Leatherique Custom Dye Issues

Thank you John, I installed the driver seat this morning, the color is an excellent match. I’ll definitely be spraying the passenger seat too. The HVLP spray gun is an excellent choice for large jobs, the gun doesn’t have to be anything too extravagant. I haven’t used one in 30 years, but with a little practice and adjustments to find the best fan, pattern and air pressure the results are amazing. The one I picked up was a cheapie.
I updated the webpage with photos, attached are a few. Thank you again for your kind words and a good weekend to you too, and anyone else reading also!
https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B0k53qWtHJupWzd

Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Matt, A good technique to apply dye and avoid contact with stitching, is the use of vinyl electrical tape. Here is a link to a YouTube video describing the process.



Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Started on the passenger seat today, as Ronald Reagan used to say “Well, there you go again“….
After an early spirited drive,
Removal,
Disassembly,
Leatherique Rejuvenating oil for a few days…
Spraying next weekend.

Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

I could use some smarts in removing the headrest from my next seat re-dye, as my original is in better condition. Searching posts, I found the following:

There are 2 metal chrome clips that prevent the headrest from fully coming out. If you gently pull the top of the horizontal cushion (this is the inner part of the seat you rest against) toward you, you can gain enough access to remove those clips with some needle nose pliers.
The head rests will then pull out with no drama.
You do not need to remove the plastic grommets and when you reinstall the head rests you can leave the locking clips out if you wish.

I'm having trouble locating the clips mentioned. Attached is a photo of the upper left portion of my seat back, with the cushion pulled down, exposing the bottom of the headrest post. If someone could kindly explain where to look for the clips on each side, it would be most appreciated.

Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

The Passenger seat is finished and back in the car. I decided that the tunnel cover could use some attention and removed that today. A few nicks and scars to be taken care of with crack filler, then spray with Color-Plus dye next week.

Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Thank you for the kind words John. Yes, before I tackled this project I took my driver seat to a “local expert”, that’s why I decided to redo it myself. He tried twice on the color match.

 

Completed the tunnel cover refinish/spray yesterday. Also installed my original shift, (switches) plate and ashtray which I refinished earlier to use as spares. I purchased new ones in 2018, although they show signs of turning sticky and are on their way to Dave Lelonek at Sticky RX Refinishing Solutions for his magic. Dave refinished the Climate Control late last year.

Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login 8 Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Here is a link to the post I made on my ashtray refinish. Note, a good hint is to place a spacer under the ashtray and when tightening, not too much torque. This helps prevent warping of the plastic over time. While the tunnel cover was removed, it was a good opportunity to see how much thickness was required. In my case I was surprised to find that I needed about 3/16 inch.
https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/ashtray-refurbish.655271/
And a link to Dave’s .pdf on ashtray repair.
http://**********.com/Downloads/Sticky-RX-Refinishing-Solutions_Ferrari_F355%20Ashtray%20Frame%20Repair_REV000.pdf


Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Thank you for the kind words! I’m just a DYI guy and first time working with leather. I did a lot of reading and some practice initially until deciding to use a HVLP spray gun, (haven’t used one of those in 30 years). I give a great deal of credit to the ColorPlus products. As far as doing this for a living, it’s not easy, respirator and eye protection and a lot of cleanup, but I have a great deal of love for my Ferrari! It’s keeping me young.

 

Thank you! My drivers seat was initially the main concern, as it was dyed by the second owner due to bolster wear and a poor match, at only 5 years and 11k miles. The first owner was rough on it. Also the lumbar support shaft was broken. Thus the find on eBay of a drivers seat. ColorPlus did a great match of the piece that I sent them for match, but of course with UV fading, color is a bit off in places. Never paying much attention as I am now, the lower "tan" portion of the dash has a much more yellow tint than the door cards which are both original. I notice this too on other cars, probably the process and lot from differing suppliers.

So, yes, I think I'm finished, the main reason for the tunnel cover work was to fix nicks and scratches.

 

I didn’t cover the stitching and was surprised that the individual strands were still visible, not packed with dye and still a contrast. As displeased as I was with Leatherique dye, their prepping products are amazing if you haven’t used them. After following their directions I was very impressed with the outcome before the dye application. Since the seat will need a prepping process regardless, I would suggest that first before considering dye.

 

The products are less expensive if you order directly from their website rather than Amazon or detail shops.
They have good instructions that are available for download. The process is, Rejuvenating oil first, followed by Pristine clean and finally the prepping agent. But only the prepping agent before a dye process. Crack fill is also available. http://www.leatherique.com/

Here’s a sample screenshot of the Prepping agent that you asked about. Again I have no relationship with this company, their products are very good but I’ve not had a good experience with her dye.

Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Matt, looking at the Amazon link that you posted, that’s a good price for that package. I’d hold off on the prep. agent until you see how those items work for you.

 

The seat looks in pretty reasonable shape for the most part. Is that crack filler on the left bolster?