Leather in a Convertible

[Satan]

As you know if you don't look after the leather the rear back shrinks and tears, also the drivers side bolsters suffer and if the roof leaks and gets it the front seats then that is another drama especially if you need to strip them down /VOE

As its a nice day today I took the car out for a spin early this morning and parked it up outside the house then decided that I can wipe the dash down with 303 UV Protectant and then I got the Liquid Leather out, bugger, it has been used up then I remembered this, works well in the sun s it melts and gets in to the seams,

IMG_2447.jpg

I love a decent seat back,

IMG_2446.jpg

[BenHar]

Your pictures don't seem to have worked.

Ben

[paultv]

Dude, your leather looks VERY good - I've just started giving the dash and plastics their once a year feed.

This shot is a bit deceptive as I left the strip lights on in the garage - they are LED and look green - and
the finish is still a bit lively - it will soften out in a day or two and last 12 months at least.

Interior_1.jpg

Paul

[Satan]

Looks nice Paul, for the dash I use 303 UV wipes every so often in the summer if the car is out.

What are all the buttons for by the close out of interest, mine if I remember rightly are Hazard, Rear Screen, Aerial By Pass and maybe one other.

Does the backlight on the light switch work?

[paultv]

Mine are:

Hazard, Rear Screen, Code input for the old Clifford - some kind of valet mode if I remember - then the Aerial bypass switch on the right.

Backlight on the sidelight/hedlight switch?

Paul

[flybynite]

I've just started giving the dash and plastics their once a year feed.

Out of curiosity what do you use on the plastics?

[paultv]

I use a very old fashioned substance, boiled linseed oil.
It feeds the plastic and dries to form a long lasting finish,

It works on plastic engine components, bumpers, everything really including your cricket bat. About a tenner for half a litre which will last about 10 years.

Use a tiny amount work it in and leave it to dry.

Some people add a little water in the mix to help it dry.

It must be the Boiled variety.

Paul

[flybynite]

Ha ha! I’ve had a bottle on the shelf for years used to use it to soften window putty but not much use on modern windows! I suppose it is a bit like peanut butter on the black trim.

I’m not sure what it is that is cracking our dashboards whether it be heat, UV or drying out but I guess we have to try something.

On older leather I used to use saddle soap to good effect, but that is not much use on what they call leather on modern cars these days.

[paultv]

Stefan,

If you mean the tell tale indicators above the light switch then yes they do light up.

Paul

[Satan]

The backlight when you turn the engine on, just had to replace my little capes lamp a few weeks back.

[paultv]

yeah, they are a bit of a pig to get at and if the holder is melted .....

Paul