leather treatment

[trrdster2000]

Hi all,
Just starting on my newly acquired 2000 XK8. Apart from cleaning all the scrapes off the front spoiler and gluing some of the cloth around the windshield back, I now would like to clean and condition the seats.
Anyone have a best in show product???
Had an email from England that stated the XK8 has some sort of coating on it and will not absorb a conditioner and will end up on my rear. At seventy I'm not sure this is a cosmetic I need or want. I just found it a bit strange, as my car care book has Jaguar products for the prescribed problem and surely Jaguar would not be selling me something unnecessary.
My Jag dealer is about 50 miles away, so I'm looking for a good substitute, Advance had a bunch, but I'd rather ask than make a big mistake.

Thanks in advance, Wayne

 

[Grantura_MKI]

Try Hide Food. You apply it and wait until it soaks in, then wipe with a claen towel.

 

[Silverghost]

Lexol is always a good choice. I think they make a cleaner and a "food".

 

[jjbunn]

I've been using Leatherique for a few years now, and am very pleased with the results. In particular I had a Saab with tan leather seats that looked like cr*p - dried out, cracked and really dirty. After using Leatherique they looked pretty darned good. The application instructions are rather specific, and you need a nice hot day (or a very hot garage) to apply it. There's two liquids - the reconditioner which is applied first, and then the "prestine clean" which is applied second.

 

[toysrrus]

Howdy Wayne,

Being a Jag Lover (E-Types Specifically); I was just passing thru and read your post. You may want to check out www.colorplus.com

Joanne is the owner & specializes in "Dyes, Leather & Vinyl Conditioners" etc etc. She`s located in NE PA & Is a Super Nice Lady!

Tell Her "Russ" from "SC" sent you (For whatever that may be worth).

Best Wishes,

Russ

 

[trrdster2000]

Thanks Russ and all,
I got the Lexol and am waiting for a fairly warm day. I keep going to the garage and looking at it, too much snow and salt on the roads to drive it. I worked on the TR6 today, but it's under the house with a bit of heat. When the weather gets better I will try to clear the other side under the house for the Jag. I have been studying lots of repair procedures on the net the past few days and feel a bit more comfortable about anything going wrong, that I should be able to fix most.
Will let you know about the end results on the leather treatment.

Wayne

 

[trrdster2000]

All, Nice day, 55F, spent the afternoon conditioning seats and general clean up. The Lexol worked great for cleaning and the conditioner made them very supple but not slippery. I will live with the cracks until I redo the whole thing.

Everything cleaned up nice, how it got so many little marks on the rear bumper, underneath, is beyond me. All the side lights had caked on wax around all the raised letters, a tooth brush took care of that. Chrome exhaust shines like new.

I talked to the one and only owner and he gave me some good news. The tenioners were done 2010, new battery 2010, rebuilt tranny 2009, new hood pump, 2010, new aluminum thermostat housing 2009. I asked him why he sold it and he was retiring and wanted a new BMW 528. Well, I sure am glad. He was a real gentlemen and I will buy him lunch at a later date.

I feel really lucky.

Wayne

 

[Grantura_MKI]

Good for you and the seller! I tend to tape off all lites and body rubbers before waxing or detailing...no mess to clean, just remove the tape.

 

[mrv8q]

Thanks, Julian, for posting about Leatherique. My wife's car is a Saab, in dire need of leather treatment. I'd never heard about it before your post, but other favorable reviews make it sound irresistible to try.... Thanks again!

 

[boikman]

I bought Lexol after talking to a horse owner....all that leather should qualify this person as a leather expert, just saying.....