355 Leather Dash Shrinkage Questions | FerrariChat

355 Leather Dash Shrinkage Questions

Discussion in '348/355' started by BrandSB, May 27, 2009.

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  1. BrandSB

    BrandSB Karting

    Jun 11, 2008
    236
    Canton, Michigan
    Full Name:
    Steve
    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
     
  2. eyboro

    eyboro Formula Junior
    Silver Subscribed

    May 30, 2004
    989
    Chicago
    Full Name:
    Eitan
    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.
     
  3. BrandSB

    BrandSB Karting

    Jun 11, 2008
    236
    Canton, Michigan
    Full Name:
    Steve

    Thanks Eitan, PM sent.

    Anyone else have thoughts and experience with this?
     
  4. FandLcars

    FandLcars F1 Rookie

    Aug 6, 2006
    3,057
    Tempe, Az
    Full Name:
    Rick Schumm
    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.
     
  5. 355

    355 F1 Rookie
    BANNED

    Jan 4, 2005
    3,643
    Toronto
    Full Name:
    Frank
    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.
     
  6. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    37,340
    Cowboy Capitol of the World
    Full Name:
    Brian Crall
    When it shrinks it also loses it's elasticity.

    99.99% of the time it means recovering.
     
  7. Drew_4RE

    Drew_4RE Formula 3
    Owner

    Dec 19, 2005
    2,292
    FL
    Full Name:
    Drew
    So you're saying there's a chance!
     
  8. FandLcars

    FandLcars F1 Rookie

    Aug 6, 2006
    3,057
    Tempe, Az
    Full Name:
    Rick Schumm
    LOL!
     
  9. mad dog

    mad dog Formula Junior

    Jan 5, 2006
    875
    suffolk uk
    Full Name:
    andrew
    #9 mad dog, May 29, 2009
    Last edited: May 29, 2009
    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.
     

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