RyanPerrella

I know how the perforations are made, but the surface texture on the raff seats or supple seats like mine is finer and not so grainy as i believe ive seen in the standard seats. Maybe i havent seen enough standard seats which is possible. But i recall the surface texture being more grainy. My preference is something smoother in the vein of the Napa stuff. Ive always loved that and i thought that the Raff seats are more in that vein.

But i could be wrong, i was in an 86 today and i swear the leather had more of that grainy look which i dont like. I just much prefer the smoother stuff.

Champagne

I'm just going by the dozens of 928 seats that I have taken apart. I have 10 in my shop right now, 4 of which had the original "supple" leather, and to me, they all have the same type of leather.
As for the texture, Porsche spec leather doesn't have much to begin with, and after 20 years, whatever was there, is pretty much gone.

From what you describe, you should try and see Sterling's seats, next time to go up to Dallas. I'm pretty sure you will like them. I will add a sample of that leather to the bunch I'm sending you. You will see what I mean.

Paul

RyanPerrella

Paul,

I am sure youve seen more 928 seats then i have. Maybe i am crazy, who knows, if you say they are the same i think thats a safe bet. They seemed to be of differing quality (or texture) to me though

tomshark

finally i can respond to a thread with some knowledge. i work for a italian tannery group in italy that produces 12,000 finished hides a month for upholstery. we have a tannery in south africa for automotive.
what is in all porsches until i believe 95 was produced by rosier in germany in fact right across the street from porsche head quarters. the closed in the mid 90's do to cost and enviromental issues. tanning is toxic business.rosier only used south german raw material as it is the best in the world.
all auto spec hides in oem are drum dyed ( anilin dyed ) for depth of color.
the grain is usaul embossed to creat a constant appearence. . and the top coat is sprayed on with various dye stuffsf for color coverage. and then a clear film is sprayed or rolled on for stain resistence and to provide a barrier from the sun . the sun number one problem for leather in cars. once it has cooked the hide the water (20%) of the weight evoperates and the cracking begins.you can not stop it . no creams help. most are full of lanolin that all makes the problem speed up. the sun issue also explains the dash issues on 928 the winshield becomes a big magnifying glass and bakes it

tomshark

3 other points nappa is a emboss stamp plate name. also note tight or flat grain leathers are really an american idea. we call that a haircell plate. the europeans do not like it as you slide much easier on the surface. the best replacement leather for oem auto are located in high point nc . the company name is schmidt america and their tannery is in austria. this is a competitor of mine but what they sell is a technical masterpiece and the closest replacement to the original.

RyanPerrella

Thanks Tomshark for the info, great to hear where exactly our hides came from.

tomshark

here is a drum or vat it hold about 250 hides this is were the base color is made

tomshark

and here is a spray line this is were tanneries spray the top coats we use water baths underneath to prevents the fibers from flying around and attaching to the surface

Marine Blue

Very cool, great info. Amazing how much info I never thought I'd find here.

pscottjr

This is an information packed thread. Since at some point, I hope in the near future, I am going to redo my seats - Thanks for all the information.

Vilhuer

To me too. I thought area which is perforated on certain seats is different type of leather in '88+ MY Raff seats. Leather in them seem hairy for lack of better word. On perforated leather surface seems shiny and smooth like rest of the leather in all seats.

RyanPerrella

I'm glad i'm not the only one thats crazy. Erkka, do you also prefer the Raff or supple leather to the standard stuff?

Vilhuer

I hate those holes so anything would be better.