pic of Wheelskins black/europerf

[starlightmica]

Just installed a Wheelskins Europerf, in the 14 1/2 X 3 7/8 size that's recommended on their web site. Much nicer feel than the stock plastic Sport(/GS/Mazda3i/etc) wheel, although the stiches holding the pieces together are a bit raised as the cover is still new.

Threading wheel around the spokes is a little tricky - I recommend trying to get as many threads around the spoke. I was able to get a good seal with the 3 o'clock spoke, not with the 9 o'clock spoke, and broke the needle sticking it in sideways to tighten the threads. The 6 o'clock spoke is just too wide and will have some glue or double stick tape to keep it from flapping around. It helps that the thread comes with a thin layer of glue over it.

Wheelskins does offer threads in different colors, and wil send a free replacement needle and thread if you mess up. If I get the Razo RA68A knob (pictured) I'll have to get red to match.

 

[2cam16]

Not bad looking. How's the feel and comfort ?

 

[starlightmica]

Thanks! The circumference of the wheel is now quite thick, can just get my fingers all the way around. The leather has much better tack and better temperature properties than the slippery stock plastic wheel, which when chilly was just unpleasant to try to hang onto.

The upper seams are annoying as I usually put my hands just above the spokes, though the cover is supposed to mold/conform/flatten with time. I wanted to get the perforations in hopes of not getting the cover too slippery in the summertime but for the perfs Wheelskins requires you get a 4-seam instead of a cheaper 1-seam cover.

 

[spitpilot]

Wheelskins Are Great!

Thanks! The circumference of the wheel is now quite thick, can just get my fingers all the way around. The leather has much better tack and better temperature properties than the slippery stock plastic wheel, which when chilly was just unpleasant to try to hang onto.

The upper seams are annoying as I usually put my hands just above the spokes, though the cover is supposed to mold/conform/flatten with time. I wanted to get the perforations in hopes of not getting the cover too slippery in the summertime but for the perfs Wheelskins requires you get a 4-seam instead of a cheaper 1-seam cover.

I've used these products on my cars since the early '80's with excellent results they have great feel and last for years and years still lookin great. What size "skin" works on the Mazda 5 wheel? I'm lookin to buy a 5 and will slap one of these on shortly thereafter!(outie)

 

[starlightmica]

Get a Touring or GT, and you won't have to worry as leather is standard. For us cheapskates, 14 1/2 X 3 7/8.

Some poster on another forum recommended getting a 2nd thread and doing a baseball-type cross-stitch which the way the Razo knob is done.