using old leather for repairs and reupholstering

[Stevester 500E]

what do you guys thing of using good but used mercedes leather to repair or reupholster seats?

 

[nocfn]

I think rear seats provide awesome samples, along with the entire rear armrest. Being that the front armrest is a case covering and not a foam covering, the underside, while pristine may not be good. After the labor to cost to do all of this, would it not be cheaper to just buy new mb seat covers?

 

[gsxr]

New leather covers from MB are either NLA (most colors) or cost-prohibitive. If you need new, contact G.A.T in SoCal. If you don't mind paying double, contact GAHH, also in SoCal.

Good used covers are a nice option if your old ones are totally trashed and unrepairable, AND you can source nice clean used ones. If your old ones aren't ripped & torn, see if they can be resurrected. Karl posted some impressive photos on his 2nd (?) E500E showing how tired leathers can be restored.

 

[alabbasi]

Not sure that this is a good idea but it really depends on the climate. Some old leather may look good but has already dried out considerably, while it would be fine for many years, the man handling required to stretch leather over the seats to provide a smooth finish could cause it to split.

Better to go with new.

 

[mercepor]

the best option, imho, especially if you repair. you will never find a new leather exactly the same as your old one. old leather match better old seats, even if they are dry.

 

[nocfn]

I bought new covers for the C126, and yes the $1,300 was a big gulp. So if all your safety is up to date, GAHH leather (and I understand GAT) WAS worth it to me. I do treat the leather every year to keep it soft and supple.

 

[Maui]

Karl did some pretty amazing work in this thread.

 

[nocfn]

Agree that one must clean and nourish leather just like you do your skin. It takes several applications and patience for sure. I have turned cardboard dry leather into soft supple skins.

 

[Stevester 500E]

A lot of good input.
I think used leather in good condition might only be good for small repairs.

 

[Stevester 500E]

how does one condition the seats to their original matte finish?
With years of use, seats can become burnished to the leather looks shiny rather than matte.

 

[mmchann]

My 93 300E is approaching antique and the value has doubled over the last 6 years. Always garaged and the leather has been treated annually with Lexol cleaner and conditioner. The driver's seat was showing wear in the usual places and when I went to the upholstery shop, we decided to refinish and dye the leather to the exact original color. Because of the good condition of the leather it had terrific results. The seats look like new and doesn't show ill-fitting seams and poorly matched color as I've seen where people replace their upholster with new at a much greater cost. The cost to refinish both front and rear seats was about $500.00. See photos at the following link: http://memphis.craigslist.org/cto/5757370562.html

 

[sheward]

I use a scotchbrite pad. You can use it dampened with a bit of mild soapy water. Start very softly and check results often, wiping with a clean rag. You should probably re condition afterwards. I generally skip this if the process is not used aggressively and the leather is still supple however my cars don't get much use/exposure.

drew