Care And Repair For Leather Interior

[edamduke]

Like most of us on the site I like my cars to be in perfect condition inside and out. I am lucky enough to have a gen 6 with full Mr. T leather however as it is half my age it is fading in areas and has some minor tears on the drivers arm panel. I don't think it has been looked after as well as it should :( (probably hasn't been "fed") and has turned slightly blue and grey in areas.

Firstly, what is leather "food" and where can I get some? Secondly, is it possible? and how can I restore the blackness in the faded areas? and lastly, does anybody know of a good upholsterer that can repair the damaged panel in or around the south east (NW Kent)?

Thanks,

Ben

[stagga]

Halfrauds have a bunch of different leather cleaning and softening stuff from Turtle Wax etc. Most of them claim to restore the colour and make your leather less stiff. They're between £5-£10 but I haven't tried any yet so no idea if they're any good!

[BenMMellor]

i can thoroughly recommend the Meguairs leather conditioner.

[celsteve]

Hi there,

as you say, at first you'll need to give the leather a good 'feed' with a product fit for the job. There are loads to choose from but some tbh are pretty poor. Have a flick through this website which will give you an idea of the necessary steps to repairing the leather. Their products are not well known but are considered by many to be the best in the world for leather. It's pretty much impossible to get hold of over here, but if you want some pm me and I'll give you the info. It's perfect weather to get it done aswell as this stuff reacts with the heat, so the hotter the better. As for the tears, for a few small ones you should be looking at i'd say between 50 and 100 squids and if you want to put some colour back into it try this stuff, just like shoe polish but doesn't come off on your clothes if used correctly. If you find a descent trim place then maybe get a quote to get parts retrimmed, there are also diy leather repair kits available but it is really a job to be left to the pros. Sorry but can't help with anybody local to you :)

[Special Red]

Hi there,

as you say, at first you'll need to give the leather a good 'feed' with a product fit for the job. There are loads to choose from but some tbh are pretty poor. Have a flick through this website which will give you an idea of the necessary steps to repairing the leather. Their products are not well known but are considered by many to be the best in the world for leather. It's pretty much impossible to get hold of over here, but if you want some pm me and I'll give you the info. It's perfect weather to get it done aswell as this stuff reacts with the heat, so the hotter the better. As for the tears, for a few small ones you should be looking at i'd say between 50 and 100 squids and if you want to put some colour back into it try this stuff, just like shoe polish but doesn't come off on your clothes if used correctly. If you find a descent trim place then maybe get a quote to get parts retrimmed, there are also diy leather repair kits available but it is really a job to be left to the pros. Sorry but can't help with anybody local to you :)

off topic but how are those rain deflector thingy-me-jigs treating you? I gave up smoking so have no need but my joint took a direct hit the other day and made me think of you!

[celsteve]

[

off topic but how are those rain deflector thingy-me-jigs treating you? I gave up smoking so have no need but my joint took a direct hit the other day and made me think of you!

:D Since fitting them everything has stayed nice and dry thanks! So you've given up the smoke hey?! Think I will try to aswell as when it's banned in pubs I don't fancy having to go outside, although the landlord's putting up an awning and patio heaters - oh and there's also the case of my health I suppose!!

[edamduke]

i can thoroughly recommend the Meguairs leather conditioner.

Finally got round to doing my cow skin in between tooing and froing from uni. Meant to get the leather cream above but just got carried away in Halfords and forgot. So I ended up with Autoglym.

About 4 hours later and my interior is looking sweeeet! Highly recommend it and removing the seats to get every last inch (also able to give the carpets and trim a thorough clean).

Ben