Seat reupholstery on 996

[Speedobird]

Hello

Does anyone know of a reputable shop that sells new leather covering for Porsches? I would like to refurbish the seats on my 996 (MY99). I tried recoloring the worn part with a custom dye but it started to crack again after 3 years. It probably needs new covers (for Xmas project).

Also if anyone knows the name or color code of the tannish seat I would be grateful.

Thank you in advance,

[Long Islander]

www.gahh.com sells leather interior kits. I haven't dealt with them but they've been around for quite a while. Are you going to do the work yourself?

[Speedobird]

Thank you for the information. Yes, I would like to do it over this christmas sometime. Hope it is an easy job. Will let you know with some pictures.

I apologize for response delay. I was on vacation.

[White987S]

Hello

I tried recoloring the worn part with a custom dye but it started to crack again after 3 years. It probably needs new covers (for Xmas project).

Also if anyone knows the name or color code of the tannish seat I would be grateful.

Thank you in advance,

Talk to JoAnne at www.colorplus.com. You might be able to save your current leather.

[P-Kay]

G'day Speedobird,

I'm not too sure what product you used for your seats, but I have recently purchased Leatherique and I have to say the results are as good as the pictures!

I redyed my wife's seats in her Mercedes and although the test of time is still pending, so far so good...

I also conditioned and cleaned my seats and the suppleness has well and truly been revived. I don't want to dye them just yet as I am okay with the creases in the bolsters.

Good luck whichever path you choose

Peter

[Chuck996]

I used Leatherique and had very bad results and the co. said screw you. Do not use -- customer service and product quality bad. Just hate to see other Renntech's get taken.

Chuck

[White987S]

I used Leatherique and had very bad results and the co. said screw you. Do not use -- customer service and product quality bad. Just hate to see other Renntech's get taken.

Chuck

I (we) don't know all the details, but I have been a Porsche enthusiast for over 9 years now, and this is the first time I can remember someone speaking out in a negative fashion about Leatherique. Whatever.

[Speedobird]

Hello

I tried recoloring the worn part with a custom dye but it started to crack again after 3 years. It probably needs new covers (for Xmas project).

Also if anyone knows the name or color code of the tannish seat I would be grateful.

Thank you in advance,

Talk to JoAnne at www.colorplus.com. You might be able to save your current leather.

Thank you for your suggestion. Actually I treated the seats using a dye from Colorplus three years ago but it started cracking lately. They've done a fantastic job of matching color. I wonder if I should have sprayed the color instead of brushing or used some treatment afterward. I also stored the car for a couple of years right after.

[White987S]

Speed, you've got to keep the leather conditioned. I really like using Zaino Z10 for this. And as for long term storage, I use several pounds of disiccant in the cabin, when my cars are stored away for winter hibernation. Just another idea to ponder.

[Speedobird]

Speed, you've got to keep the leather conditioned. I really like using Zaino Z10 for this. And as for long term storage, I use several pounds of disiccant in the cabin, when my cars are stored away for winter hibernation. Just another idea to ponder.

Thanks. I should have done treated the seats more frequently.

[Mijostyn]

Hi Speedo,

Just caught this thread and having done this I might be able to save you some grief.

Putting new leather on a Recaro seat is like trying to put a girdle on an elephant. Forget about trying to do this with the seats in the car.

Take them out and bolt them to the middle of two 8 foot 2 x 4s. Sort of like putting them on skis. Stand on the 2 x 4s when you are working. Cut the old leather off paying attention as to how the leather clips and attaches onto the seat frame. Try not to damage the foam. Put the bolsters on first. I have only done this with OEM leather so I can't speak for the aftermarket stuff but, you will have some wrinkles and loose spots. Gently heating them up with a heat gun will usually take them out. If not don't worry. A few days parked in the sun will do the job.

Just the bolster on the back of a sport seat is $1000.00 from Porsche. Please let us know the cost of the aftermarket stuff and how it turns out.

Oh, and Leatherique is excellent stuff. The reason for the varied opinion might be that Porsche uses two kinds of leather. The regular stuff is painted not dyed. The Natural leather is dyed not painted. The Leatherique will darken the Natural leather unevenly making it look like a splotchy mess. After about 2 weeks the leather will return to it's regular color. It does not change the color of the regular leather at all.

In keeping leather supple and softening dried out leather I have not found a better product. For routine cleaning I use Griot's leather cleaner and conditioner only because I like the smell of the stuff. I do the Leatherique once a year.

Edited September 30, 2013 by Mijostyn

[Mijostyn]

I just checked out gahh. They only make stuff for cars older than 1994! But, the stuff is about 1/2 Porshce price.

[Speedobird]

Thank you all. I'll try redye the seats again and see if it fails the second time. It is a significant cost savings compared to new seat cover.

[Speedobird]

Thanks for your input. I will post the results whenever I get to it.