cargo247

Hello all
I took a good look at my 81 seats and the leather looks and feels very hard and was thinking that it won’t be long till I get cracks in the leather.
I was told by a retired leather worker (I think he’s about 89 years old and very wise) that they would use linseed oil to soften leather.
They would clean with water a few soap flakes and a little wood alcohol and before it would dry start rubbing in the oil let it sit for a day and more oil 3 or 4 times , he said that the leather would feel like butter after all the oil and the oil would not come off.
Any thoughts on this before I start.

FB007

Check out some Jagura sites/e-bay, and look for Hide Food.

dannyman

Mink oil.


Don't know about the linseed oil but mink oil is what I use.

noonie

I have used linseed oil, both boiled and regular as a finish for high end
wood finishes.
Don't used boiled linseed oil, make sure it's raw.

"Neatsfoot Oil" is much better.
Put it on liberally, don't be alarmed by the oil film, and let it sit for a day and it will all soak in and sofetn the leather to a better than new state. A couple of applications spread out over a few weeks may be necessary. Don't do it too often, once every 6 months or year thereafter.

mr nasty

Linseed oil is what we use to break our new ball gloves in when I was younger. Rub it in and stick a baseball in it and tie it shut. Worked on ball gloves.



greg

7T1vette

Linseed oil would soften leather [as would about any oil], but I'm sure it wouldn't be my first choice. There are a lot of "leather balms" on the market for high-end furniture, as well as for high-end cars. These have additives for softening, but also things to make leather smell like something other than a...well....a baseball glove...or an old steer. Just a thought.

mr nasty

Did not know linseed oil smelled like a.......well.......a baseball glove.......or an old steer.

cargo247

What about cleanning with water a few soap flakes and a little wood alcohol anyone?

MN80Vette

That's probably OK for cleaning, but doesn't soften leather. Mink oil, Neatsfoot oil, and other leather balms are made specifically for softening leather. I use mink oil on mine.

SLVRSHRK

I have read about people having very good results with Leatherique. My father-in-law used it on his 3000GT to soften the leather on the top of the back seat (which hardened in the Florida sun) and it worked extremely well.

Link:

http://www.leatherique.com/

Sounds like you want the rejuvinator oil.

Brooklinite

I started using Lexol when the wife was into horses (you think vettes are expensive) and I was always happy with it.

capevettes

Leatherique is the way to go. Needs to cure in warmer weather.

Aggitated Monkey

I would stay away from the raw materials that have worked in the early days and go with some comercial form of leather conditioner as many of the members have stated.

I have had very good results with the leather conditioners and cleaners from BMW. I have used it on all of my cars including our '97 Suburban that we sold awhile back. The Suburbans new owner did coment on how well the leather was kepted for 9 years old.

The BMW leather conditioner also maintains the leather smell and is safe for the plastic and vinal areas also.

Stay away from silicon based shinney protectants as they will dry and harden leather.

hotshot79

linseed oil --no, it will work but smelly. too much good new stuff on the market to even consider it.

75 Red Vert

But how many NEATS FEET does it take to make a pint of oil? I haven't seen any NEATS around these parts in several years.

Honestly, that is what I use. Get it at Tandy Leather stores. Works great on leather jackets, boots, shoes, etc.

I'm Batman

Lexol's products work very well.

1stCorvette69

I have over 35 yrs in Restoring British Automobiles, And have came across some leather that looked and felt like cardboard. I did however find a reasonably inexpensive way to restore leather back to being supple again. 50% Neatsfoot oil. and 50% Anhydrous Lanolyn mixed together forming a liquid somewhat like Yogurt . Apply liberaly with good quality brush. repeat untill leather doe's not absorb anymore wipe off access and buff with towel. I try to do this during the summer and park it in the sun the heat helps the leather absorb the mixture. If you can't do this then heat up the mixture in a double boiler so it is hot but not scalding hot. then brush it on. After 2 days usualy the leather will return to feeling like leather again. Do this once a month and the leather will become like a glove..

jim2527

I use their cleaner and conidtioner.

I was amazed at how much dirt came off my GTO seats..

I'm Batman

I had the same reaction the first time I cleaned a seat with their cleaner.

cargo247

I joined here a month or so back when I bought my vet (first one) and you all have been invaluable in getting me though so many things by posting and reading, and I know so many more things will come up, and I feel just fine as I know the combined knowledge must be 3 or 4 thousand years in here.
Thanks to you all for your help
Todd Field
Ontario Canada