Wednesday, April 23, 2008 - 12:37 pm, by: George Lu(Lux)
Ok....... my steering has a little bit of wear on it. I am starting to research on my options. I know that we can just re-trim it for under $200 AUD. But I have seen others with wood grain!!! How did they get wood grain on their factory steering wheel? Believe me, I am talking about a original OEM looking steering wheel with real wood grain and it has a factory soarer (sc400) air bag on it."nothing fake"
Can anyone tell me where I can do that for my steering wheel, how much it will cost and how long does it take?
Thursday, April 24, 2008 - 02:53 am, by: Mike Triggs(Mikeandimah)
I've seen a Lexus (LS400) wheel on EBay in the past (UK) which had woodgrain. Can't say if it was "genuine" woodgrain, that is, made from wood like our Soarers' trims are.
Thursday, April 24, 2008 - 12:00 pm, by: George Lu(Lux)
Ok. It’s been confirmed with our uncle Neil that there is no such thing as OEM wood grain steering wheel for soarer. Unless your want to sell a kidney and get it made from Japan. However, I believe that ES300 < 2000 models comes with factory wood grain steering wheels and can be fitted on soarers, and also the airbag on es300 will work with our single stage setup. Can someone please confirm this. Thank you very much.
Don Bagnall Moderator New Zealand I have WAY less Soarers than Hayden :-(
Thursday, April 24, 2008 - 05:57 pm, by: Don Bagnall(Baggs)
By: Michael Howatt
You can replace your current steering wheel with any 1992-2001 Lexus steering wheel and any pre-2001 Lexus air bag. The advantage of this mod is that newer Lexus steering wheels come in three-spoke designs and wood-grain inserts. Finding the wheel is easy enough, but matching airbags are harder to come by and much pricier.
Note that all 2001+ air bags are dual-stage deployment, which will not work with the SC's single stage system. The exception to the rule is the 2001 RX air bag, which is still a single-stage. Since the wiring harnesses are different on newer air bags, some basic wire splicing is required. Also note that four-spoke wheels between different models of Lexus do vary in size so fitting, for example, an LS400 four-spoke air bag on an ES300 four-spoke wheel will not match up perfectly, or at all. The same goes for three-spoke wheels and air bags. Also note that the gray leather on newer steering wheels looks a lot like the brownish leather on tan interior SCs, but they are not the same color! It's hard to notice by itself, but apparent once installed.
Another steering wheel option is the TRD three-spoke wheel for the Supra, however this is a non air bag model. This is a direct bolt on also, however they only come in black leather with black or colored inserts. No tan or gray is offered.
Monday, April 28, 2008 - 03:46 pm, by: Gregg Holden(Xzotic)
I can provide these - Exactly like the picture. In fact I have one installed on my car right now....
I wasn't going to offer them as I thought there would be no market for them as they are too expensive to produce.
However if you are not shy in providing a donar wheel and around $695 plus GST and delivery then I can have them made in any leather colour and in a selection of woodgrain (Including woodgrain that matches our dashkits and 3d molded wood). Note this is for the core outer wheel. You will need to have your own colour coded centre horn pad.
I have completely coordinated my interior with 3d wood overlay on top of the factory wood inserts, matching 2d overlays in the centre console and matching steering wheel with black leather and "L" centre pad from a wheel from the US...
Yes I know you want to see pictures, I'll see what I can do...It's still not complete as I'm getting other pieces 3d molded in black carbon but maybe I can post some WIP pics if anyone is interested....(stupid question?)
Also - I do have spare steering wheels. So I can make up your wheel and take an additional holding deposit. When you swap in your new wheel and send your old one back to me I can release your holding deposit.
These are not for those short of cash. Don't bother asking for a cheaper price, the answer will likely offend. Again I simply weren't going to offer them as they are a bit rich however it does provide the best wood/leather quality finish while keeping the factory wheel shape.
Friday, October 30, 2009 - 01:16 pm, by: George Lu(Lux)
Gregg, the wheel is so sexy.. I just can't stop looking at it every time i drive my car... Great product mate.. Sorry still no pictures yet but will take one when ex-girl friend returns my camera.