Fixed cracked leather on 1991 Q45 (pictures)

[ti286]

It's possible to repair cracked and faded automobile leather as a DIY project. I used a professional kit I purchased myself ($1000+), which I plan to use for my detailing business, but for about $140 and 8 hours of your time, you can restore your leather to like-new condition. Spend an extra $50 for conditioning oil, and it could be even better than new. There are many retailers online who sell DIY kits, but I don't know which to recommend; just do a Google search.

Driver's seat before:https://home.comcast.net/~rrkt...0.JPG

Driver's seat after:https://home.comcast.net/~rrkt...0.JPG

Steering wheel before:https://home.comcast.net/~rrkt...0.JPG

Steering wheel after:https://home.comcast.net/~rrkt...0.JPG

Also, I have found that severely corroded "pie pan" wheels can be repaired on older Qs. First, use a strong acid wheel cleaner and steel wool to scrape the dirt and brake dust out of the spokes. Acid wheel cleaner can be purchased from topoftheline.com. Do not let the acid rest on the wheel for more than 120 seconds without hosing it off! Then scrub the center caps with a green scotch pad and paint them with rattle can paint.

Before:https://home.comcast.net/~rrkt...0.JPG

Afterhttps://home.comcast.net/~rrkt...0.JPG

By the way, the car is for sale. See details here:https://home.comcast.net/~rrkti/q45.htm

I don't intend to sell the car in this particular post, but direct you to this URL to give you an example of a web page format that I have found to be very successful in selling my used cars. Always, always provide as much info and pictures as possible when selling your car. It fetches a lot more interest.

[CrimsonQ]

wow that leather looks incredible!

[elwesso]

Wow thats exactly what I would need to make my drivers side seat look perfect...

Did you use leatherique??? Id like to hear more on the actual procedure.

[350zQ45a]

The entire process is posted on their website. They have multiple people send in emails on how it was performed, then the owners of leatherique have a detailed section on a jag fix.

Leatherique is the best.

[Rex]

Not to be a jerk, but the console in these 2 pics don't appear to be from the same car??

[tkd_q45]

Are you ever going to be in the LA (Los Angeles that is) area? I'd love to have the same work done on my Q! BTW - Looks Great!!!!!

[ti286]

Not to be a jerk, but the console in these 2 pics don't appear to be from the same car??

Good observation. I bought a used wood dash kit from another Nico member (3rd Q) to replace the old one, which was...garbage.

[QShip]

Nice job on the leather!

[elwesso]

Good observation. I bought a used wood dash kit from another Nico member (3rd Q) to replace the old one, which was...garbage.

What kit to fix the leather did you use?

[kimrober]

Amazing result!! Could you let us know where did you get the kit from? and what's the name of the kit?Good job man!

[3rd Q]

Good observation. I bought a used wood dash kit from another Nico member (3rd Q) to replace the old one, which was...garbage.

ti,That dash looks much better w/your interior than it did w/my burgundy one!Love to hear more details on the leather repair- looks awesome!Paul

[DrewQ45]

ti,

I must say that's an amazing difference.

How does it hold up after you sit on it for a while? I'm imagining that the dye would start rubbing off on clothes and the cracks would come back quickly.

Not meaning to be negative, it's just the natural skeptic in me. (Plus I'm secretly jealous)

...Drew....

[RobertsnewQ]

The PO of my car did that to the steering wheel and it came off pretty soon after. Don't know if it's the same kit. I've been tempted to fix a few spots on my seats too, but I have very little faith that it will work long-term.

[ti286]

I used a professional's kit from Trimflex Vinyl (cost thousands), but I've looked into Leatherique's products, and for about $150 in parts and eight hours of your time, you could get the same results I got.

I have driven the car 1000 miles in 80 and 90 degree weather, and the dye has not worn off. I have two coats of water-tight sealant laid down over the dye; it's permanent.

[louiegz]

I saw this online that looks interesting.

http://www.leathermagic.com/Se...rdc=4#

I don't know if it any good but they have a chart to match Infiniti colors.

http://www.leathermagic.com/se...cid=8

[jamesmost]

not the same car look at the steering wheel pics the center consul rear of the shifter is damaged on the befor pic and perfect on the after pic, if it is the same it is a miracle

[Rex]

not the same car look at the steering wheel pics the center consul rear of the shifter is damaged on the befor pic and perfect on the after pic, if it is the same it is a miracle

I offered a similar observation (see above) and he mentioned that he had changed the "wood trim" from an original/crappy kit, to the much better kit you see int he 2nd pic.

[elwesso]

not the same car look at the steering wheel pics the center consul rear of the shifter is damaged on the befor pic and perfect on the after pic, if it is the same it is a miracle

Good observation. I bought a used wood dash kit from another Nico member (3rd Q) to replace the old one, which was...garbage.

Helps to read the thread buddy ...

[jamesmost]

no doubt it is just too good to be true

[ti286]

I used a professional's kit from Trimflex Vinyl (cost thousands), but I've looked into Leatherique's products, and for about $150 in parts and eight hours of your time, you could get the same results I got.

I have driven the car 1000 miles in 80 and 90 degree weather, and the dye has not worn off. I have two coats of water-tight sealant laid down over the dye; it's permanent.

[Jesda]

Thanks for posting the pictures. Gives some hope for my brother's Q.

Its weird saying "my brother's Q"

[FarFetched]

Sounds as appealing as Q45 avg 26-29 MPG using ACETONE trick Cheers!

[Q45denver]

Has anyone tried the Leatherique on vinyl. Just wondering if it would work since it is water based? Does it rub off and need to be clear coated.

[szh]

Has anyone tried the Leatherique on vinyl. Just wondering if it would work since it is water based? Does it rub off and need to be clear coated.

A few days ago, I ordered the Leatherique basic kit (the rejuvenator and conditioner stuff ... not the dye or repair kit.) It should arrive next week sometime. I will compare it to what I use today (Lexol is the name, I think) and post ...

Z

[Death by Mullet]

Man! That seems impossible.... Good job.

Mullet