WJG2

The tan leather interior in my '77 targa is deep-down grungy, although there is only one small tear in the driver's seat along a seam. What is the best way to clean/protect leather, and to fix that tear? Thanks.

Walt

Their are several manufactuers of high quality leather cleaning and restoration products, I used Leatherique and was very satisfied. A tear is the seam would proably best be repaired with a needle and thread, you might want to take the seat out and take it to an upholsterer. Clean and condtion the seat first to get the leather soft and it will be easier to work with.

horst

I am curious. I also have tan, and it is in nearly perfect shape, BUT- on the seams of the gear shift there are small areas where the finish seems to have worn through. The leather & stitching is fine- what is the solution? If the tiny leather areas are darker than the tan is there some sort of re-dyeing that takes care of it?

Don Plumley

Suggest you call the experts at Car Care Specialities. Lexol is a well-regarded product, I use the cleaner and conditioner. (no affiliation, just satisifed customer of both)

Depending on the condition of your seats, there are products that can be used to restore suppleness to leather, etc. German leather is treated with heavy metals (or something like that) in the tanning process which implies different restoration products.

Good luck,

Don

horst

thank you Don I will contact Car Care. I am a user of both the lexol cleaner & conditioner, so Know it well. The concern that I have is that the actual color is worn off the **** in a few small places- lexol won't fix that. Mabey car care has some suggestions.

richard glickel

horst,

there are leather dyes that you can purchase, but here's what I'd try. Meltonian makes a good quality shoe (soft) polish in every color that you can imagine. I purchase their products at a local shoe repair shop. See if yoy can find the color that matches your shift **** (or maybe one shade darker). Dab a very small amount on a rag and work it into the entire ****. Rub it into the leather and then buff it more than once (you don't want a tan palm after driving down the street). You can repeat the process until you've acheived the desired result.

richard

gavin11

I have also used Lexol's cleaner and conditioner. The cleaner works very well and the conditioner really makes the leather supple.

richard glickel.

WJG2,

If your tan seats are really dirty, I'd try the following generic products. Get yourself a tin of saddle soap. Using either a new sponge or very soft bristle brush and warm water, work the soap into the leather (do in sections, seat, seat back, etc.). Using a clean sponge or cloth, dipped in cool water, wipe off the lather, then dry with a clean cotton towel. Make sure you get everything dried off because you don't want to soak the seam stitching. The saddle soap not only cleans, but also helps soften the leather.

Another inexpensive product that will help soften the leather is shaving creme (not gel), like Gillette or Barbersol, that contains lanolin. The lanolin serves as a mild softener/conditioner. You can work it into the leather with a clean sponge, or with your hands. Let is sit overnight and the next day, wipe off any residue with a clean damp sponge or towel and towel dry. This is a good follow-up to the saddle soap.

Richard
After getting the seats nice and clean, you can then use a leather protectant, like Lexol, to maintain your seats.

Mrdi

After the shave cream make sure to use a safety razor so you don't get any knicks

Dial 911

It seems everyone touts Lexol products. But their conditioner does not claim to offer any protection against UV rays. There is also some evidence that it can rot out the stitching over time.

My local detail shop uses 303 (Brand) Protectant on leather as well as vinyl. Unlike Armor-All (which is a virtually useless product), 303 has been proven in independant testing, to protect materials from UV. Meguiars also make a leather conditioner that contains a UV inhibitor.

WJG2

Thanks everyone! I just bought it two weeks ago and am picking it up today after having rebuilt (by authorized Porsche dealer) tranny installed, oil change, filters, etc., etc., done. It has a fresh '78 3.0L engine, and is a targa. Since the weather here north of Toronto is rainy today, I'm heading for my garage with saddle soap, Lexol, Black Chrome, etc., so when the sun comes up tomorrow (whoops, sounds like the theme from "Annie", doesn't it?), I will be driving the cleanest 911 in Canada!

richard glickel.

mrdi,

Thanks wise guy! Hey, why not an electric shaver?

wjg2,

skip the "black chrome". see if you can purchase "black again". car care specialties sell this product. it was terrific. i say "was", because i understand that the company was sold, so ask the guy at CCS if the formula is still the same (it should be or what else would the original company have to sell to the purchaser?), but, you never know. if it's the same product, buy it.

i'm off to bermuda (tomorrow), have a great week everyone.

richard

horst

glicke;, I hate you/

richard glickel

horst,

i luv you too kid. i'll send you some pink sand.

rich.