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RE: Leather care[ALL/1998] posted by Richard Winn on
Wednesday, 14 May 1997, at 2:36 p.m.
Lexol is great but you have to use it regularly (i.e. every 6 weeks). Don't 'polish' it off. When the interior of the car is warm, put it on clean leather with a soft cloth and let it soak overnight, working in two or three 'coats' at a single application. It will be a little sticky in the morning, and you can polish that off. If the leather is dry dry dry, use some neatsfoot oil to soften first, but be warned, neatsfoot stains clothes and makes leather extremely soft so it can tear. To clean NEVER use saddle soap. A little Dove or Ivory hand soap mixed in a 5% or less ratio is good, only where you actually need to clean. Otherwise just plain warm (NOT HOT) water is good to clean. I used to detail cars and this is generally a good way to preserve leather. If it's cracked, have the panel replaced. If the stitching is cracked have it resewn. Good luck
Re: RE: Leather care[ALL/1998] posted by Shatz on
Thursday, 15 May 1997, at 9:17 a.m.
I cast my vote for Lexol. I've used it on both my 86 240Gl and my 960. It comes as a cleaner or a conditioner. I think the cearner work well, but the plain soap and warm water recommended probably works as well.
I have heard some criticism regarding the effects of leather care products on the stitching; that is tends to rot it. I don't know if there is any validity to this or as to what products or ingedients might contribute.
My 240 does have stitching breaking away on the upper center panel on the rear bench. The one that ends up at the cneter arm rest. I've always attributed that to the effect of the sun and the stiffness of the leather on that top edge which I think was actually manufactured that way by Volvo to protect the leather from the sun. I can't substantiate that, but we bought the care with 25K on it in 1988, and it was like it then.
Tne seats in neither car have been at the hands and feet of small kids, since our children were mostly grown by then. The 240 leather, however, has had lots of dogs prancing around on them, so I think they have held up pretty well. In the 960, the dogs so far, have had to take a seat in the back of the bus.
Re: RE: Leather care[ALL/1998] posted by Chris Ives on
Friday, 30 May 1997, at 10:04 p.m.
Gee - guys. Haven't you forgotten about grit? This cuts the stitching and weakens the leather at the seam. Either use a stiff paintbrush to loosen the stuff, and/or vacuum the abrasive particles off - then apply the Lexol or whatever. I like Lexol, but I also really like a German "horsey" product "Lederpfleger-Creme" (by Pharmaka Gmbh in Essen) which comes in a small orange bucket - this contains "bienenwachs" (beeswax). This I would use when "bringing back" a neglected article - then use Lexol for maintenance. Christopher Ives - Hudson - Quebec.
Re: RE: Leather care[ALL/1998] posted by Michael McBroom on
Thursday, 22 May 1997, at 10:53 a.m.
My '87 740's leather is worn in a few spots, looking like the dye has been "scrubbed off." No cracks, though. I've been thinking about buying some black dye from a shoe store or shoe repair place to restore the original color. Comments?
After getting the color back, I'll need to condition the leather. I've heard that Lexol is good. Years ago, though, I read an article by a fellow who restored a couple of severely neglected leather seats using "Hide Food." He claimed excellent results. Anybody here familiar with this product? How will it compare with Lexol?
I also have some stuff called "The Tannery II," a leather cleaner and conditioner "creme." The side label says it contains mineral spirits -- no mention of petroleum distillates. I bought it at Florsheim's and use it on my Tony LLamas. It works well. Any reason why I shouldn't give it a try on my Volvo's seats?
Re: RE: Leather care[ALL/1998] posted by Robert on
Thursday, 22 May 1997, at 8:02 p.m.
Michael, Several years ago a man than did leather repairs for us told me that Hide Food was the best commercial leather treatment but his own concoction was better. He also reminded me that leather is skin just like yours or mine. Dont put stuff like silicon or petroleum products on it. In other words, treat it as you would your own skin. Robert
Re: RE: Leather care[ALL/1998] posted by Shatz on
Friday, 23 May 1997, at 8:22 a.m.
Lexol probably has petroleum products in it, but I would be interested in this "Hide Food". Anyone know where to obtain it. I'll call around, too.
Re: RE: Leather care[ALL/1998] posted by Stoney on
Friday, 23 May 1997, at 8:33 a.m.
Shatz, Any good leather shop or Tack shop (Horsie stuff) will have it. It also does great things for chapped hands while you apply it. plus unlike all the other stuff, IT SMELLS REALLY NICE!!!!!
Re: RE: Leather care[ALL/1998] posted by Robert on
Saturday, 24 May 1997, at 8:24 p.m.
Shatz, The local Mercedes dealer here sells it , but you would probably pay a premium price for it. Also my local Mercedes dealer is a bit out of the way for you. Robert