JDM AE86 steering wheel install (pics inside)

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GotToyota?
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My tercel:: 1986 Tercel Wagon DLX
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JDM AE86 steering wheel install (pics inside)

Post by GotToyota? »

If you haven't kept up with my profile thread, I ordered a JDM AE86 steering wheel this week from a Corolla club I post on. I received it today. The wheel itself is awesome! However, the leather was leaving a lot to be desired.

I personally don't like leather and the black didn't match my grey interior. I remembered from my first car, an '89 Supra, that under (most) Toyota leather steering wheels is a beautiful rubber. I slowly cut the stitching around the entire wheel with a pocket knife, being careful not to go too deep so I didn't cut the wheel underneath. There is a layer of leather, then padding then adhesive.

Once you remove the leather and padding there will most likely be leftover adhesive in the inner rim of the wheel. I used a combination of elbow grease, Purple Power and Goof Off to get it all off. After that I throughly cleaned the rubber and went at the metal with a polishing wad. The results are spectacular. The wheel is also a direct plug and play, 100% factory function.

Wheel before
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AE86 wheel with leather still on
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Leather removed and wheel cleaned up
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Installed
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marlinh
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Re: JDM AE86 steering wheel install (pics inside)

Post by marlinh »

That looks awesome!
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Petros
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Re: JDM AE86 steering wheel install (pics inside)

Post by Petros »

that leather looks to be in good shape, you removed it?!?!?!. I love the feel of leather in my hands, good in all conditions hot, cold, always feels good. You can use leather dye on it if the top fades, and it should be cared for with leather dressing to keep it from cracking.

I love that style of wheel, I have something similar from a 1988 Corolla GTS, but it has a slightly bigger center pad. my leather is all good, and I plan to keep it that way. I really do not care for that wheel they put on the USDM Tercel, even canada got a better looking steering wheel than us. And I hate the feel of plastic steering wheels in my hands, espcially when really cold, or when sweltering hot.

looks like this, sorry about the size of the pic;

Image
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dlb
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Re: JDM AE86 steering wheel install (pics inside)

Post by dlb »

i don't usually get stoked on steering wheels but that one actually does look really good. i prefer it without the leather too. i don't think the leather would suit the rest of your interior but the textured rubber totally does. nice work.
GotToyota?
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Re: JDM AE86 steering wheel install (pics inside)

Post by GotToyota? »

Petros wrote:that leather looks to be in good shape, you removed it?!?!?!. I love the feel of leather in my hands, good in all conditions hot, cold, always feels good. You can use leather dye on it if the top fades, and it should be cared for with leather dressing to keep it from cracking.

I love that style of wheel, I have something similar from a 1988 Corolla GTS, but it has a slightly bigger center pad. my leather is all good, and I plan to keep it that way. I really do not care for that wheel they put on the USDM Tercel, even canada got a better looking steering wheel than us. And I hate the feel of plastic steering wheels in my hands, espcially when really cold, or when sweltering hot.

looks like this, sorry about the size of the pic;
The leather was maybe 6 or a 5/10. It had worn spots, stitching starting to come off on the inside spoke and many dents in it.
4doorVIP
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Re: JDM AE86 steering wheel install (pics inside)

Post by 4doorVIP »

pretty cool
here is the factory wheel from my 87 - similar 3 spoke design
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Mark
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Re: JDM AE86 steering wheel install (pics inside)

Post by Mark »

Speaking of the American factory Tercel steering wheels, is there anything inside that big box? -Or is the steering wheel recessed lower on the steering column?
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Re: JDM AE86 steering wheel install (pics inside)

Post by GotToyota? »

That's nothing inside, it just serves as a horn button.
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CathodeRayTube
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Re: JDM AE86 steering wheel install (pics inside)

Post by CathodeRayTube »

I like the factory wheel with the box better...im more interested in why/how your car has a taller center console with room for a radio AND a double wide dash pocket? was this a feature on some or is it something you did? and the bellows-type shifter boot directly on the center hump without any plastic trim around it...?
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Jamminfargo
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Re: JDM AE86 steering wheel install (pics inside)

Post by Jamminfargo »

Great job and super informative post. e
Excellent & inexpensive mod. Love it!!! will have to keep an eye out for one of those wheels :)
Unfortunately Fargo is the worst place for salvage yards Ive ever lived. 2 "junkyards" that love to be called auto dismantlers and almost retail prices for the simplest things.
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Re: JDM AE86 steering wheel install (pics inside)

Post by irowiki »

CathodeRayTube wrote:I like the factory wheel with the box better...im more interested in why/how your car has a taller center console with room for a radio AND a double wide dash pocket? was this a feature on some or is it something you did? and the bellows-type shifter boot directly on the center hump without any plastic trim around it...?
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CathodeRayTube
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Re: JDM AE86 steering wheel install (pics inside)

Post by CathodeRayTube »

hell almost makes me want a 2wd now also... I just put a double wide stereo in my 4wd automatic, and a CB radio into the ash tray compartment that i never use cause i dont smoke...but i have almost no storage...and still no cup holders like everybody else..
86 T4 DX 4x4 - Diesel Swap project
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ARCHINSTL
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Re: JDM AE86 steering wheel install (pics inside)

Post by ARCHINSTL »

CathodeRayTube wrote:and still no cup holders like everybody else..
Not all of us...https://tercel4wd.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=1518
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