I just bought a great 84 GSL-SE with 71k miles yesterday, but apparently the leather has never been cleaned...I need to know the best stuff to use to not only clean it, but condition it and soften it up a bit. It feels hard and like it's almost ready to crack. Anyone have any suggestions on what to use and where I can get it? I don't want anything insanely expensive but I need something pretty good and heavy duty.
Also what do you guys use to clean/polish the black plastic trim down the side of the car? It's not fading bad but would look better shiny. I have some Son of a Gun cleaner that worked great on the dash and console, would this work good on the plastic trim outside?
Thanks guys!

 

Hi and welcome to the forum. I think any good vinyl cleaner/protectant will work on the outside trim, armor all, son of a gun etc. Ive used all different stuff throuought the years. For the seats, I used Meguiars Gold Class leather cleaner/conditioner with decent results. Might be something better out there though.

 

I also use the Miguars leather cleaner, but I used the water based 303 protectant on all the plastic and trim work. This stuff is awesome, but you can only find it at marine supply houses.

John

 

Mink Oil.

http://www.sodhoppers.com/PBlend.htm

Beware that some sites do not recommend the use of Mink Oil. I have had good success with it over the years. You choose.

 

You can buy the Meguiars leather cleaner/conditioner at places like Autozone and Advance auto parts right? Is the Meguiars good for helping to restore leather to what it used to be or just keeping leather from getting worn? My interior isn't in BAD shape, it's just the car belonged to a doctor who drove other cars, and at one point 5 years ago or so it sat for 3 years. Apparently it sat outside for a portion of this time as some of the interior is faded.

 

I used Meguiars. One of my seats is really sunbaked though and no matter what, it didn't soften it like it would. On my other seat though, it did help soften the leather just a bit though.

 

I'll buy some and let you guys know how it works out.
That is as long as it's available at any auto parts place.

 

As stupid as it sounds, Vaseline actually works pretty well to shine up the side trim (although you have to reapply it every other wash, or so). Just smear some on a rag, rub it into the trim, and wipe away the excess with a clean rag.

 

Actually thats what my dad wanted to do lol
He looked for Vaseline but we didn't have any. I'm gonna try the Son of a Gun on the plastic since it says it works on plastic..It also says it works on leather but I feel it just shines the leather, not conditions it.

 

On the leather seats try saddle soap. On the trim try meguirs back to black.

 

The vaseline trick works great on the side pieces, makes them look like new and it lasts a long time. Also it's easy and cheap.

For my leather seats I've been using Lexol, but the other suggestions on this post are probably good too, especially the saddle soap for dirty or stiff seats. I like the mink oil idea too, I'll have to try that. I use it on my shoes.

Just one other thing on leather seats and steering wheels, you can patch even some pretty big splits or rips by cutting a patch from another seat and putting it on with rubber cement - I've done this with both my driver's seat and the steering wheel and it worked great, I'm getting several more years out of stuff that looked like it was near the end. I can post photos if anyone is interested.

Ray

 

Where can you get saddle soap? I'm guessing it's for horse saddles? My seats are fairly dirty and REALLY stiff..so it sounds like that would work great.

 

For what it's worth -

All the Leather seats in 1st gens that I have seen have
all been kinda stiff. I don't think they were ever "supple" from the factory.

 

You can get saddle soap at a farmer supply store, it is used for saddles and other horse stuff.

 

You got to go Meguiars all the way. I use the shine and protectant, the wash, polish, wax, and touch up. I wouldnt be surprised if the company sent me an invitation to be sponsored by them.LOL

 

Try a farm supply store or try a leather shop.

 

anyone have any suggestions on leather skin replacements ? mine had a phat A@# on it i think for part of its life and now i have these hurtin and i do mean hurtin seat covers on leather ... damn it finally i have leather and it has a cheesy seat cover , hiding its beateness.....

 

Mothers makes an excellent product - it's a conditioner only (not a cleaner) - if you take your time and really rub the stuff in, it will do wonders in softening up your seats. To do it right, it will take about an hour to do both seats