Dying leather seats???
 

The rear bench on my '97 T&C has some stains due to moisture (and subsequent mold/mildew). I know that leather can be dyed. Does anyone have experince doing this? Are there kits somewhere where they can be purchased or should I just keep my eyes open for one from a junkyard?

RE: Dying leather seats???
 

I've dyed both new and used leather, usually with Fiebings dye. I have never tried to do leather auto seats. If the spot is blemish free and lighter you might come close to matching it depending on how skilled you are at mixing dye. If the spot is darker you will have to dye darker to disguise the stain, but then the seat won't match. If the surface is broken it probably will go darker than the surrounding surface. Would I try to dye it and expect a match...no! I would try to go with the wrecking yard. Another solution would be for an upholsterer to sew in a new piece into your existing seat (try to find any color/leather match from the wreaking yard). That is what used car dealers do. Good luck on your project.

RE: Dying leather seats???
 

Try these guys - I know they are in the UK but they have always managed to provide our customers with colour matched dyes for a whole variety of vehicles.

http://www.liquidleather.com/scuffs.htm

Rob

If you are looking for a match that is reasonably close, try the dye route. If you want a real close match, someone on the web (probably scrapyard) will sell a used seat cover that you can buy and have an upholsterer put on. I just did this with my Volvo V70 that had a torn/stained seat cover. I bought one on the net for $30 and it was a perfect match for my torn/stained one.