Notices
928 Forum 1978-1995
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: 928 Specialists

Leatherique Disaster

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 5, 2011 | 03:29 PM
  #1  
thedugger1's Avatar
thedugger1
Thread Starter
Instructor
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: Philadelphia, PA
Default Leatherique Disaster

Although I've done quite a few leatherique treatments on my cars over the years, this was nothing short of a total flop.

After following the instructions to a tee, this is what happened after treating my rear console leather that was super dry. Covered the leather with plastic and left in the car on a hot day. Rather than expanding the leather, it shrunk dramatically.

I'm quite dissappointed as you could imagine. Any thoughts on salvaging (doubt it) or a good source for a match on that burgundy leather.

I still can't believe this happened and not sure why!!!





Reply
Old Jul 5, 2011 | 03:59 PM
  #2  
Benton's Avatar
Benton
Drifting
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,345
Likes: 1
From: Spartanburg, SC
Default

I hate to break it to you, but it would have taken some hocus-pocus to get that leather to stretch back over the console. Not sure why it shrank like that after the treatment, though. Once it gets to that point (prior to treatment), it is pretty much staying there.

I have a nice non-rear A/C console center that you could purchase some burgundy dye and redye, or just keep your eyes peeled for a used one on eBay.
Reply
Old Jul 5, 2011 | 04:12 PM
  #3  
thedugger1's Avatar
thedugger1
Thread Starter
Instructor
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: Philadelphia, PA
Default

The foam underlayment is in excellent condition, so I think I can get away with replacement leather...now to find one that matches the factory leather well.

The way everyone talks about Leatherique, I at least thought I would give it a shot. While I didn't expect it to work well, the result was a bit of a contradiction!
Reply
Old Jul 5, 2011 | 04:19 PM
  #4  
finally!'s Avatar
finally!
Three Wheelin'
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 39
From: Dallas/Ft. Worth
Default

call the leatherique folks! I have used it many times with excellent results..
Reply
Old Jul 5, 2011 | 04:22 PM
  #5  
docstinger523's Avatar
docstinger523
Rennlist Member
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Southlake, TX
Default

Wow! Sorry to hear and see this problem! Must have been a loud sound from your heart sinking.
My post further down from yours is about my black leather seats with red piping releasing their pigments.
It was recommended that I use Leatherique Prestine. Now I have concerns.
Given that leather is a biologic tissue, chemically treated to be preserved, tanned and colored- it would stand to reason that the leather can be streteched /expanded/ pulled to its original configuration- maybe a local car interior / furniture upholstery shop might be able to reconfigure its shape for you. Worth a try and the dollars to salvage this, versus trying to match the color.
Thanks from all of us detailing duffers doing our own work.
Good luck
Reply
Old Jul 5, 2011 | 04:38 PM
  #6  
thedugger1's Avatar
thedugger1
Thread Starter
Instructor
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: Philadelphia, PA
Default

I can honestly say I've been a die hard Leatherique advocate. While just about every other chemical I used was useless, this was the only one that ever worked...with the exception of the above!

I read the post you are referring to. The only thing I can think of there is that the seats were redyed in the past. I've used the stuff dozens of times and never ran into any bleeding and that was on a variety of cars.

As for my situation, I'm now thinking I may have "overheated" the leather. It was pretty damn hot out and the plastic cover just made it bake more.
Reply
Old Jul 5, 2011 | 05:18 PM
  #7  
Landseer's Avatar
Landseer
Race Director
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 12,162
Likes: 383
From: Johnson City, TN
Default

Well, owner stopped-by here at one point as he sought "value" 928's in the southeast and hired a high school kid to try to make them run. Stuck around for 389 posts. Seemed like a nice guy.

Post 9, phone number on the tow vehicle.

https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...questions.html
Reply
Old Jul 5, 2011 | 05:48 PM
  #8  
M. Requin's Avatar
M. Requin
Rennlist Member
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,669
Likes: 76
From: Central Virginia
Default

I have a burgundy non a/c center console in pretty good shape- write to me at martinhv at embarqmail dot com and we'll see if we can work out something.
Reply
Old Jul 5, 2011 | 06:52 PM
  #9  
NC928S4's Avatar
NC928S4
Pro
 
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 655
Likes: 0
From: Cary, NC
Default

Looks like the glue gave way. I'd give Leatherique a call to see how they can assist.

I did over 8 applications of Rejuvenator and Pristine Clean with great results. My seats went from cardboard back to leather without incident. Other products I tried just made the seats look like shiny cardboard.
Reply
Old Jul 5, 2011 | 07:19 PM
  #10  
Landseer's Avatar
Landseer
Race Director
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 12,162
Likes: 383
From: Johnson City, TN
Default

Originally Posted by M. Requin
I have a burgundy non a/c center console in pretty good shape- write to me at martinhv at embarqmail dot com and we'll see if we can work out something.
That's the right answer!

Any of the leather restore stuff is hit/miss, though leatherique seems pretty good most of the time. Messed up one quarter panel I had, but it was too far gone to begin with ---- shrunk instead of stretched. Just because leather is natural doesn't mean it can regain plyability or shape.
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2011 | 01:22 AM
  #11  
Bill Ball's Avatar
Bill Ball
Under the Lift
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 18,648
Likes: 52
From: Buckeye, AZ
Default

Direct sun in a hot car is not a good idea. I gather they say to wrap the treated leather in cellophane/saran wrap and do that. The leather restorer itself is not the culprit. I have used Leatherique Prestine cleaner and Rejuvinator Oil for many year with no problem, but I do not expose my leather or vinyl to direct sun in a closed up hot car (I have a set of these - they will save your interior if it is still nice). My seats have 235K miles on them and still look almost new.
Reply




All times are GMT -3. The time now is 11:18 AM.