| Author | Message | ||
| Stan Kidd (Pocketbikeracer)
New member Username: Pocketbikeracer Post Number: 32 Registered: 12-2002 |
Paul, thanks for the insight. I'm getin some Leatherique and givin it a try! Thanks Stan | ||
| George Pavlisko (Lrpman)
New member Username: Lrpman Post Number: 28 Registered: 10-2003 |
911 fan: I was just kidding, I like Cheese! Anyway, you can and should use the Prestine Clean As your NORMAL wipe down. The Rejuvinator Oil on these cars should be used about twice a year. Anymore than that, unless the car is kept outside, YEA RIGHT, is just more money in my pocket. As was aptley put, you can do all the work in the car. A little trick, put the Prestine CLean in a Spray bottle and just MIST it on. Use a old T-shirt to wipe. Take Care | ||
| Paul Cox (Paulc)
Junior Member Username: Paulc Post Number: 58 Registered: 2-2003 |
Stan, I did it with the dash in the car. I let the leather soak until pliable, then pushed it back up under the vents using a firm silicone spatula from my kitchen. I had no problems doing this. Of course there is a point of no return in regards to the condition of the leather, | ||
| Jim DeRespino (Jimbo)
Junior Member Username: Jimbo Post Number: 116 Registered: 10-2001 |
Exactly one year ago I had Westar Solarzone Cold Steel 50 window tint applied to my 512TR windshield (max legal tint in FL). It cuts out 30% of the light, 50% of the heat and 99.9% of the UV. I have no problems with night visibility and dash temp after an hour in the mid-summer Florida sun was only 102 degrees (human body temp is 98.6). I no longer have a convection oven dash pumping heat into my car, and the previously marginal AC now blows so cold it hurts (37 degrees coming out of the center vent at full boogie). Even in summer I rarely crank the AC past 1/2 throttle and I like it cold. Unfortunately my car began its life in Miami and the dash leather has shrunken. I plan to pull the dash next month and try the leatherique/stretching technique. I also have the other windows tinted dark with Llumar film. The car looks mean and fast just sitting next to a non-tinted 512TR. Just my $.02 | ||
| Stan Kidd (Pocketbikeracer)
New member Username: Pocketbikeracer Post Number: 30 Registered: 12-2002 |
Probably a stupid question, but i'll ask anyway. Can i do this with the dash in the car? Can i "rejuvinate" the leather and "stretch" it back with the dash still installed? Stan | ||
| 911 Fan (911fan)
Junior Member Username: 911fan Post Number: 68 Registered: 5-2003 |
George, I'm the one who made the cheesy comment. But I actually think your website is refreshing in this age of hyper-produced everything! I do have one question, though. Since I have a brand new car, the leather is in excellent condition. Do I still need to use the Rejuvenator product or can I just periodically use the Prestine product by itself as a conditioner? | ||
| George Pavlisko (Lrpman)
New member Username: Lrpman Post Number: 25 Registered: 10-2003 |
Sorry to read about the leather problem on the dash. We saved 3 so far. 1971 Rolls, 1985 Jaguar, 1983 Rolls. Took almost a month on the 71 and 3 mo on the 83 but they did lay down. How? 1. DROWNED the leather on REJUVINATOR OIL then COVERED the dsah with Suran Wrap to LOCK in the oil and slow down the process. 2. Used aligator clips and clothes pins to inch by inch MOVE THE LEATHER. 3. More REJUVINATOR OIL and let it sit for at least 3 days. Repeated until the dash was back to normal. This WILL NOT WORK on BURNED dashes (edges look cooked, chared etc). Sorry my website is CHEESEY but we do it in house to save money. Being around since 1963 we sorta do not need the BIG SPLASH type of site. My products do the talking. We will be joing you as a sponsor in aout a week or so. (Sorry it was 1983 rolls not 1933, did not proof read) | ||
| David (Nboy)
New member Username: Nboy Post Number: 10 Registered: 7-2003 |
I have a 98 355 Spider, and when I'm not using the car, it is garaged. The leather shrunk and pulled away at the front of the instrument cluster. Pissed me off to no end, but misery loves company, so I feel a little better now. David | ||
| P. Thomas (Ferrari_fanatic)
Member Username: Ferrari_fanatic Post Number: 613 Registered: 4-2003 |
Sharky, the "late model" will far from keep you immune. I have a 1998 Spider and I am happy to report NO shrikage on the original leather. That Connley letaher looks good but the durability is truly the sh...ts. | ||
| A.Tonokaboni (Senna1994)
Junior Member Username: Senna1994 Post Number: 163 Registered: 9-2002 |
Thanks Doody, the Service Managers attitude was we try to keep the cars covered, the key word is "try", oh well thats life attitude. | ||
| Ze Shark (Ze_shark)
New member Username: Ze_shark Post Number: 43 Registered: 7-2003 |
Great .. yet another thing to worry about. Wondering if these cars are designed to be driven at all. Anybody experienced dash leather shrinkage on more recent cars ('98 355 ?) ? I have the instrument cap which is slithtly deformed and I am getting the whole interior leatheriqued this winter. | ||
| Mitch Alsup (Mitch_alsup)
Intermediate Member Username: Mitch_alsup Post Number: 1161 Registered: 4-2002 |
"I used to own this car, so the fact that the problem is not noticable means that the Griots and the Saran wrap actually works. Thanks Mitch! " Or perhaps: Thanks Paul! for not letting it get to a state where this would/could happen. | ||
| Paul Cox (Paulc)
Junior Member Username: Paulc Post Number: 56 Registered: 2-2003 |
Please look at this. "I have a 95 F355 without a leather problem,..." I used to own this car, so the fact that the problem is not noticable means that the Griots and the Saran wrap actually works. Thanks Mitch! | ||
| Mr. Doody (Doody)
Intermediate Member Username: Doody Post Number: 1878 Registered: 11-2001 |
talk to the guys. see what they have to say. there's no sense in not saying something. leave it in their lap to deal with it and react accordingly with your business if they're jerky about it. no win in a full frontal onslaught here since it's been a while imo. one thing that really irks me about f-car dealers and mechanics is that apparently none (most?) of them have adequate INDOORS space for storage of cars. as a result, if your car ever has to go to the shop for an extended period of time, you can pretty much assume it's going to spend tons of days outside, uncovered. even covered parking would be an improvement, although it's not like slapping the red cover over the car is a lot of work either. doody. | ||
| A.Tonokaboni (Senna1994)
Junior Member Username: Senna1994 Post Number: 157 Registered: 9-2002 |
Doody, what should I do but complain to the dealer it has been a couple of weeks as I had been out of town. Any suggestions? | ||
| 911 Fan (911fan)
Junior Member Username: 911fan Post Number: 61 Registered: 5-2003 |
Tube guy, I know that Hide Food has been reformulated at least once because the new stuff (Hide Care) looks and feels different from the old stuff (Hide Food) - maybe that's why the name was changed. btw, I looked at the Leatherique website and they've been around for quite a while. They certainly get rave reviews from people on this and other boards. (Plus, it's a fairly cheesy website so their stuff has to be good!  ) | ||
| Mr. Doody (Doody)
Intermediate Member Username: Doody Post Number: 1863 Registered: 11-2001 |
senna1994 - i was told by a dealer that the 355 dash leather can pull back with only a few days out in serious sun. SoCal sun would certainly qualify. the dealer absolutely should have known better. unacceptable behavior. doody. | ||
| A.Tonokaboni (Senna1994)
Junior Member Username: Senna1994 Post Number: 154 Registered: 9-2002 |
I have a 95 Black/Black 355 that is always garaged. The dash never had any problems with shrinkage. I took it to the dealer for a Hot Start problem and they had the car for over a month (Waiting for Parts). When I got it back I noticed that the Vent by the passenger side had the leather pulled away and also slightly on top of the instrument panel. Obvioulsy these guys were not parking inside nor covering the car very well. But I did not notice until a week after I picked up the car. Any suggestions? | ||
| Kevin Deal (Tube_guy)
Junior Member Username: Tube_guy Post Number: 62 Registered: 5-2003 |
may so 911...did you read the thread on Hide Food? Fella said they had not re-formulated it for new leather finishes. I have always found Lexol to be so benign on anything I use it on. I just want a sunscreen too. I plan to get some Leatherique. I get nervous about small companies though. What can they discover that Lexol can't? Or is it cost of raw material that Lexol and other large companies won't do? I hate to use my dash as a petri dish! It would be nifty if Consumer Reports did a piece on it. Not that they are gospel...but they do that "split the leather into test strips and go two years" deal. | ||
| James Dunne (Audiguy)
Member Username: Audiguy Post Number: 310 Registered: 6-2003 |
For those who live in the Dallas area, the "Tin Lizzy Affair" in north Dallas on Floyd Circle next to Texas Instruments does really good work at a reasonable price. Owner is Lucinda Howard. They did all our leather work for FoDallas and recovered many a dash for us. I recommend them fully. No affiliation whatsoever. | ||
| 911 Fan (911fan)
Junior Member Username: 911fan Post Number: 60 Registered: 5-2003 |
Tube guy, "Connolly Hide Food sucks... Sits on the leather and smells like chemicals." I used to think the same thing but found out that I was putting too much on and expecting it all to get absorbed. If you put it on lightly and burnish the area with a clean cloth after a few minutes, it works well. However, I've been reading lots of favorable comments about Leatherique so I'm going to give it a try - if nothing else, it sounds like it might be easier to apply. | ||
| Kevin Deal (Tube_guy)
Junior Member Username: Tube_guy Post Number: 61 Registered: 5-2003 |
Hey 911! Connolly Hide Food sucks. I have a few containers of it for sale if anyone wants it. It was covered in another thread...I will never use it again. Sits on the leather and smells like chemicals. I use Lexol, and the new Armorall leather treatment only because it is now ph balanced and has a sunscreen. I do plan to get Leatherique | ||
| Stan Kidd (Pocketbikeracer)
New member Username: Pocketbikeracer Post Number: 28 Registered: 12-2002 |
Excellent stuff guys. I will try the leatherique. Stan | ||
| Frank K Lipinski (Kaz)
Member Username: Kaz Post Number: 367 Registered: 11-2002 |
Stan - Try leatherique. It blew me away and is now my favorite product for interiors. They claim they can take cardboard like leather and make is soft. I thought it was all BS until I tried it. You won't believe what it can do. My spider was starting to go, espcially the corners of the air bag started bending upward. Put leaterique on it, let it sit overnight and the airbag laid down perfectly flush! Also works on small cracking. They have rejuvenator (thick like honey) and prestine (for cleaning). Get a bottle of both. I think their web is leatherique.com or do a search. I promise you that you will not be disappointed. BTW - Bentley/RR also endorses the product now. | ||
| Modified348ts (Modman)
Member Username: Modman Post Number: 749 Registered: 11-2001 |
I wouldn't recover with leather for 2 reasons, one you don't sit on it so you don't feel it and two you can get synthetic which feels as good but stronger against cracking and you don't have to feed it leather food. I learned that the strongest leather is the top grain and everything underneath it is just split hide so called suede or suede with synthetic coating and that's why most cars out there have cracking problems due to cheap leather which includes the ones used on Ferrari. The ones used on German cars I found to be the strongest of all leather coverings. Japanese cars also have bad leather seat coverings too. | ||
| L. (Testaroja)
Junior Member Username: Testaroja Post Number: 173 Registered: 5-2003 |
Rip the dash out and have a custom made one out of carbon fiber, thats what I will do | ||
| Mitch Alsup (Mitch_alsup)
Intermediate Member Username: Mitch_alsup Post Number: 1152 Registered: 4-2002 |
I guess that there are several issues at work here: leather quality, lether application to product at thand, leather care on the owners part, weathering effects of sun and wind. I have a 95 F355 without a leather problem, however, my leather gets a conditioning treatment after each track session because I have to run with the windowns down, or once a month when I wash the car (another 45 minutes on a 5 hour job). I don't drive with the windows down (except when mandated at the track). I don't leave the car sitting in sunlight. I don't forget to treat the leather. My final guess is that if everybody that drives with the windows down or top down treated the leather once a month or more often, that these issues would vanish. | ||
| 911 Fan (911fan)
Junior Member Username: 911fan Post Number: 58 Registered: 5-2003 |
"The leather in F-cars is "Connoly" the same stuff stuff that is in Leer Jets and Bentleys." Based on this, Connolly Hide Food (now Hide Care) should be the best stuff to use on Ferrari leather since it is specifically made for Connolly hides. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Senior Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 6859 Registered: 8-2002 |
"Shrinkage"... LOL... Reminds me of that Seinfeld episode... | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Advanced Member Username: Parkerfe Post Number: 3032 Registered: 9-2001 |
I had the dash on my TR and Boxer recovered at a local uphostery shop for around $450. It looks as good as new and will not "pull" again as more leather was used to tuck under than was used originally by Ferrari. | ||
| P. Thomas (Ferrari_fanatic)
Member Username: Ferrari_fanatic Post Number: 611 Registered: 4-2003 |
The leather in F-cars is "Connoly" the same stuff stuff that is in Leer Jets and Bentleys. Looks great but the durabilty is sh.t | ||
| Rick (Bromers)
New member Username: Bromers Post Number: 22 Registered: 6-2003 |
SOlution: Move to England it's never sunnier enough here to crack your leather. | ||
| Stan Kidd (Pocketbikeracer)
New member Username: Pocketbikeracer Post Number: 27 Registered: 12-2002 |
Thanks for all the input, sounds like i've got a couple of options. Stan | ||
| Paul Cox (Paulc)
Junior Member Username: Paulc Post Number: 55 Registered: 2-2003 |
I had the same problem in my 355. I used the leather rejuvenator from Griot's. I applied excessive amounts to the dash, then covered in saran wrap. I left it on for 48 hours. I repeated the process two more times, and I was able to stretch the leather back under the vents. Not all the wrinkles came out, but it terms of looks and cost, it did a very good job. The leather never had the same supple feel but it looked fine. Good Luck. | ||
| Frank Wiedmann (Frankieferrari)
Member Username: Frankieferrari Post Number: 393 Registered: 8-2003 |
I worked at a "Scandinavian" furniture store for many years that sold very expensive leather recliners...$2,000.00 and UP,(back then). They,both- the manufacturers,and the store- always reccommended to the customers,to use Leather conditioners to keep the leather soft,supple,and "alive". As,leather does have pores and needs to "breathe",too. And so that it doesn't crack,split,shrink,or dry out. I have used these Leather conditioners,which are available at any fine furniture store. Especially the ones that sell Danish and Scandinavian leather furniture. And,doesn't cost alot-usually around $20.00 a bottle. All of the leather that I've owned since then-auto interiors,leather chairs,coats,boots,wife's purses-have all always remained soft,supple,and not all dried out. Leather needs to be kept nourished. Have you ever seen the skin on those Scandinavian women? Soft and smooth as silk,even when they are old ladies. So,I really believe that these people know what in the hell they are talking about. And,I personally have always had superior results.I use "Cavo-ox",which is an all natural cleaner,conditioner and "nourisher". And,another product by Ekorness of Norway,called "Stressless Conditioner" for the Stressless recliners that they sell.It also cleans ,conditions,and nourishes leather. You have to treat Leather auto interiors just like any other Leather upholstery. Give it a try for yourself. | ||
| 911 Fan (911fan)
Junior Member Username: 911fan Post Number: 57 Registered: 5-2003 |
I've always used Hide Food (or Hide Care, as it's called now) on 911 leather, including dashes, without any problems. Once every 6 months or so. Great stuff. Is Hide Food OK for F-cars or should I be using something else? | ||
| Scott DeGhetto (Scott63)
Junior Member Username: Scott63 Post Number: 171 Registered: 4-2003 |
BMW (M5) and Porsche do leather dashes. I have never seen a problem with either. | ||
| Robert Ziino (F355bob)
Junior Member Username: F355bob Post Number: 82 Registered: 8-2002 |
I just had my dash recovered this summer on my 95. I had it covered in leather and they cut the pattern alittle bigger so there was more material to tuck under the defroster vents were it pulled loose. When my car is parked in the sun, I have a sun shield that I place in the windsield so the sun does not beat down on the dash. Stay much cooler in the interior. | ||
| Martin - Cavallino Motors (Miami348ts)
Senior Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 6304 Registered: 5-2001 |
got to feed that leather. once it dries out it is DEAD. Replace it with vinyl, not leather. You can get that stuff that looks just like it. I did a TR like that. good people is important. BTW don't forget to "feed" your steerring wheel as well. Poeple tend to forget the wheel and that gets direct sun and your salty sweaty palms. Salt makes leather go bad fast!\ | ||
| Dr Tommy Cosgrove (Vwalfa4re)
Intermediate Member Username: Vwalfa4re Post Number: 1312 Registered: 5-2001 |
I have heard that too | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 6456 Registered: 12-2000 |
From experience and word of mouth I think Armorall actually is worse for the leather. I use Leatherique. | ||
| Stan Kidd (Pocketbikeracer)
New member Username: Pocketbikeracer Post Number: 26 Registered: 12-2002 |
We have lots of marine/boat upholstery places here. I'll ask some of the yacht guys if they can recommend one or two. I don't think i've owned another car that had a leather dash so i can't speak to the leather versus vinyl debate. Stan | ||
| Dr Tommy Cosgrove (Vwalfa4re)
Intermediate Member Username: Vwalfa4re Post Number: 1309 Registered: 5-2001 |
I have a buddy with a 83 928. His dash is all drawn up too. | ||
| Alex Lee (Alxlee)
Junior Member Username: Alxlee Post Number: 225 Registered: 4-2002 |
Mr Doody: "...of course other manufacturers seem to be able to do leather dashes without a problem...." Not true, also a common problem on Esprits. | ||
| Mr. Doody (Doody)
Intermediate Member Username: Doody Post Number: 1851 Registered: 11-2001 |
i know leatherique has a clear UV protectant that they recommend. i may actually have some, but have never used it. i guess at the end of the day, if they're wrong, leatherique is unlikely to to fork over the buckages to re-cover your dash and console, right? tommy - i agree. way more hassle than its worth. of course don't other manufacturers do leather dashes without a problem? who knows. doody. | ||
| Warren L. (Warren)
Member Username: Warren Post Number: 297 Registered: 2-2002 |
If you aren't suppose to keep your car in the sun why do leatherique products tell you to put it on and then leave the car in the sun | ||
| Dr Tommy Cosgrove (Vwalfa4re)
Intermediate Member Username: Vwalfa4re Post Number: 1307 Registered: 5-2001 |
Once again, this is what I have been bitching about since Ferrari started this leather dash crap again. Recover it in vinyl and save yourself a huge headache again in the future. I am really sorry this is happening. | ||
| James Glickenhaus (Napolis)
Advanced Member Username: Napolis Post Number: 2693 Registered: 10-2002 |
Stan People who can do really excellent work are sadly rare. I'd ask around in your area. Before you use an ulpholstry shop speak with someone's who's used them. Many of the best people are those who work on Hot Rods or boat interiors. | ||
| Mr. Doody (Doody)
Intermediate Member Username: Doody Post Number: 1850 Registered: 11-2001 |
it won't expand by itself, ty. at best you'd have to moisturize the crap out of it and then stretch it. but my assumption would be that it would return back to its shrunken state if you didn't get moisture into it (and maybe stretching too) constantly. maybe it's fixable, but i'd lay odds against you not with you. doody. | ||
| ty (360mode)
Junior Member Username: 360mode Post Number: 210 Registered: 9-2002 |
don't quote me on this, but as i recall, a friend of mine used griots rejuvenator and covered it w/ handi-wrap. i believe he'd leave it covered over night and repeated this process several times. he frequents fchat so i'll ask him to respond. | ||
| Stan Kidd (Pocketbikeracer)
New member Username: Pocketbikeracer Post Number: 25 Registered: 12-2002 |
Doody I agree you, i have always covered it outside, it was already shrunk when i got the car. James: What kind of specialist? Auto Upholstery or speciafically ferrari upholstery? Stan | ||
| Mr. Doody (Doody)
Intermediate Member Username: Doody Post Number: 1848 Registered: 11-2001 |
ya gotta recover it. there's no real way to "stretch" dried-out leather. prevention is the only game on this front. the shrinkage is generally caused by the sun. don't leave the car in direct sunlight. top-up or top-down, i always toss the cover over mine if i have to park it outside for any extended period of time (more than 30 minutes or so). doody. | ||
| James Glickenhaus (Napolis)
Advanced Member Username: Napolis Post Number: 2692 Registered: 10-2002 |
Stan IMHO use a specialist not a dealer. | ||
| Stan Kidd (Pocketbikeracer)
New member Username: Pocketbikeracer Post Number: 24 Registered: 12-2002 |
The stuff i've got now, it's a '97, doesn't feel like leather. It's much stiffer than that or maybe it just sat in the sun too long and got stiff. Any ideas on recovering costs for dealer versus third party? Stan | ||
| James Glickenhaus (Napolis)
Advanced Member Username: Napolis Post Number: 2691 Registered: 10-2002 |
When this happened to my TR the only option I found was to recover it. The shop I used found a material that held up better than the original material. I believe it wasn't leather even though it looked and felt like it. | ||
| allan fiedler (Allanlambo)
Intermediate Member Username: Allanlambo Post Number: 1152 Registered: 6-2002 |
Same problem with my 355. | ||
| Stan Kidd (Pocketbikeracer)
New member Username: Pocketbikeracer Post Number: 23 Registered: 12-2002 |
What can be done? Can it be recovered or is replacement the only worthwhile option? Stan |