How Long Does a Custom Carbon Fiber Steering Wheel Take to Make? (Behind the Scenes)

How Long Does a Custom Carbon Fiber Steering Wheel Take to Make? (Behind the Scenes)

If you’ve ever ordered a custom carbon fiber steering wheel ,or you’re thinking about it , one of the first questions you’ll have is:

“How long does it actually take to make?”

At CARBONISE, every steering wheel is handcrafted from scratch. It’s not a mass-produced item sitting on a shelf , it’s a fully customised, made-to-order piece built exactly to your design.

Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the production process and why it typically takes 10–14 business days to complete your wheel.

1. Step One: Core Preparation (1–2 Days)

Every steering wheel begins with a factory OEM core.

Before any carbon work begins, our team:

  • Strips the original material

  • Inspects the core for shape and alignment

  • Prepares attachment points for future parts

  • Checks compatibility for your car model

This ensures the final product fits perfectly and works with your buttons, modules, and airbag.

2. Step Two: Hand-Laid Carbon Fiber (2–3 Days)

This is where your wheel starts coming to life.

Our craftsmen:

  • Lay carbon fiber sheets by hand

  • Shape the contours

  • Apply resin evenly for strength

  • Reinforce pressure points

Because every wheel design is different — forged carbon, gloss, matte, dual-layer, etc. — this part requires precision and patience.

3. Step Three: Moulding & Curing (2–4 Days)

Once the carbon is applied, the wheel goes into a curing process.

During curing:

  • Resin hardens and strengthens

  • The carbon fiber bonds permanently

  • The structure becomes rigid and durable

This stage cannot be rushed — fast curing leads to bubbles, cracks, or surface distortion. Quality takes time.

4. Step Four: Sanding, Polishing & Clear Coating (2–3 Days)

After curing, the wheel is shaped and polished to perfection.

The team:

  • Hand-sands the entire wheel

  • Smooths out texture

  • Adds multiple layers of UV-resistant clear coat

  • Polishes to a gloss or matte finish

This is what gives the wheel its clean, glossy, deep weave look.

5. Step Five: Leather, Alcantara & Stitching (1–2 Days)

Depending on your customisation options, we add:

  • Smooth leather

  • Perforated leather

  • Alcantara

  • Custom stitching colours

  • Custom top-center stripe

Every stitch is done by hand for durability and a premium feel.

6. Step Six: Fitment Checks & Quality Control (1–2 Days)

Before we ship your wheel, our team performs:

  • Fitment testing

  • Function checks

  • Edge + surface inspection

  • Alignment checks

  • Structural integrity tests

We only ship out wheels that meet strict performance and quality standards.

And before it leaves the workshop, you’ll receive a final photo to confirm everything looks perfect.

Total Production Time: 10–14 Business Days

Every wheel is handcrafted, customised, and quality-checked — which is why production takes around:

➡️ 10–14 business days (2 weeks)

More complex designs (full forged carbon, custom logos, special requests) may take a little longer.

Why Custom Wheels Take Time

Unlike mass-produced products, a custom carbon fiber steering wheel is a premium handcrafted build, involving:

  • Skilled labour

  • Specialist materials

  • Multiple curing and drying stages

  • Custom details unique to YOUR design

You’re not buying a factory part — you’re buying a piece of craftsmanship.

Ready to Start Your Build?

At CARBONISE, we work closely with every customer to design the perfect steering wheel.

👉 Shop now:
www.carbonise.co.nz

Or send us a photo of your current steering wheel , we’ll guide you through the best options.

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