not grip well. Restoration gives you a clean, smooth feel and safer control of your car.

3. Looks Amazing
   A restored wheel can transform the inside of your car. It can shift the whole vibe from “old and worn” to “fresh and elegant.” Make it shine at car shows or just make your daily drive more enjoyable.

What Craft Customs Offers

At Craft Customs, we’ve been working on restoring, repairing, customizing, and upholstering steering wheels and interior trim since 1991. Craft Customs Here’s what makes us stand out:

• All makes and models — Domestic, import, vintage, luxury: you name it. Craft Customs

• Variety of materials — Leather, woodgrain, classic plastics, leather, vinyl, carbon fiber, suede, exotic skins. Craft Customs

• Custom stitch patterns — You can choose from different stitching styles that complement your car. Stitch Patterns

• Dash & trim repair — It’s not just the wheel. Dash panels, interior trim, and accessories can be refinished or replaced too. Wood Dash Trim

The Restoration Process at Craft Customs

At Craft Customs, we specialize in classic car steering wheel restoration that brings timeless vehicles back to life. Whether you have an old car steering wheel, a muscle car steering wheel, or an antique wood steering wheel, our expert craftsmen can restore it to its original beauty. We offer classic car steering wheel refurbishment and full restoration services for all makes and models, from classic truck steering wheels to antique tractor steering wheels. Looking for something one-of-a-kind? We also create custom steering wheels for classic cars, allowing you to personalize your ride while maintaining period-correct style. From the warmth of a classic car wood steering wheel to the elegance of a vintage design, Craft Customs delivers precision, authenticity, and unmatched craftsmanship in every antique steering wheel restoration.

Here’s how the steering wheel restoration process works, step by step:

Materials & Styles

Classic car steering wheels come in many styles. Craft Customs works with them all. Some common ones are:

• Woodgrain & wood rim — Gives that classic, elegant look. Needs careful finishing and sealing.

• Leather wrapped rims — More common in late-’60s, ’70s, ’80s cars. Requires stitching or wrapping to restore.

• Classic Plastic Steering Wheels — ’70’s and before are carefully repaired or remolded as needed then refinished to factory new. 

• Vinyl or plastic parts — These fade, crack, or get brittle. Can be repaired, replaced, or refinished.

• Custom accents — Carbon fiber, exotic skins, paint-match finishing. For people who want something unique.

Tips for Choosing Restoration or Repair

When you’re looking into restoring your classic car’s steering wheel, here are some questions you should consider:

• How original do you want it? Do you want factory original look, or modifications?

• What condition is the wheel/dash in? Small cracks vs. missing parts vs. warped wheels need different levels of work.

• What materials & colors match your interior? Leather color, stitch thread color, wood tones or grain patterns.

• Budget & timeline — Restoring takes time, especially with wood and custom finishes. Plan accordingly.

Cost & Turnaround

Because of how much labor and material go into each restoration, the cost will vary:

• Size & complexity — Larger wheels or Classic Wheels with excessive damage or that need remolding  cost more.

• Level of damage — Cracks, missing pieces, deep wear: more repair = higher cost.

• Type of finish or custom work — Classic Plastic steering wheels, Exotic skins, custom stitch patterns, carbon fiber, etc., add to cost.

Turnaround time depends on how busy the shop is and how much work is needed. But at Craft Customs, once your parts arrive, you’ll get a timeline in your quote. Craft Customs

Why Craft Customs

Here are some reasons to pick Craft Customs for your steering wheel and dash restoration:

• Experience — We’ve been in business since 1991, handling countless vintage, foreign, domestic, luxury, and rare car models. Craft Customs

• Guaranteed satisfaction — They assure you’ll love what you get. Craft Customs

• Gallery of real work — Before/after photos for many years and many car makes/models so you can see proof. Photos

• Texas-based, USA shop — Located in Rockwall, Texas. If you’re close, shipping is easier; if far, you still get quality and good communication.

How to Maintain a Restored Wheel

Once your steering wheel and dash trims are restored, you’ll want to keep them looking great:

• Regular cleaning — Use leather cleaner conditioner like Meguiar’s; for wood or classic plastic steering wheels, use mild soap solution. or hand buffing like you would the outside of your car finishes. Only once or twice a year.

• Avoid harsh weather — Direct sun, heat, or moisture can fade, crack, or warp your steering wheel.

• Protect from UV — A sunshade when parked helps. Use UV protectant sprays for leather or vinyl.

• Check hardware — Make sure screws, horn rings, and fasteners stay tight. Vibrations can loosen them over time.

Conclusion

A classic car steering wheel is more than just a part—it’s a statement. Restoring it can return pride in your ride, protect value, and make driving more enjoyable. Craft Customs offers skilled craftsmanship, wide material options, custom styles, and a process that makes restoring easy and satisfying.

If you’re ready, start by browsing their gallery to see the quality of past work. Then request a quote — attach photos of your steering wheel or dash parts, tell what materials or styles you prefer, and send them in. You’ll get a beautifully restored steering wheel that respects your car’s history and reflects your personal style.