355 Leather Dash Shrinkage Questions

My pending 355 will be going through it's mechanical PPI in a couple of days. One of the items highlighted during the cosmetic inspection was shrinkage of the leather dash on the passenger side. My inspector said that it's pretty noticeable. Just wondering if anyone has had any luck stretching these back and restoring the look of the grain or is re-covering the only real option to get back to normal?

Thanks

 

If the shrinkage is noticeable then I don't think stretching is possible. This is a common occurrence on the F355; I had mine recovered with exact leather color and stitching. If you condition the leather regularly shrinkage will not occur again.

If you need a source for leather recover PM me, I got a great source and reasonable price.

 

Thanks Eitan, PM sent.

Anyone else have thoughts and experience with this?

 

No experience, but if there was a chance of re-stretching the leather, I'd think the best approach would be to give the leather a thorough treatment with Leatherique to soften it as much as possible. Probably better to replace it, though, IMO.

 

I treat mine with the connolly hyde care once a year. I also dont leave my car frying in the sun much especially with the windows up.

 

When it shrinks it also loses it's elasticity.

99.99% of the time it means recovering.

 

So you're saying there's a chance!

 

LOL!

 

Sounds like hope for us all......

although failing that my new 355 is getting an alcantara dash. Simon Connely (of the leather) put one in in my 348 (rip) and it was one of the best things about it. well that and the x-ost.