Leather seat restore
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 480
Likes: 3
From: wisconsin
Leather seat restore
I have a 84 928S, Shifflaublau metallic blue, dark blue leather interior. My front seats are a "little" worn, chalky look in some spots, no rips but the center base seams are starting to let loose. Has anyone ever re-dyed their seats the same color and/or enyone buy or have their seats recovered?
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 370
Likes: 1
From: Webster, NY USA
Yes. It is quite easy and the results are very good. I did it about 20 years ago so I don't remember the source of the kit (softener, dye and filler) but similar posts here indicate that this stuff is still available. Search Leatherike (or something like that)
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,617
Likes: 2
I think the current trend is to use " Leatherique " cleaners and softeners. Not sure if I spelled that correctly. Do a search on leather restoration or leather dyenig and I am sure you will find all the info you seek.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 480
Likes: 3
From: wisconsin
Thanks guys. I did a search and the web site is www.leatherique.com. I will contact them about color matching and give it a try...
Rennlist Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,527
Likes: 591
From: West Chester, PA
You might also consider investigating "Colorplus" (web site is www.colorplus.com). I've used both leatherique and colorplus dyes, and find the colorplus to be more durable. I clean the leather thoroughly first (don't have a stroke), using lacquer thinner to remove the old "dead" dye (which is actually paint) by putting the thinner on a rag and wiping the seat surface. When the old dye is gone, wiping will not remove any more "debris of paint". Then, use the Soffener or Rejuvenator on the leather every day or two for ~3 weeks. Clean it again lightly with lacquer thinner to remove any surface organics, and to set the old paint for a good "bite" with the new dye/paint. Finally, I use the "wipe it on" approach I use with wood stain. Several light coats, and the seats will look like new. I DO suggest removing them from the car and doing any lacquer thinner treatments in a well ventilated area (outside in the shade is best).
Gary Knox
West Chester, PA
Gary Knox
West Chester, PA
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,708
Likes: 77
From: Indianapolis Area
I’m debating about the Leatherique versus ColorPlus versus any other suggestions to fix the notorious driver side bolster wear. I figure why not take a stab at this first. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll have to pony up and have Paul create some new ones.
The Leatherique process doesn’t mention stripping with lacquer thinner. Except for a couple bad spots, most of the leather looks really good. I don’t believe there are any tears, but if so... I’ll try Nicole’s trick.
I know my wife is going to love it when I convert the guest bath into a leather rehab station for a few weeks. I’m going to rig up a platform to place over the tub that will hold the seats. This gives me a source for water, some ventilation, and warmth. My garage isn’t exactly above 70 degrees this time of year. The curtain can be closed to hide the mess will the rejuvenating oil sinks in... see how thoughtful I am.
Any words of advice or encouragement are most definitely welcomed. Thank You!
The Leatherique process doesn’t mention stripping with lacquer thinner. Except for a couple bad spots, most of the leather looks really good. I don’t believe there are any tears, but if so... I’ll try Nicole’s trick.
I know my wife is going to love it when I convert the guest bath into a leather rehab station for a few weeks. I’m going to rig up a platform to place over the tub that will hold the seats. This gives me a source for water, some ventilation, and warmth. My garage isn’t exactly above 70 degrees this time of year. The curtain can be closed to hide the mess will the rejuvenating oil sinks in... see how thoughtful I am.
Any words of advice or encouragement are most definitely welcomed. Thank You!
Trending Topics
Under the Lift
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 18,648
Likes: 52
From: Buckeye, AZ
Leatherique has there own stripper/prep. It may be lacquer thinner for all I know. I bought all their stuff, but I haven't stripped and dyed. Fortunately, my 89's seats don't need it despite 176K miles.
Rennlist Stories
The Best Porsche Posts for Porsche Enthusiasts
I've Written 500 Rennlist Articles: Here's How Porsche Has Changed Along the Way
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Unnecessary Porsches Ever Built (And Why We Love Them)
Verdad Gallardo
Porsche 911 GT3 S/C vs 718 Spyder RS: 10 Categories, One Winner
Joe Kucinski
This Builder Is Turning Heads With Its Slantnose 911 Creation
Verdad Gallardo
Porsche 911 GT3 Artisan Edition Pays Homage to Japanese Culture
Verdad Gallardo
Porsche Reveals Coupe Variant of the Electric Cayenne With a Fresh Look
Verdad Gallardo
10 Porsche Colors That Have More Personality Than Most People
Verdad Gallardo
Guntherwerks' Final Speedster Creation Is the Ultimate Porsche Restomod
Verdad Gallardo
10 Reasons I Hate Going to the Porsche Dealership (& the 1 Reason I Stay)
Joe Kucinski
Rennlist Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,943
Likes: 363
From: K-town, Germany
I bought the leather kit from 928 Specialist about 5 years ago and put it on myself. It's covered in the WSMs. Had to buy hog ring pliers and hog rings, but not too tought of a job. No where near Paul Champane's caliber of work though... / Bruce
Addict
Rennlist Member
Artist Formerly Known As 84totheFloor
Rennlist Member
Artist Formerly Known As 84totheFloor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,031
Likes: 8
From: Franklin, TN
Originally Posted by mjensen
I have a 84 928S, Shifflaublau metallic blue, dark blue leather interior. My front seats are a "little" worn, chalky look in some spots, no rips but the center base seams are starting to let loose. Has anyone ever re-dyed their seats the same color and/or enyone buy or have their seats recovered?
