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

[Pat Garvey]

I conferred with an environmental attorney today, regarding my planned introduction of a phthalic anhydride gel spray to be applied on the underside of 914 upholstery. I'd found a supplier in China (yes, that's right) who could provide it.

I was informed to walk quickly away from this idea, as there are not only environmental concerns with the compound, but to have it made in China opened me up to quality concerns.

So, at this point, my involvement is at an end. Do not send samples, because I have no better ideas.

To give a very basic course of the process.....

Back in the day (70's & earlier) compounds involving phthalic anhydride were reacted with forms of alcohol to produce a compound that was called a plasticizer, to be used in upholstery among other things. Plasticisers, when applied to upholstery backing, kept the upholstery supple. But, as the plasticizers ages they break down under high heat (interior summer heat) & attempt to revert to the original form, releasing phthalate gasses (those fogs you used to get on the insides of the windows) and drying out the vinyl. Of course, the weakest point of the drying issue is where the seat stitching (early 914's) and molded seams (later 914's) is found. Dries out - becomes brittle - fails.

The interesting part of this is that upholstery kits you can get for 914's have been manufactured almost exactly the same! Why the use of phthalic anhydride compounds is OK with them is beyond me.

One of the environmental concerns of this compound is that it has been shown to reduce the size of rats testicles! Think about that after your next drive.....if you're a rat! I don't buy it.

Nonetheless, I close this project. Too bad. I think it had some merit.
Pat