cracked leather

[Custom88]

I was doing my ritualistic cleaning of the leather seats today (1st time on this car) and noticed that the leather is already cracking on the left side of the bolster! I'm just wanting to know if there is anything I can do to stop it. It almost seems like the color is flaking off. I wonder if my GM protection Plan extended warranty would cover it? hmm

[JimW]

I got the exact same kinda wear on my car, Custom, then again my car is 5 years older then yours.

I believe a good conditioning should help preserve the moisture and help the durability.

Do you think it could be solar damage over the years as well?...or does the 2nd Gen have some kinda UV protection in the glass?

[Aurora40]

Hey Custom, the leather on our cars, and most GM cars, is spray dyed. The color is sprayed on the leather, thus it can come off. It usually doesn't though. It may be it is wearing far in the bolster because the leather probably rubs together a lot there. A leather conditioner will help to keep it soft, and one that is somewhat slick will help it slide against each side without wearing so much.

You can also touch this up if you'd like, leatherique is apparently very skilled at matching the color if you send them a sample (or a household paint sample that you feel is dead-on for the color).

If you want to make the leather a bit less grabby, I'd suggest a rubber/vinyl conditioner like 303 Aerospace Protectant (you can use it after using a leather conditioner), or a leather conditioner like Pinnacle Leather Conditioner. There are certainly others that will work well, too, that I don't have experience with.

[Aurora40]

JimW said:

Do you think it could be solar damage over the years as well?...or does the 2nd Gen have some kinda UV protection in the glass?

Yeah, the second gen has solar-ray glass all around. It blocks out about 95+% of UV light.

[Custom88]

where can I get some of these awesome products? ;D I'll be getting my oil changed tomorrow and will probably stop at advance auto on my way home. Hopefully they have something there.

Either way, think the warranty could possibly cover something like this?

[Aurora40]

Custom88 said:

where can I get some of these awesome products? ;D I'll be getting my oil changed tomorrow and will probably stop at advance auto on my way home. Hopefully they have something there.

Either way, think the warranty could possibly cover something like this?

You might be able to find 303 Aerospace Protectant at an RV store, or possibly an outdoors store. Unless you live in Florida, you won't find Pinnacle anywhere but online.

Here's 303's website with some location finder links: www.303products.com/main.php?infopage=retailersearch

And several places (many of which also sell 303) for Pinnacle leather conditioner (which has been discussed here if you want a little feedback on it):

www.properautocare.com/pin-340.html
www.pinnaclewax.com/leatcon.html
www.autogeek.net/pinleatcon.html

Keep in mind they won't fix your current damage, but will hopefully slow down further damage. Plus, they are both just nice products anyway.

303 is great on the dash too, and Pinnacle smells really good.

[Aurora40]

Here's where it was discussed a bit previously (in a very long thread): aurorah.proboards20.com/index.cgi?board=Interior&thread=1095541249&action=display&start=24

[scottydl]

I would like to protect and preserve my leather as well, but I personally don't want to be sliding around on them. Is there any way to keep them soft and comfy, without making them slick? Or are all non-slick leather seats eventually going to wear out from the friction?

[Gary]

::)Can anything be done for the cracks. Like does any one sell leather patches?? Or know how to patch??? I have 4 crackes and I'm sure more to come the heat out here( So Cal ) is hard on every thing even us.

Gary

[urbandaddy]

The 2nd gen leather is paint on, thats why you see wear so quickly. Go to your dealer and get them to re-dye the leather. If you are out of warranty, ask them who does it for them.

[crashmedic]

The best product I found for any type of leather is Mr. Leather. You can buy it just about anywhere( i get mine at the grocery store ). It works great , I've used it on my leather couches at home and on the seats in my '97 and on the seats in my mom's '93 Corvette 40th aniversery edition. keeps the leather real pliable and soft, also cleans it. It costs about $2 -$3 per bottle and it goes a long way.

[oldsauroraman1]

aurora40 said:

Custom88 said:

where can I get some of these awesome products? ;D I'll be getting my oil changed tomorrow and will probably stop at advance auto on my way home. Hopefully they have something there.

Either way, think the warranty could possibly cover something like this?

You might be able to find 303 Aerospace Protectant at an RV store, or possibly an outdoors store. Unless you live in Florida, you won't find Pinnacle anywhere but online.

Here's 303's website with some location finder links: www.303products.com/main.php?infopage=retailersearch

And several places (many of which also sell 303) for Pinnacle leather conditioner (which has been discussed here if you want a little feedback on it):

www.properautocare.com/pin-340.html
www.pinnaclewax.com/leatcon.html
www.autogeek.net/pinleatcon.html

Keep in mind they won't fix your current damage, but will hopefully slow down further damage. Plus, they are both just nice products anyway.

303 is great on the dash too, and Pinnacle smells really good.

These are the best I have found as well. The Pinnacle is outstanding in its performance, treatment and smell. Their cleaner is mild while the Lexol Leather Cleaner is a bit stronger. I could'nt more highly recommend the Pinnacle Leather conditioner - its FANTASTIC! ;D ;D ;D

[oldsauroraman1]

Custom: By the wear in your pictures, it appears that you slide down the back of your seat when you are getting in. ?

[Custom88]

oldsauroraman1 said:

Custom: By the wear in your pictures, it appears that you slide down the back of your seat when you are getting in. ?

it was like that when I bought it.

[BNICOV]

GM has a Leather/Vinyl cleaner that works really well. It comes in a can that dispenses the stuff like hair mousse. It cleans and protects the leather and the vinyl surfaces in your car. I used it all the time in my Bonnie and the dash looked like new and the driver's sear was in good shape considering all the wear and tear on it.

[auroralover]

I use saddle soap on both my cars and it works really well. Minimal cracking, keeps it soft without being slippery. Also gives it a nice, clean smell. Usually put on two coats once a month.

[Rora99]

yeah, i have cracking on my drivers seat from the previous owners and im just gonna get new leather for the seats that way i wont have to worry about cracking anymore.

[erw38]

Where would one go to get new leather?

[Rora99]

the dealership, but its crazy expensive, like $900 for one seat, but that was only at the dealership where i got the car at. i will be checking around at other various credible places

[95mushroom]

Ya, that would be at GM's list price. I dunno if you would want to install it or if you'd want a dealership to do it, but gmpartsdirect.com would have the seats for about $250 each section (lower and upper).

[Rora99]

hmmm, ill look into that, and i'd probably have the dealership do it

[bLACk AurOrA]

i had a hole in my seat so you know what i did? got some siccors, a black leather glove (old) some super glue and a black marker. doesnt look like new but whos gonna notice?

[betonthis1]

rora99 said:

yeah, i have cracking on my drivers seat from the previous owners and im just gonna get new leather for the seats that way i wont have to worry about cracking anymore.

i have the same problem. the previous owner did a lot of damage to the front seats and back. i think i can most cleaned up but drivers seat is open so it as a hole. i might just purchase the leather or take it to a professional upholstry shop to make it look factory. i was watching some show on Spike TV and the guy showed how to replace seat covers and it looked pretty simple except you have to take the seats off and take em apart. so not sure how easy that is for seats with power in them.

[oldsauroraman1]

Say, saddle soap only cleans and strips oil from your leather. Go to these folks for EXCELLENT leather care products:
www.autogeek.net/leathercare.html