Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[Kelsham]

Some months ago I managed to buy a pair of front seats for my XJ-S Cabriolet.
The only problem being they were grey and I needed black.

After some thought I decided to buy a kit and recolour them, I chose a kit from Woolies mainly because it advertised it as keeping the surface able to absorb hide food.

It comprised a cleaner,( water and soap probably), a dye and a paste sealer. Oh yes plus a piece of mutton cloth and instructions.

I followed the instructions carefully and cleaned the leather. Then applied the first coat with the cloth, left it for an hour and then applied the second coat.
It appeared a bit patchy, I decided to press on and applied the sealer. When I tried to buff it as per instructions it wiped the dye off the leather.

I phoned Woolies, they were very nice and suggested the seats may have been cleaned/ recoated previously. I ended up washing off the dye it came off without much drama.

I am now fifty pounds poorer and the owner of two grey seats.

Not my month. The Morris 1800 needs new brake calipers, the Rover 100 needs a new exhaust, I need a Valium.

Regards Kels.

[JC T ONE]

We repainted my leather seats too, first we applied with a brush, but that didnt come out very well.

We then thinned the paint, and used a spraygun.

We cleaned the leather with interior cleaner, used a hot airgun (hairdryer) to dry them with, then Thomas applied the paint in thin layers, and emediatly dryed the painted area with the airgun.
so in one hand and the spraygun in the other the hot airgun.

I think he painted them 6 - 7 times, but the end result was really good.

All 6-7 layers, were applied in one go, as soon as the surface dried, he put on the next layer.

I also painted the headrest that was missing, the one I found was Black.
Thomas just cleaned it, and primed it with plastic paint primer, and then the leather colour.
No one can tell which headrest is the original, and which one is the later one I found.

Here is a link, if you use the arrow you will find after pics too.

http://www.showcars.dk/images/basicfiles/wood/before%20gallery/pages/before2.htm


Jens Christian
_________________
http://www.eurods.eu/wp/index.html

[peter scott]

A friend of mine who used to do wedding hire used dyes and repair kits from http://furnitureclinic.co.uk/Leather_Repair_Gateshead.php

I saw the results on several of his cars and they were very good and didn't rub off.

Peter
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https://www.nostalgiatech.co.uk
1939 SS Jaguar 2 1/2 litre saloon

[Kelsham]

The furniture clinic looks interesting. The video makes sense actually scrubbing the leather first. I might try again. Since writing I have investigated the back seat and find i can use the base I bought as only the back is different on the cabriolet.
The only problem is which kit to order as they as wheter matt, semi matt etc is required and i have no idea.

Regards Kels.

[petelang]

Furniture Clinic products are very good>
I have used their repair fillers to patch holes as well as the dyes and my various repairs look really good. The dye can be sprayed with their can type air brush and does a super job. First class and no where near as pricey as many other suppliers.