Leather seats condition and preservatio

[freesaints]

I have partial leather in my 1987 Turbo per the COA. The passenger seat in particular is very stiff, almost plastic-y on the seat back insert and inner side bolsters. You can see in the pics on the bolster there almost seems to be "melted" spots, where the surface is very smooth in relation to the "grain" around it. Not sure what would cause the leather to do this. From what I understand, this part of the seat (the part of the seat you touch when you sit) is leather with the sides and back being vinyl. A couple of questions:

1. What could cause this type of texture and am I right in thinking this is leather? I've heard that modern cars actually have a plastic coating to the leather, is that true here as well?

2. What are the differences between the different leather conditioners (and I've read multiple threads on this, but it comes down to what people like). But I'm curious if one is better than another for a particular use case (maintenance, restoration, etc) since they have drastically different consistencies: Lexol (watery, easily absorbed), Zaino (creamy), Obenaufs (thicker like glycerin) or Leather Honey (very thick). I've actually used all of these but can't tell if one is working better than another or when I should be using one versus another.

3. Can I use 303 Aerospace to protect the leather in between conditioning or is just using the conditioner sufficient? I use 303 on all my vinyl but not sure if I should start putting it on the leather as well.

[walt]

303 is for vinyl and rubber, don't use this on your leather. All those leather conditioners you noted are good. I heard Obernauf's is excellent but I've never tried it.

If the leather is stiff you might want to try something like Leatherique. Apply several coats and let it sit in the sun for a day. I have used this and it does the job.

[uwanna]

Read this long thread about a product by Obenhaufs , many folks on this forum have used it with miraculous results.
Soften those "cardboard stiff" leather seats!

[shadowjack1]

I have used Obenhaufs with great results. Let the car sit in the sun for a day or two.. Several applications may be needed.

[speedracer92]

Originally Posted by walt

If the leather is stiff you might want to try something like Leatherique. Apply several coats and let it sit in the sun for a day. I have used this and it does the job.

What is can't leave in sun? Other options to get Leatherique to soak in?

[freesaints]

I've heard wrapping in plastic and using a heat source like a blow dryer to heat up the leather. Also heard that bringing the Obenhaufs temp up prior to application helps.

[86 911 Targa]

^^^^^^
Used this for +++++++decades.

No complaints.

Gerry

[TibetanT]

^^^^ +++
Yes! Connolly is one of the best to use.

I too, have used this product for the many years of ownership and my leather seats look like they came off of the Factory floor.

[freesaints]

Thanks all, I have not heard of Connolly's before now. I'll probably use up the products I already have since they're all pretty good.

Anyone still have any idea on the weird texturing I'm seeing on the bolsters? I'm wondering what would cause that on leather?

[chuckr]

I personally use Leatherique products. If I had to guess what has textured your seat, some kind of treatment/product has overly dried the outer surface and or left a dried coating on your leather.
Be sure to give them a good cleaning with a quality product for cleaning leather. I have also had good results with Leather Master products. Leatherique tends to work best on old Leather, Leather Master on the newer leather.

[freesaints]

hmm, that's interesting. I've got the Obenhauf's cleaner as well (and Zainos), I can try and be more thorough on cleaning those spots and then reapply the conditioner. Worth a shot at least. But it does seem to look almost like it's melted, but with this being leather, that shouldn't be the case. Also, I notice that when doing the scratch test for leather, nothing happens (no lighter color where I scratch), almost like this has been painted or coated with something.