leather repair?

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

so I'm trying to load one of my bass cabinets into the back (yes, the 911 serves as a truck now and then) and it pushed against the B-pillar, stretching the leather covering and making a small sort-of-rip spot. Any way to mend this or shore it up? It isn't an area that should get any wear (unlike a seat, and I'll use my smaller cabinet next time), and I'll Lexol the whole thing but I figure there might be some magic goo I could apply that would seal the area.

Hockey fan · 01-23-2003, 10:26 AM

Maybe you could try the stuff they advertise on TV? Liquid Leather or something like that. If it's a small area it might be worth a shot. Plus you would have the bonus of being able to go to the "As Seen on TV" store at the mall. Plus, if I remeber correctly that stuff did quite a job when that heartless person on TV took the 14" Ginsu and hacked up that beautiful "leather" sofa.

In all seriousness, I did a search on Google for leather repair and it looks like there are several options around $20.00.

Good luck,

Jeff

Thomas Owen · 01-23-2003, 11:03 AM

Todd, you may spend longer trying to repair rather than simply recover that piece. I did both in my cab with material from Autos International. Material was < $20, pair of scissors and contact cement. Quite easy to recover.
good luck,

Milu · 01-23-2003, 11:44 AM

If you can get behind the rip. Place a small piece of tape (duct, gaffer, carpet edging or w..h.y.) behind the rip and pull it into shape. I've repaired upholstery rips like this.

scottb · 01-23-2003, 01:19 PM

Todd:

Depending on how big it is, I have a couple of suggestions. First, many of the larger auto supply places (including JC Whitney) have a product that will fill and cover upholstery holes very nicely. (Hockey Fan is describing a variation of this product.) They even have simulated grain to blend with the grain of your existing material. Take a look here: JC Whitney

The other alternative is to bring a company in that will do a professional version of what the DIY kit will do. The PO of my car had drilled a large hole through the lower part of the dash for an alarm keypad. I had a company come in and fill the hole and match the grain. Unless you're *really* looking for the repair, it's virtually invisible.

Good luck.

Scott

walt · walt's Garage

I did a seat repair a few years back with a product made by leatherique, while not perfect it did do a very good job. You will need to send them a swatch of material for a color match. You simply glue a reinforcement piece of leather behind the repair and fill the remaining gap with this colored goop. I would recommend any of their products (no affiliation). Think the web site was leatherique.com.