[cwmoser]

My 1983 380SL has dark brown leather seat bottoms and seat backs.
The leather looks very good but it has harden after 30 years.

20 years ago I was told to use "Saddle Soap" and did apply that but
I suspicion that there is a better product.

What kind of conditioner would you recommend for old hard leather?

Thanks

Carl

 

[kmukherjee]

Leatherique

Use Leatherique Rejuvenator Oil

 

[RHScribner]

If the leather is dry it's because the oils have evaporated. That's what you have to try to replace. Saddle soap is ... soap, so it needs an oil to go with it. My sister (worldclass dressage rider) makes a mix of saddle soap and neatsfoot oil to condition all her riding gear. It works great but you need to make a lot of it 'cause you can't buy small amounts of either product. (I get small batches from her!). All that being said, what I find to be a great, buy almost anywhere, leather conditioning product is Lexol. Not expensive & easy to use. Hardened leather will take 3-4 applications but I think you'll be happy in the end. I'd always do it in the sun. Warmed leather seems to have open pores or something.

Good luck.

 

[redghost]

I came across a make it yourself remedy. The feller used extra virgin olive oil and beeswax. He added some lavender and some other stinky to discourage bugs, but the gist was to melt the 1/4 cup of olive oil and bees wax (1.5cup?) in a water bath. Constant stirring to get an emulsion, then you pull the jar from the hot water and let it cool. Use a rag and work it into the leather once it hardens. Little bit at a time and let it rest over night. Seems to feed the hide and bring it back to life.

I have not attempted this, as I just learned of it yesterday.

 

[jwatkin2]

An inexpensive and effective option is hand lotion. Like any conditioner, you have to work it in buff it out. It may take a few treatments, but be patient.

 

[banyan]

Leatherique is the product you should use

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[1Blue]

Mink oil, also water proofs... I had a girlfriend who rubbed olive oil on herself and she was really soft and tasty. It might also work on your seat...

 

[BlueOpal]

I keep hearing Leatherique is the way to go and I'm planning a couple of applications this spring. Lots of write-ups found on car detailing sites/blogs and videos on youtube.

 

[redghost]

Get some Cadillac leather lotion. I have had great success on furniture, briefcases, car seats and boots. It will keep your seats happy through the winter until you have hours to dedicated to the job

 

[cwmoser]

Mink oil, also water proofs... I had a girlfriend who rubbed olive oil on herself and she was really soft and tasty. It might also work on your seat...

LOL. I don't want to lick my seats but maybe I can convince my wife to oil up. Then again I'm too old for all this new fangled modern sex

Carl

 

[Nyyyce&Eeeezy]

+3 or 4 (whatever) for Leatherique! Ready to use and very effective. It's all I use for my automotive leather.