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MG TD TF 1500 - Leather Care

I have a leather seat and upholstery kit on my TD. I do not want to have the leather dry out and crack etc. I know it is easier to look after the leather as you go along and it seems winter storage is the best time to do this. My problem is I do not know what procedure is best.

I have heard everything from Neets Foot oil to hand cream. I have heard that the finish must be stripped off for any oil, etc. to be absorbed into the leather. I know, I am not going to strip any finish off the leather.

Since I don't have any other leather, I am not sure what to do to take care of it, other than wiping dirt off with a damp cloth.

Can anyone help with this.

...CR
C.R. Tyrell

I use Connolly's Hide Food (now renamed 'hide care' I believe). Connolly made most of the hides for the better British cars, and Rolls Royce recommended this stuff for many years to treat the leather in their cars. I've used it for over 30 years and have no complaints.

Here's one place you can get it (I'm sure there's many other outlets):

http://www.autogeek.net/cohica1.html

Kevin McLemore

+1 Connolly's.
Some of the oils such as Neatsfoot oil may darken the leather or stain clothing.
Saddle soap could be worth considering too.

Matthew.
M Magilton

Google YouTube furniture clinic and you will find some excellent films covering all aspects of leather care and restoration. I am referring to a UK site and don't know if you will have to put a ".UK" somewhere.

Jan T
J Targosz

Lexol works well. George
George Butz

I've used Lexol for years and would recommend it to anyone. Years ago I bought the wife a new T Bird with white leather seats and Lexol kept them as new, maybe a little softer than new. PJ
Paul S Jennings

Thanks all....Once again.
...CR
C.R. Tyrell

I used Connolly's Hide Food on my TD that has an old Moss leather replacement kit. I applied it with a soft cloth but it did not absorb right away which concerned me. I let it sit for about ten days before it got to a point of being mostly dry but a bit sticky. I rubbed it well with some clean old T shirts and it had a nice shine and was softer than before. A couple of years later, it still remains that way. I plan to apply another coat one of these days just to keep it in its current condition.
Jim Merz

Just make sure you don't let the Connolly's freeze - it separates when it freezes and is difficult to get back into a workable product. Store it indoors, apply in warm (i.e. not cold, not frying hot) weather for best results. Rub it in well, wait for a few hours, then buff it off with s soft cloth. Do this once a year or so and you'll have the nicest leather around.
Kevin McLemore

Thanks for the advice, Kevin. I guess I lucked out because I store the Connolly's in my basement workshop where the MG hibernates for each Winter. All environmentally controlled conditions. The treatment does make the leather soft and supple.
Jim Merz

CR, another idea..regards, Tom


http://www.autogeek.net/leleca.html
tm peterson

I've used this product for 30 years. I really like it. Leather on the wife's '94 Jag is softer than new. Apply once per year.

http://www.leatherique.com/

Dave
Dave Clark Arizona

I second the Leatherique nomination. I used their cleaner and conditioner on 35 year old rock hard leather that was filthy and faded. It brought the leather seats back to like-new condition.
Lew Palmer

This thread was discussed between 29/12/2014 and 31/12/2014

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