Steering wheel

[FFighter_21]

I wasn't sure where ta put this, so I stuck it here. If the mods know a better place, please move it to it's correct location. My leather wrapped steering wheel ripped.
The leather is about like the skin inside yer mouth. VERY THIN. I don't know why it ripped, as it is in a location where I do not hardly if ever touch the wheel. I was driving and felt something and looked down and there it was. It ripped at about 1 'oclock on the wheel, right on the front.
Now here is the kicker....a replacement wheel, costs $525.00!!!
I tried to get it replaced under warranty, but was told that after the 1st year, 12,000 miles, it is considered a wear problem and will not be covered.
OK, Now, any suggestions on what to do? It is the middle of Cuisin' season, I can't show the car looking like this! HELP!!!!
Now before everybody says try EBay, Race and Steet etc., been there, done that. It is an 06' Route 66 Edition. I thought about after market wheels, but how do you adapt them to the column so they look like they belong there? What about teh air bag, and how do you kill the warning light if you eliminate the air bag?
Hope someone can help. TIA!

[CREWZIN]

There's plenty of steering wheel covers, some of them with color patches to match your interior. Here's just one of them, a search in Google should provide plenty of options.

Wheelskins Single Color Steering Wheel Cover

[FFighter_21]

Thanks Crewzin'.

[soonercruiser]

I saw a fellow cruiser club member yesterday who had his seats and steering whell recovered in leather by alocal shop to color coordinate with the car...$1,200 total!

I'd find someone local to recover the leather on the steering wheel!

[FFighter_21]

I live in a small town in Pa. There are no upolsterers around, at least within an hour and a half in any direction.

[FFighter_21]

Do they still make those knobs that they used ta put on the steering wheels to turn it one handed? It would look old skool, and the strap would cover the tear and keep it from running. That would work if I could find one I like the looks of. Anybody know on that?

[Hooligan]

Originally Posted by FFighter_21

Do they still make those knobs that they used ta put on the steering wheels to turn it one handed? It would look old skool, and the strap would cover the tear and keep it from running. That would work if I could find one I like the looks of. Anybody know on that?

Suicide Knob???Not sure they are legal anymore.

[FFighter_21]

Yeah, that's it. Yeah they are, but so is window tint in my little anus of the world, BUT I still tinted my windows. I'm such a Rebel!

[Hooligan]

I haven't seen those knobs, maybe Google them. Try here:Steering Wheel Spinner Knob

20 years Volunteer Fireman, Asst. Chief when I retired.

[FFighter_21]

Thanks for the tip. I'll try "Google" and at the link provided.
I was a paid FF for 12 years, Volunteer for 23, as well as an EMT/P.
I injured my back in a floor collapse. That's me (in the attachment) in the white hat, about 8 months after the collapse. I tried for another year, but between the pain and missing the interior duty, I soon took a disability retirement. I didn't care for the officer's duty.

Keep the faith and be safe in the service....So we all come home....