Professonal interior restoration on my 308 | FerrariChat

Professonal interior restoration on my 308

Discussion in 'New England' started by stevel48, Nov 30, 2012.

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  1. stevel48

    stevel48 Formula 3

    Jan 4, 2005
    1,998
    Metrowest MA
    Full Name:
    Steve (85 308 Owner)
    #1 stevel48, Nov 30, 2012
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    So, I just dropped off my full interior for restoration at local shop by the name of Hub Leather. I spoke to 6 shops (4 local and 2 out of state) about the restoration of the finish on the leather. It’s in really good shape other than a few nicks and the damage done to the color finish by Leatheriques cleaning products. I was out to preserve the Connolly and not reskin the interior. I found that the upholstery shops simply scuff the surface and then spray new dyes on and charge you $1000. It was the leather restoration and refinishers that knew what they were doing. They take the time and care to repair, restore, recondition, and redye the leather. Hub was the local shop that had the most detailed process and best customer education.

    Hub’s Process;
    We custom match the color to the reference (water based dye), sand out the thin upper layer of the finish (exfoliate so to speak the dried finish) to remove old dead finish. We then ad conditioning to feed the leather. Once the leather is dried on the surface, we then add the base coats for adhesion and then rebuild the finish with mostly wipe coats (1 or 2 diluted spray coats are done), sand more to keep the material super thin and flexible. We then spray a - cross linked- top coat to seal the work. Finally, we let the finish sit for another week or so and then end with a final detail with 3000 grit pads and a final condition coat for good measure.

    Since Hub is not an upholstery shop I completely stripped and prepped my interior by taping off the carpet sections on the doors and removing all the little trim pieces and then dropped it off to them. I should have it back in 2 weeks so here are the before pictures after I did some serious cleaning. See the tri-colored door panel… The finish appears to be original as the threads are not dyed and the color under the seat backs and other parts match.

    The first photo shows the affects of the leatherique cleaner that dripped under the seats that I was not able to reach and wpe off.

    The second photo shows more damage from the leatherique cleaner. You have the original color under the arm rest, the faded color from sun exposure and then the stripped dye area.

    This will take maybe a month so until next time...

    Before
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  2. stevel48

    stevel48 Formula 3

    Jan 4, 2005
    1,998
    Metrowest MA
    Full Name:
    Steve (85 308 Owner)
    quick update from the shop

    Hi Steve


    Yes, we have completed the hydrating and fat liquoring stage and let it sit. I will next lightly score the surface to establish a "tooth" for our wipe on coats with the custom color match...


    I'm hoping to have the wipe on coat completed by this friday
     
  3. necron2600

    necron2600 Rookie

    Feb 7, 2005
    29
    NW of Boston, MA USA
    Full Name:
    Kevin
    Just curious :)
     
  4. stevel48

    stevel48 Formula 3

    Jan 4, 2005
    1,998
    Metrowest MA
    Full Name:
    Steve (85 308 Owner)
    Yes. I just might have it all back this week. Ill keep it updated
     
  5. stevel48

    stevel48 Formula 3

    Jan 4, 2005
    1,998
    Metrowest MA
    Full Name:
    Steve (85 308 Owner)
    #5 stevel48, Mar 15, 2013
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I picked up all of the pieces this morning and I’m really happy with the work. I love the color, it feels great, the leather is soft, the finish has the correct sheen to it, all of the nicks were repaired, the grain pattern is intact and it looks factory without the newly dyed look (if that makes sense). Not too shabby for hundreds of dollars. Not thousands

    Here are the after pics.
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  6. steve@amne

    steve@amne Formula Junior

    Jul 14, 2007
    534
    Norwood, MA
    Full Name:
    Steve O
    Looks good Steve...stop by when you have it together.
     
  7. stevel48

    stevel48 Formula 3

    Jan 4, 2005
    1,998
    Metrowest MA
    Full Name:
    Steve (85 308 Owner)
    absolutely Steve. Probably the end of April
     
  8. gallalegerra

    gallalegerra Rookie

    Mar 15, 2013
    1
    west chester
    Full Name:
    John J Gallagher lll
    looks excellent what is there phone #?
     
  9. MortgageRockstar

    Feb 8, 2013
    99
    Mansfield, MA
    Full Name:
    Geof
  10. wahoowa

    wahoowa F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Aug 7, 2008
    10,968
    _East Coast_
    Full Name:
    Bill
    Hi Steve,

    The leather resto looks awesome! I do recall reading the post re the leatherique issue. Upon review of the second picture is there a chance that the application removed more "dirt" from some areas than others, hence the discoloration? In other words, might another application have resulted in a uniform color appearance? I have no "dog in this hunt" just have been using leatherique a while and was disheartened (for you) to hear of this.

    It's just too bad you had this experience.

    Bill
     
  11. Triton

    Triton Karting

    May 17, 2009
    182
    Boston - Metro West
    Full Name:
    Paul M
    Steve,
    It looks great...can't wait to see it at our first get together.
    Just picked up the 355 from its major service at AMNE yesterday. Its running great, it looks great...hope to start getting it out soon.
    I will post a couple pics today

    Paul
     
  12. stevel48

    stevel48 Formula 3

    Jan 4, 2005
    1,998
    Metrowest MA
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    Steve (85 308 Owner)
    Unfortunately no. It was dye. the amount on the rags said it all
     
  13. stevel48

    stevel48 Formula 3

    Jan 4, 2005
    1,998
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    Steve (85 308 Owner)
    Paul budcy was that your 355 in steves post? Ill set up a meet for late april or early may.
     
  14. djkling

    djkling Formula Junior

    Sep 28, 2012
    498
    Newfields, NH
    Full Name:
    Domenic
    So did anyone get contact info and also... Anyone know if you have to remove the leather parts from the car?
     
  15. stevel48

    stevel48 Formula 3

    Jan 4, 2005
    1,998
    Metrowest MA
    Full Name:
    Steve (85 308 Owner)
    So, I removed the interior and so would anyone else. These guys are just refinishers and they wouldn't have a clue about how to remove it. The place is Hub leather. Google them and you will find their site. They did a really good job but it wasn’t perfect. I did some touch up with the left over dye once I got it back. I was happy with it for what I paid.
     
  16. stevel48

    stevel48 Formula 3

    Jan 4, 2005
    1,998
    Metrowest MA
    Full Name:
    Steve (85 308 Owner)
    As as follow up, if you want this done by a pro, bring your car to Steve Oldford at Aston Martin New England and their shop will take care of removal, refinish and installation.
     

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