Club 80-90 Forums

OK so done a deal on a pair of Recaro seats with T25 bases already fitted. Bit of a gamble as the photo shows the leather side bolsters quite faded and dried out but not cracked all the way through.
A few years ago a friend restored an XJ6 and the seats in that were much further gone (I think) and he got them looking almost like new with a combination of leather cleaning and 'nourishing' products.
Anyone got any recommendations for such products?
Thank in advance.

Depends how far gone they are but I found that this worked wonders and keeps the seats good moving forward.

http://www.meguiars.co.uk/product/370/G ... nditioner/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Obviously if they are in true need of restoration then check out the adverts in the back of classic car mags which will have some good products to treat and re dye the leather

see the doctor
http://www.theleatherclinic.co.uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I use Pecard Leather Dressing for my leather stuff. Very good, very nourishing and used to revitalise antique leathers (i use it on my vintage leather sofa and it keeps it soft and supple). I've found that modern leather cleaning stuff is pretty rubbish.

Unbelievably, E45 (skin) cream. No idea why it works so well but I suppose the lack of harsh chemicals and its softening properties (for skin) does the job. Thats what I use and I get great results.

CovKid wrote:Unbelievably, E45 (skin) cream. No idea why it works so well but I suppose the lack of harsh chemicals and its softening properties (for skin) does the job. Thats what I use and I get great results.

now, just how would a person acquire such knowledge?

I couldn't possibly say but I looked it up and discovered E45 is widely used for reviving leather upholstery. Don't confuse it with pile cream though - with our without handy applicator.

I use Gliptone cleaner & conditioner, great stuff - leaves the van with a nice leather smell as well:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/300594569551" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I bought an old merc recently with 20 years of well worked in grime in the beige leather. I tried all all sorts of products on it, but nothing really shifted the ingrained dirt. I ended up chatting to a chap who restores classics for a living, and he swore by Cif (Jif) cream cleaner, gently rubbed in with a nailbrush, then wiped off with a dry cloth. After that you can apply your nice expensive leather nourishing lotions (or E45!) to stop the leather from drying out.

Anyway, I had nothing to lose so tried it, and just couldn't believe the improvement - didn't need much elbow grease and the seats genuinely looked like new, right down to the soft matt finish they started life with! Highly recommended.

when clean (flash with bleach)wipe on wipe off , then vasoline.