jwalz

The previous owner of my 96 993 replaced the driver's seat with one that was darker in color than the existing upholstery. At first, it looked like the leather was wearing and I planned to have both of my seats reupholstered at a cost of about $2,000.00. While reading another blog on Rennlist, I found a name and phone number of a guy in Van Nuys who can do magic with leather and vinyl. His name is Doug Snow, and let me say that he saved me a bundle and my seats look brand new! Here is a link to a YouTube video of the repair process on my seats. You judge for yourself...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BljzoMAy7GY

e9stibi

Looks good after the transormation. Now it is about durability.

briefescape

All leather come dye , there is no blue or red cows so if the prep work is done well
like OP there no reason the re dye will not hold up as the original dye job from the mfg .

I have seats in one of my car that were re dye 4 yrs ago and still holding very well .

Cheers Guy

jwalz

Yep, durability is a question but I suspect that they should be as durable as the original dye. Funny, though, I'm getting into and out of the seats really gingerly! Want to keep them looking new for a long time...Doug Snow really did magic. The before pictures don't really show how bad they were. They actually looked torn and worn but, under that old dye was leather that was in great condition or was reconditioned to look new again...didn't think it was possible...

d ward

FYI a lot of leather nowadays is no longer dyed as it used to be, the chosen color is sprayed on to the leather hide, cheers

jwalz

Actually, you are correct. Doug is using a spray on dye in the video but the difference is in the preparation of the leather that seems to make the difference.

cabrio993

My seats were re-dyed using this same process over 4 years ago. It has held up great.

d ward

as you said the preparation is the most important thing, looks a real top notch job. Will last just as long as the original finish, just be sure to feed the leather regularly to keep it soft and stop it drying out. A while back my brother did his 993 interior in the same way as the guy did yours and his still look as good as the day he did them

Stealth 993

WOW, that is a top notch job done! Most of the time, re-dyes are not that intense. They just prep the seat & spray. It usually last 4-6 years of regular use. This should last well over 6 years of normal use.

It looks like he used Leatherique on the seats before the dye job, great & expensive product.

What did he charge for the job?

Edward

Man this is awesome news as Van Nuys is in my hood! Awesome! Can you PM me his specific contact info and what it cost ya? I'd really apprecaite that!!!

edward

caedes

mine were also. After 3 years, it is totally ugly.

It sticks to clothes when hot, it marks very quickly. If you are driving with a black trousers, the seats will become black.

I'm considering buying new ones.

jwalz

Bro, Doug Snow did this for $300! His phone is: 818-712-0411. You will get his wife. His shop is out near the Van Nuys airport...tell him Jim sent you...

NEK

That is a great deal. Nice going.

jwalz

Yup, he started with Leatherique to soften it up...

caedes

Avoid that kind of treatment except if you plan to do that every 2 or 3 years !

After you have a coat on top of the leather, you will not be able to nourish the leather anymore