Seat stittching - older 914's, Protection - rejuvination Options

[Pat Garvey]

My seats haven't had a full load in several years (it's a 72). The early cars had stititching on the seats, as opposed to moulded seams on the newer cars. Thus far I've had no problems with the stiching, but fear the worst. I, personally , have never encountered a product that REALLY softens the surrounding vinyl Areas, so the stitching remains usable. I worry that the first 6 months of road use will find the stitching causing the vinyl to tear.

Anyone dealing with this?
Pat

[tod914]

I head good things about a product called 303. Originally used as a protectant for marine applications, the concours guys seem to be using it on rubber/vinyl on their cars. Non slip non gloss product. Might be worth a try.

[Tom_T]

I head good things about a product called 303. Originally used as a protectant for marine applications, the concours guys seem to be using it on rubber/vinyl on their cars. Non slip non gloss product. Might be worth a try.

I've used it on the FG pop-top of my Westy to good effect, but hadn't tried it on my BMW seats at all.

I may try it on the worst crusty parts of the "extra" beige backpad I got to use the better areas to repair my seats (since that color leatherette is NLA & not matchable with newer fabrics out there).

I'll try some applications & see if it works at all & report back later. I also have some Vinylex that I can try.

I can do so in various test areas of the more faded stuff (e.g.: more weather & sun deteriorated areas), as I'll be using the more protected areas behind where the seats sit for my repairs.

Let me know if there are any other treatments worth a test at "Tom's Consumer Reporting"! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

There must be something out there which can rejuvenate & replace the lost plasticizers Pat refers to above, even if organic compounds!?
If my Dad the petro-chemist were still alive, I'd ask him, but alas.....he passed in 12/08!