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Re-coloring leather

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Old Jul 27, 2009 | 03:36 PM
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Re-coloring leather

This isn't a specific 1st gen question, but since it pertains to the leather on my 79 Ltd, I figured I'd post it here. I've got a leather-wrapped steering wheel, which has lost the black coloring in many areas, though the actual leather is in good shape. Does anyone know of a way to re color or dye the leather? I realize that I could have the leather replaced, but it seems like there's gotta be an easier/more economical way to restore the black color to this leather. At a close look, it almost looks like the black paint/dye/whatever is starting to peel off...possibly from sitting so long. Any ideas from people who have experience with leather?

Oh and I know that there is an abundance of leather conditioners available in liquid form, but as I said, this isn't the problem. The leather is in good shape, it's just the black coloring that isn't. Thanks everyone
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Old Jul 28, 2009 | 03:38 AM
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From: Arizona
hey Pete-
wife just bought a dye kit for her leather shoes yesterday from:
http://www.shoetreemarketplace.com/T...ors_p/1007.htm

Sold by shoe place, but dye is generic for leather. She used it today and the results look great! Shoes as new! Maybe worth a shot??

cheers
Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska
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Old Jul 28, 2009 | 07:09 AM
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I've had good luck with black shoe polish on the leather covered wheel in our MP5, the waxy type that comes in a can. But if there's no color left in the leather, Stu's dye method is the way to go.
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Old Jul 28, 2009 | 11:27 AM
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Pete, A lot of bikers swear by Doc Baileys Leather black. www.docbailey.com Re-colors and water proofs seats saddle bags and other bike thing exposed to the elements. Under $20 and enough to last a life time.
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Old Jul 29, 2009 | 02:25 AM
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Just let us know what you get and how it works Pete - we all have bits o' leather in our 7s that will need LOVE in the coming years...

Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska
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Old Jul 29, 2009 | 09:05 AM
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Post some pics too, I saw the wheel he's refering too and its not in terrible shape, will be cool to see before and after pics of it...
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