rixter

I got some replacement pieces of trim, the leather is coming off the plastic underlay piece, what is the best way to reattach the leather so it doesn't come back off. The pieces I'm talking about are rear hatch trip pieces if it makes a difference...
thanks
Rixter

TroppoShark

Hi rixter,

I've done a little hobby leatherwork...

The trad way to seal leather down onto a backing is with contact cement; you know, that yellow goop
that you spatula onto each surface, wait till it's touch dry, then press together. I think from memory it's Bear Brand, at least in Oz.

It will bond the two surfaces together alright! But the big disadvantage is that you most position the piece exactly by working from a leading adge, and roll the leather on gradually, pressing it as you go. You don't get a second chance...

I believe there are now contact adhesives on the market that have a 'slip factor' built in, which allows for some sliding into position before it bonds...

If the trim pieces you have are larger splits of leather that you intend cutting to size for the plastic underlay pieces, and if you have the underlays out of the car, then that is the easiest scenario, because you can bond the leather to the underlays, and then trim to size...; but I suppose that luck would have it that you can't get the underlays out...?

Good Luck.

Phill.

autochicago

Well, it's fun stuff to sniff, anyway... but, seriously, doesn't contact cement come unbonded before too long? I just have visions of various pieces of automotive trim, leatherwork and vinyl having been bonded with contact cement, coming unglued ... that telltale yellowish stringy goo and flapping bits of trimwork.

mpesik

Contact cement will become "unglued" in temperature cycles. Mike

TroppoShark

Yes, it rings true that contact cement will unbond with temp applied, but how hot does it get where you are installing...?

Perhaps the trad practice is not suitable.

But in that case, where is the suggestion for something better? I'd be interested. too...

Perhaps you'll get more up-to-date advice from an upholsterer, or bookbinder...?

Good luck,

Phill.

rixter

I live in NC so we have temp cycles and I don't want to do this more than once, any other suggestions? I know someone out here can tell me what to use

rixter

I went to a local guy who suggested Devcon, a contact cement he says is fine for the temp cycles here, I have to admit it was fairly easy to use... setup is @4-5 mins and is workable for another 7-8mins... dang, I might actually get this interior resto stuff down,, this weekend (on my bday actually) I dyed the hatch trim and tool cover, installed the glove box (already dyed last week), fixed the window track, installed couple hatch trim pieces today, gonna reglue and install rest of hatch trim and tool cover tonite... now if I could just fine someone local who would walk me thru/help with the wiring I'll be almost there
thanks for everyone's help/suggestions!
Rixter

mpesik

Rixter,Hi. For what it's worth ,when I repaired my dash and some panels I used 3-M vinyl adhesive.This comes in a large black tube and the glue is yellow. No problems for years. Although I did make sure the panels were clamped down positively for the day. One catch -my panels were vinyl . Mike.

rixter

I talked to him about the 3m and he told me to try this stuff, and I didn't have to clamp it down, I let the leather and the plastic tack up and just pressed it on and rolled it with my fingers and done

TroppoShark

Hi Rixter,

I'm glad it sounds like it has worked out for you.

It's also good to hear that contact cements have developed to the degree that you get 7 - 8 mins to move it before it grabs. I couldn't think of what else you could use besides a variant of contact cement, because of its huge advantage with leather and vinyl of staying flexible. That is a must with pliable materials...

To use something like Aquadhere or whatever would have sacrificed the flexibility.

Is the Devcon also yellow like the 3-M vinyl adhesive and other contact cements?

Cheers,

Phill.

TroppoShark

Whilst surfing, I found a product on the Pelican site called Wurth's Adhesive Spray, which is apparently specially formulated for re-tacking down trim, and is hi-temp resistant, etc.

How did the weekend project go?

Phill.

rixter

Phill,
went well, used more than I thought I would but look great after dye, glue and install