Yesterday I pulled the back seat out of the Monaro to conduct a scientific survey deep within the secret laboratory in my garage.
One side I have generously massaged into the leather some of
@Fu Manchu's recommended Palmer's Coconut Oil lotion ..... smells wonderful.
The other side I have used my old favourite, Oakwood Leather Treatment.
Then covered the lot with an old sheet to deter spies, flies and dust.
Going to leave it like that for a few days, and use my digital sensors to compare the result.
Update, but first a bit of history.
The car was bought new in June 2004, and used it as a daily for just over 4 years, racking up nearly 90Km. The parking choice at work was under trees which left it covered it with leaves, sap and birdsh, or unprotected in the sun. I chose in the sun, ands used sunshields as best I could.
At one stage, I used a well known brand of auto leather conditioner, in accordance with instructions, which left the black leather covered in white residue. And that took a lot of elbow grease to remove.
Then the stitching on the top of the back seat split. As it was still under warranty, I referred the problem to the selling dealer, who referred me to the servicing dealer, who referred me to Holden Customer Service Direct, who sent a ‘manager’ to look at the problem.
And he said ‘Nuh’. But, they did have replacement covers in stock for only $731 per side.
Not long after that, I started a new job with a business which also employed two very competent motor trimmers. Their opinion was, the leather was a crap ‘split’, and the stitching used could not have been UV tolerant. So, the covers were stripped from the seats, deconstructed past the affected areas, soaked with “Oakwood” for a few weeks until the leather was soft, and restitched very carefully using the same stitch holes.
End result, no evidence of the repair and $1,462 cheaper.
After that episode, I pull the seat out every 2 years and give it a good application.
Now, for my careful and considered survey ………
Oakwood >>. Defiantly labour intensive, greasy, and have to give it a good buff after a few days to take the shine off.
Still my pick for rejuvenating cardboard hard leather ............. if you have the time.
Palmers Coconut Oil >>. If the leather is in good condition, easy to apply, leaves a nice matt finish on the leather, smells enticing, and leaves the leather softer than before. My pick for quick and easy.
Good recommendation choice,
@Fu Manchu.
