Nicole

So I get in my car today and hear a noise that sounds like... um...

flatulence.

Now I knew it wasn't me, and there was nobody else around, so I looked around and noticed that the leather had given way in a weak spot on the side bolster of my seat's back rest. This sopot had been a worry since I own the car - apparently some previous owner was waring jeans with rivets and slid in and out of the seat over that spot.

Amyway, now I have a small tear - about 1/8 of an inch in size. And I need to get this fixed properly.

Are there any options besides replacing that piece of leather?

Has anybody had that piece replaced - if so, how much did you pay for the service? Did you remove the seat to get this done, or leave the car with the upholstery company?

bfellows

Nicole,
In the UK (not much use I know!) I used an invisible repair company called Leathertech to repair a tear 1inch x 1inch triangle shape where a PO had stuck something in the back of the car and caught the rear quarter panel. The repair took about one hour and involved sticking back the torn piece, filling and re-tecturing the filler by taking an imprint from the surrounding area to match the grain, then spray dyeing the affected area, all done with the panel in place. The repair was that good that It cannot be seen even by myself with a very critical eye! Cost was £40.00 (70$?)
I spoke to the repairer and he said it was the same procedure for seats and that the repairs were very durable which I have no reason to doubt. He also added that the repair system he uses was imported from Canada! I'm sure someone can chip in and recommend a good US repairer...... Its worth a try for what little money and effort is used - no seat removal etc. If you're not happy, then there is always the re-trim option.

rixter

Nicole,
contact a local auto upholstery shop, there are a couple diff techniques to do repairs, unfortunately you won't get a long term guarantee
on the bright side, classic grey covers are still available new, though new covers are expensive

Sab

Nicole,
any good upholstery shop can fix this, but they can also replace that section of the seat with new leather.
regards,
Sab.

Daniel Dudley

You are wise to be proactive, esp. if you go for the glue type repair. I would reccomend panel replacement if you can . A localized repair might get you a few years, but they don't wear well in the long term. Glad your car is in such good hands.

bigs

I would wonder if panel replacement would give you a seat that looks brand new in one panel, but used and a little worn everywhere else...

I think I'd try the repair method first, using a reputable auto uphostery shop, and observe the results. If they're good, you've saved yourself some money. If it doesn't turn out good, you can always go to plan "B."

Admittedly, it probably won't last forever. But by the time it lets go for good, you're probably in the market to replace all of your front leather. Gives you the chance to start saving your money now.

ColinB

In-car flatulence. Hmm. Reminds me of a story.

In the early 1970's the then military ruler of Nigeria, General Gawan, paid a visit to Queen Elizabeth and accompanied her in her carriage during a parade through London. As they took their seats the horse in front of the Queen farted noisily. "General, I am so sorry." said Her Majesty. "Oh Maam, no need to apologise" said the gallant general. "Matter of fact I thought it was one of the horses"

Colin. 89GT

IcemanG17

Nicole
Have you looked closely at my drivers seat?....same thing...general bolster wear with a small tear-hole of about 1inch. I went to a couple upholstery shops and got varying estimates...both included replacing the worn section with a new matching (in theory) piece of Gahh leather...and repair the crack belt along the seam...the better estimate also included a redye-enhnance of both seats to make them look like new....it was $457....the shop is a specialty hotrod custom interior shop & they do some amazing work...its ColorGlo Custom in Manteca...they did give me an estimate of new Gahh complete front seat sets installed for $1100!! Which is about the price most charge just for the covers alone! I plan on repairing-restoring my seat in a couple months! Of course I'll post pictures

http://yellowpages.superpages.com/su...e=CA&zip=95337

Herman K

I have not seen many references to www.colorplus.com butI have used their poducts formany years. They will produce a custom colored dye based on a 1x1 inch sample of your cars material. From their website you can order a free brochure about leather restoration and repair. I have done all these myself numerous times fo diferent cars I have owned. The results have been outstanding, get the free booklet and take it from there!
Good Luck

Herman K
94 GTS 5spd

BrianG

I has a side bolster panel wear through on my '86 Sport seat. I took the baack off of the base and took that to the upholsterer. They replaced that panel only. It looked "new" for the first year or so, by by year 3 you couldn't really tell any more.

AJK

Such a small crack should be repairable with the putty that Leatherique sells. It sticks well and remains pliable. They will also sell color matched dye if you can tell them the standard Porsche color or match to your sample. They are easy to talk to and very helpful. Even at minimum quantities you will get much more than you need, but it keeps for a long time and you will use it again and again.