Drivers side door pull: removing the leather?

[michelin]

The leather is worn and marked from the previous owners rings etc. I realise the actual pull is secured from inside the door therefore necessitating panel removal but is the leather that is attahced to it easily removed without taking the panel off?

Cheers

[Mijostyn]

Hi Michelin. The Leather pull is part of the door trim panel. I am not 100% sure but I think you have to buy the whole panel to replace the pull. In any event you are much better off if you first try to repair the leather. You will be surprised how well you can cover minor defects. Go to Leather World online. Don't buy a kit, just order what you need which is their Finish Filler, Leather Prep/cleaner and the dye that matches your color. If you have an old leather whatever you can practice on this would help but you can redo the repair until the cows come home until you are happy with the results just do not contaminate or sand the stitching. I have used these products for years and nobody would know the leather was repaired unless I pointed it out. Only your hairdresser knows for sure!

Edited July 8, 2013 by Mijostyn

[michelin]

Cheers Mos for the reply. I have actually, luckily enough, sourced two complete door handles with leather. The condition of the leather is superb.

I was trying to see of I could just replace the leather without having to take the door panel off and replace the whole handle. It's looking like I will have to now. I suppose it's not a waste of time as I can Waxoyl inside etc.

:thumbup:

[rob545]

Mijostyn, I tried locating that site as I have a worn section I would like to repair. Would you be able to post a link to the sit? leatherworldonline is not an active site.

Thanks!

[Mijostyn]

Hi rob545,

it is leatherworldtech.com. I should have been more specific. My car had worn seat bolsters and a scraped up e brake handle. You would never know. When you sand use 600 grit silicon carbide paper (the black stuff). Use at least three LIGHT coats of dye. The pros air brush the dye on but if you use a light touch with their foam application pad you can do just as well. Otherwise, just follow their instructions. If you can pracitice on an old leather item you will have all the confidence you need when you get to the car. If you are not happy with the result just light sand the area and start over. Leather is very tough. When you sand you are just removing the surface film. 600 grit paper won't touch the leather.

Edited July 9, 2013 by Mijostyn

[rob545]

Great! Thanks for the advice, I will let you know how it turns out.