StylishOne Posted April 5, 2020 Share Posted April 5, 2020 I definitely want to keep my original leather trimmed interior. It will need to be cleaned softened n dyed. Need to start with deep cleaning n making it soft again. What's worked great for any of you guys?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keiser31 Posted April 5, 2020 Share Posted April 5, 2020 (edited) My honey who worked with leather suggests saddle soap. She does it the old school way. YouTube is your friend.... https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=saddle+soap+cleaning Edited April 5, 2020 by keiser31 (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StylishOne Posted April 6, 2020 Author Share Posted April 6, 2020 Thank you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsancle Posted April 6, 2020 Share Posted April 6, 2020 My dad has been using Lexol on his leather interiors for 60 years. I use it too. I can show you an interior that was done in 1960 and you would think it was new. I try to treat my leather at least once a year. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C Carl Posted April 6, 2020 Share Posted April 6, 2020 Saddle soap is for saddles, according to my Sandy. She has straddled a few. Neats foot oil is for baseball gloves. The characteristics of each application should be matched to the right tool for the job. Critical factors include the proper ph. I have massaged a lot of the old Hide Food into old leather, after working Lexol cleaner up to a foaming lather. Lexol have done a massive amount of chemical engineering to produce a modern product made for automotive leather. Nasty rumor the Chinese bought them out. Leatherique is also a product of choice among high end detailers. I have used it with good results, too. Bill Hirsch, (R.I.P., my friend), would be first stop for dying leather. - Carl 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StylishOne Posted April 6, 2020 Author Share Posted April 6, 2020 Thank you. The type of leather I have isnt soft it's more firm, appreciate the help but interior is light colored n needs painting. We did it all the time on light colored Rolls interiors. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_S_in_Penna Posted April 6, 2020 Share Posted April 6, 2020 The owner of a well reputed restoration shop in this area, one I have used, told me this scenario: He had a car in his shop with its original leather that had become hard and lost its pliability. Every day while that car was in his shop for some restoration work, he applied Neats Foot Oil to the leather. I think he did this for many months; but at the end, the leather was soft and pliable and like new. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StylishOne Posted April 6, 2020 Author Share Posted April 6, 2020 I used it after I saddle soaped the seats to clean them, then used Neats foot oil.. I saved 2 original 53 Eldo interiors that way it takes time and care, but can work. It worked great for me. Most guys just buy new leather which has a completely different feel than those leathers of the 50,60s. It's like making a mens coat out of chiffon . It wont hold the shape you need. So without custom tanning and finishing the hides to match what I have, I'd rather simply clean n respray what I have. Besides few interior guys can do work on more elaborate interiors of that time and get them to look factory. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brasscarguy Posted April 6, 2020 Share Posted April 6, 2020 Just do it right the first time, use Connollys Hyde treatment from England. It is the finest leather treatment available. Rolls Royce recommends it for their fine leather interiors. Availible on Amazon. Have used it for over 40 years myself on MG's to Rolls Royce with excellent results brasscarguy 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Real Steel Posted April 6, 2020 Share Posted April 6, 2020 Mr. Pie says, "Don't let your leather just rot away" 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesR Posted April 6, 2020 Share Posted April 6, 2020 Not wanting to hijack the thread - and I don't think I am really - but I'm going to be coloring some leather upholstery with SEM Classic Coat within the next few months. The leather seems mostly in good condition, but it would be nice to soften it a bit. I know the SEM procedure calls for general cleaning, then cleaning with an SEM soap, then applying an SEM leather prep, then applying the color. I'm wondering, however, if any of that will accomplish what a hide food or Lexol product will do? If not, when in the process should I apply the Lexol/hide food/whatever? Before or after the SEM? Also, will an SEM coloring allow leather conditioning treatments to be applied after the SEM coloring has been applied? Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
just me Posted April 6, 2020 Share Posted April 6, 2020 This product was recommended to me.. Plan to try it. http://www.leatherique.com/ Charely Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
58L-Y8 Posted April 6, 2020 Share Posted April 6, 2020 Fiebling's Hide Food works best, doesn't discolor while it softens and regenerates. Fiebling makes a variety of leather care products. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StylishOne Posted April 6, 2020 Author Share Posted April 6, 2020 Thanks..Never heard of them .. where is it sold? Do they make a dye? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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