Hate plastic steering wheel
01-25-07, 05:01 PM
#16
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I have a 98 Lexus GS 300. I'm thinking of upgrading to a 2007 GS 350.
One of the main concerns I have is something I haven't heard mentioned before in forums.
My 98 has a leather steering wheel, which is quite comfortable to hold while driving. High end new Mercedes and BMWs also have all leather steering wheels, but Lexus has chosen for all but their ISs to use plastic with wood underneath because they think it looks more expensive I guess.
Whenever I get a loaner RX or ES from the dealer, driving with a plastic wheel is something that I've always felt uncomforable. So here are my questions?
1. Is new GS steering wheel somehow more comfortable that than the RX or ES?
2. Are others bugged by this, and, if so, did you just learn to live with it, eventually got used or learned to like it, or did you do something to fix it?
3. Has anyone tried the aftermarket covers that turn the rim into all leather? I really don't car mod in general, but I might be willing in this case.
Thanks
One of the main concerns I have is something I haven't heard mentioned before in forums.
My 98 has a leather steering wheel, which is quite comfortable to hold while driving. High end new Mercedes and BMWs also have all leather steering wheels, but Lexus has chosen for all but their ISs to use plastic with wood underneath because they think it looks more expensive I guess.
Whenever I get a loaner RX or ES from the dealer, driving with a plastic wheel is something that I've always felt uncomforable. So here are my questions?
1. Is new GS steering wheel somehow more comfortable that than the RX or ES?
2. Are others bugged by this, and, if so, did you just learn to live with it, eventually got used or learned to like it, or did you do something to fix it?
3. Has anyone tried the aftermarket covers that turn the rim into all leather? I really don't car mod in general, but I might be willing in this case.
Thanks
I installed dual-tone (tan/dark grey) on my 98 GS400. Better steering grip.
01-25-07, 05:02 PM
#17
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01-25-07, 05:04 PM
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01-25-07, 05:07 PM
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pardo, it doesn't look to be as thick as the one I have....
is it a thicker feel?
I care equally that I have a thick wheel and an all leather one. The one I have is perfect for what I want, unless I can have something a little nicer to the eyes. Let me know what you think of what you have.
Can you please post a pic like I did above so I can compare?
Thank you.
is it a thicker feel?
I care equally that I have a thick wheel and an all leather one. The one I have is perfect for what I want, unless I can have something a little nicer to the eyes. Let me know what you think of what you have.
Can you please post a pic like I did above so I can compare?
Thank you.
01-25-07, 11:23 PM
#20
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pardo, it doesn't look to be as thick as the one I have....
is it a thicker feel?
I care equally that I have a thick wheel and an all leather one. The one I have is perfect for what I want, unless I can have something a little nicer to the eyes. Let me know what you think of what you have.
Can you please post a pic like I did above so I can compare?
Thank you.
is it a thicker feel?
I care equally that I have a thick wheel and an all leather one. The one I have is perfect for what I want, unless I can have something a little nicer to the eyes. Let me know what you think of what you have.
Can you please post a pic like I did above so I can compare?
Thank you.
But you can get a sample for free thru wheelskins website.. they ship quickly.
I dont have my wheelskins pics... maybe this weekend i will take some, i am going to install new speakers
01-26-07, 07:05 AM
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01-26-07, 10:45 AM
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I actually have one of those leather covers. It's not a cheap one from WalMart, but it is along the same look. I do love the feel of it though so I really don't care what people say about the look. I am the only one who ever drives my car. It is much thicker and a much better feel; much much thicker.
It my 71K car, I can do with it what I want.
It my 71K car, I can do with it what I want.
For the record, I'm not worried about the wheel slipping. It's just that I find the natural give of leather much more comfortable on my hands than a hard piece of plasticy feeling wood. And I always drive with my hands in about the 10 and 2 positons.
01-26-07, 10:49 AM
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I think I remember purchasing it from Target. I checked around and found I liked their selection.
Walmart has them but they look "cheaper" in my mind.
Checker Auto Parts has some as well.
And Pardo, ya, if you can post some pics, thanks!
Walmart has them but they look "cheaper" in my mind.
Checker Auto Parts has some as well.
And Pardo, ya, if you can post some pics, thanks!
Last edited by Jace7; 01-26-07 at 11:08 AM.
01-26-07, 03:15 PM
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I had a 99 GS300 and loved the leather steering wheel. I now have the GS350 and wish it would have a leather instead of the wood. With that said it works just fine, but man is that sucker cold here in Minnesota in the morning. BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!
01-26-07, 04:45 PM
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I just can imagine!!! The 5 series BMW has a heated steering wheel as part of their cold package. If I lived where you live or in Wisconsin, I would have to get a car with heated seats, heated steering wheel, heated glass, heated floors, heated doors, heated everything...BRRRRRRRRRR!!
01-26-07, 08:47 PM
#26
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Here you go.
I think the flashlight actually altered the color a little..
Under sunlight, the charcoal perforated wheelskin matches closer to the stock wheel color (gray).
I think the flashlight actually altered the color a little..
Under sunlight, the charcoal perforated wheelskin matches closer to the stock wheel color (gray).
01-27-07, 12:32 PM
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so did you thread it the sides together yourself or is that the way it comes?
I ordered the samples.
ALthough it looks better it looks thinner than mine, which is what I prefer, a thicker wheel.
We'll see.
Thanks though. I appreciate the picture.
What is the "down" on the left and the "down" on the right of the wheel do?
I ordered the samples.
ALthough it looks better
it looks thinner than mine, which is what I prefer, a thicker wheel.We'll see.
Thanks though. I appreciate the picture.
What is the "down" on the left and the "down" on the right of the wheel do?
01-27-07, 02:57 PM
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so did you thread it the sides together yourself or is that the way it comes?
I ordered the samples.
ALthough it looks better it looks thinner than mine, which is what I prefer, a thicker wheel.
We'll see.
Thanks though. I appreciate the picture.
What is the "down" on the left and the "down" on the right of the wheel do?
I ordered the samples.
ALthough it looks better
it looks thinner than mine, which is what I prefer, a thicker wheel.We'll see.
Thanks though. I appreciate the picture.
What is the "down" on the left and the "down" on the right of the wheel do?
I prolly re-do the threading soon, i have enough threads left... maybe I will ask wife to do it Down button / Up button (manmatic shifting, its a toy
)
01-27-07, 04:06 PM
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the threading yourself, gave me an idea. I don't know if I can try it on mine, but I might just try.... (but with color threads.. ) pink or red/blue... my preference.
so the "up" shift is on the other side of the wheel? for the index fingers?
the "down" is for the thumb.... ?
my preference.so the "up" shift is on the other side of the wheel? for the index fingers?
the "down" is for the thumb.... ?