I bought my Accord, with a cover on it.
I didn't think anything of it, until i drove my dads 97 accord. I notice his didnt have a cover on is. And i like the feel of the leather steering wheel, and the way it spins in my hand when i take a turn.

ANYWAYS!, I decide to take the cover off, and i notice on the top of the steering wheel, it looks like it was burnt, or it melted!

Any ideas, on how to deal with this?

Im thinking of takeing it to honda, and asking them to replace it.

-Jordan

Just so I understand, when you took the cover off you found a leather wheel? I'm guessing no because the 02 SE didn't come with leather. You could put a $30 Wheelskins leather cover on it. Here's mine:


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Cajun:

I suppose if I wanted a wheel cover, I would ultra-cheap out and hit the 'Zone (AutoZone). Appears you have AM/FM-single CD with Cassette player. BTW, I just LOVE that manual HVAC control set (since I have the same)...a very simple, clean, functional system...which HMC should have installed in Gen Seven/Eight/Nine, etc. :D

I suppose if I wanted a wheel cover, I would ultra-cheap out and hit the 'Zone (AutoZone). Appears you have AM/FM-single CD with Cassette player. BTW, I just LOVE that manual HVAC control set (since I have the same)...a very simple, clean, functional system...which HMC should have installed in Gen Seven/Eight/Nine, etc. :D

I'm about as cheap as you can be, but even I'll shell out $30 for a leather cover that looks nearly OEM. I always thought the 6th wheel wasn't thick enough, so this was a nice upgrade. Yes, unlike the 7th SE's, the the 6thGen SE's got the single CD player. Agree with you on the HVAC - simple/clean layout.

Our Sienna has a similar layout, so it's easy to move back and forth between the two. My wife started griping about the ergonomics of the rental GMC Acadia we had last week. I have to agree - layout seemed all wrong.

Cajun:

I have found few other companies that pay so much attention to driver "ergonomics" than Honda. For the most part, HMC puts a lot of imagination, time, and effort into designing instrumentation, HVAC/audio controls, and every other needed/desired function. GM and others, they throw all the parts on the inside and hope it works. If you don't like their results, TOUGH Noogies, Baby! :D

In my trusty '86, my right hand instantly and naturally falls from the steering wheel to the shifter without any thought involved. It's easier than breathing. I could drive the car in my sleep. Ditto for my '02. Everything is logical, simple, clean, and functional.

Recently saw a late-model Beemer (or was it a Benz? I forget. :dunno:). The UGLY, flat dashboard had essentially NOTHING other than "El-Cheapo" ROCKER switches that looked like they came out of the 99-cent bin at Radio Shack. Else a DIY Heathkit. And sensible people actually PAY $80+ Grand for stuff like this? :dunno: :scratch:

I also have a Wheelskins leather cover like the one in Cajun's picture. Mine has been in use for over 5 years and is starting to show a slight bit of wear (charater?). They do take a little time to install in order to make them look nice, but I would recommend it for your problem.

Cajun, Wardner
I swapped my CD/stereo for a 2002 Accord single DIN unit so I could have another storage compartment under the stereo. I recently added an Ipod adaptor to the unused CD changer port on the back. Works great. Its amazing the amount of music those things can hold.

Nehonda:

I strongly agree with you. :yes:

Run a cable off of the unused port to an Ipod (or whatever device) and you've got a Billion tunes, at your fingertips. :)

My "LX" has only factory AM-FM/single-CD player. Deck is built by Clarion, speakers by Pioneer. That's all I need/desire.

(Hmmmm... Wonders if I can rig up a cable...running to an .mp3 converter...connected to an 8-Gig Flashdrive? :scratch:)

The little storage compartment below is quite handy, being where I keep my insurance cards and vehicle registration. Along with driver's license, they are the first items requested by "John Law" if/when he pulls you over for a Q&A session. :D

(Hmmmm... Wonders if I can rig up a cable...running to an .mp3 converter...connected to an 8-Gig Flashdrive? :scratch:)

Do you mean to your deck? If you happen to have an RCA INPUT(S) on the back of your deck you can buy one of these (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_05760032000P?vName=Computers%20&%20Electronics&cName=Televisions&sName=Accessories&psid=NEXTAG01&sid=IDx20070921x00003j) and it will work.

Sodaks2k:

Thanks for the link! :)

Never had my deck out for inspection, so I dunno. :dunno:

If so interested, perhaps I'll consult with colleague Cajun. He's the resident "Double E" in the house! :D

Never had my deck out for inspection, so I dunno. :dunno:

The model of your deck should be on the front of the face. Just do a search on the deck and you should be able to find out if it has inputs. It used to be only higher end models had RCA inputs.

Yes, i took the cover off, and the wheel was leather.

Yes, i took the cover off, and the wheel was leather.

I would cut it off and install a new leather cover.

Sodaks2k:

My deck is the OEM (Clarion) unit. With my car being built in November 2001, I somewhat doubt the deck is equipped with an RCA port.

Sodaks2k:

My deck is the OEM (Clarion) unit. With my car being built in November 2001, I somewhat doubt the deck is equipped with an RCA port.

I misread your post and thought you had an aftermarket clarion deck vs the OEM clarion deck. :D

Sodaks2k:

Aside from recent tranny cooler system mods, my car is bone stock. My Gen Seven alloys and the Honda Accessory items I installed don't count as modifications. They are considered "upgrades" and "enhancements." :D

I have an EX, so apparently no AUX-IN. Instead I use a cassette adapter for (audio in) from my GPS/MP3 unit. I made a isolation (w/ transformer) switch box, that is Velcroed to my dash. This makes it so I can connect my cell phone for hands free (mic is up by the dome light, and the Sun visor), or play the GPS/MP3 sound...

I think that generations wheel didnt take well to the sun. My brother in law's 99 is the same as you described.

To All:

IMCO, Honda uses a very POOR grade of leather, for all of their interior appointments. As pointed out, cars that endure the weather (parked outside) deteriorate/fail much faster. Given leather's propensity to premature depreciation, I'll stick with a synthetic (plastic) covered unit. Some 23 years later, the steering wheel in my trusty '86 remains perfect. And when it (eventually) fails, I have a salvage-yard spare...which I picked up for a mere $10.00. :)

I used a slip-on type. They only seem to last 6 months or so...

You can see my switch box upper right. The GPS/MP3 players audio connection are not ideal from a dangly wire POV, but it gets the job done.