John Boggiano

I am on the point of ordering a retrim for my C2 - front seats and carpet, plus some other bits.

Before I do, does anyone have any experience of having the leather 'reconnollised'?

What are the results like? And the cost?

I will probably replace the gear lever gaiter and handbrake, but the seats really only need (a lot!) of attention to the side bolsters.

I have tried 'Gliptone'. Originally, I was very pleased with it but (on my 'linen' leather) the treated areas pick up dirt really quickly.

A friend had his gear lever gaiter reconnollised when he bought the car (part of the sale agreement) and it still looks good (in fact, like new) a few years later. His car suffered from quite a few specks of 'overspray' from it, however.

Anyone got experince of the process and who provides it in the UK?

Johnny G Pipe

John, I'm on linen leather too, and have some colour missing and cracks, espec on the drivers' side bolster. So far I have only used Connolly Hide Care, and was condidering gliptone: maybe not now.
Sorry this isn't an answer to your question - more a seconding! I didn't know reconnolising involved spraying, either..

John Boggiano

Found a bit in the archives on reconning and Gliptone. Seems that the former DOES involve 'spraying'.

Regarding Gliptone - as I suggested, the initial results were great, really impressive.
Unfortunately, the dye picks up dirt really quickly, so it looks a very mucky grey colour within a few weeks.
You can redo it, but it becomes a subject of the law of diminishing returns!

Roygarth

John

Southbound Motor Trimmers 01264 810080, who advertise in 911&PW come well recommended and were v. helpful when I needed advice on my interior.

BR
Piers

warmfuzzies

I've looked at this and I've found that:

1. Re-connollising involves spraying as youv'e said, I think mine have been done due to the overspray I found when disassembling the seats.
2. Gliptone doesn't work. end of story; I tried spraying a seat side, and it looks brilliant for a sale, but thats about it. If you wear jeans the denim blue will soon transfer to the seat.
3. Southbound have a good reputation, but prices start from £625 per pair. Ouch.
4. I've looked at getting a complete renovated secondhand interior, I've seen 993 complete insides, door panels, front seats rear seats for £1000. from I think Design911, although they don't have any there at the mo.

In summing up re-trimming or option 4, are the only ways I can see forward. Depending upon how long you wish to own the car, and how deep your pockets are.....

pzull

You might want to try Leatherique if youre into DIY. I bought their reconditioner and used their dye just for touch ups and it works very well.

<a href="http://www.leatherique.com/" target="_blank">http://www.leatherique.com/</a>

Robert Linton

You might want to contact John Paterek, Porsche Club of America expert in paint, body and restoration.

Telephone: 973-635-5924

Johnny G Pipe

John B - would you considering sharing half a $55 bottle of Letherique touch up (in 10-year old linen shade)? It sounds like quite a good option for replacing lost colour, and might save you replacing your h-brake/gear gaitor. I know I sound like a tight scotsman, but I'd rather give it a try for £20, rather than spend £40 and then realise it's not for me. Also, I don't have have huge areas to treat.
Many a mickle maks a muckle, and all that....

John Boggiano

Sure, Johnny - sounds good to me.

As an aside, I have seen a friend-of-a-friend use saddle soap to brilliant effect in removing dirt from cracks in Audi seats (pale tan), so that the cracks became invisible.

I might give this a try also.

P.S. I have a friend in Kingskettle (which you will know, Johnny) and he would be able to out-tight any other Scot I know hands down. If this had been him, he would have offered to 'test' the leatherique for me for 'free', if I bought it!

John Boggiano

Guys - I've just had a DISASTER with my upholstery! <img src="graemlins/crying.gif" border="0" alt="[crying]" />

In view of the success of saddle soap, and seeing as mine is in such a state that I had nothing to lose, I thought I'd try some ordinary soap (well, Imperial Leather, actually).

The result is impressive to say the least. A few minutes' work and a section of bolster has come up really well - it even looks like I can get it to clean the 'cracks' so they'll disappear.

Why a disaster?

Well, think how much work I have just made for myself!

Ruairidh

[quote]Originally posted by John Boggiano:
<strong>

I thought I'd try some ordinary soap (well, Imperial Leather, actually).

</strong><hr></blockquote>

John, BE CAREFUL!!!!!!!! I've always been led to believe that as ordinary soap dries it hardens the leather and causes more cracks. Saddle Soap has some oils in it or somesuch that counter this.

John Boggiano

That sounds reasonable.

I will smother the leather with conditioners, etc., as I finish each bit, if I can't lay my hands on some saddle soap smartish.

johnfm

John

did you get any further with saddle soap, leather conditioners & whatnot?? The side bolster on my grey leather sport seats, where I get in & out of the car is starting to wear a bit.

John Boggiano

John,

The Imperial Leather soap worked a treat. After each session, I treated the leather to a good slurp of some conditioner (I forget which).

Very, very effective cleaning system.

However, in spite of the above, my car is so close to 'finished', I've done so much to it, that I am going to get the seats reconnollised in a few weeks time anyway, as the finishing touch.

Roygarth

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by Johnny G:
<strong>condidering gliptone..</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">'Condidering'? Good lunch Johnny? <img border="0" alt="[cherrsagai]" title="" src="graemlins/drink.gif" />

Brgds
Piers