Vinyl restoration

[mikep]

Hi.
Just wondering if anyone has had any success in restoring age hardened seat covers. They are in a 60 and in very good order as it has been off the road for years but have started to harden over that time. Any ideas would be welcomed but sensible ones prefered, thanks.

[Ollie78]

Hi, Mike
I think meguiars do a couple of vinyl products, I've not tried them though I'm sure some internet research would tell you more. I have been cleaning up some original seats for my 71 clubman recently and the seat bases although not yet cracked are probably not as supple as they once were. I find good quality baby wipes do a pretty good job of cleaning gently and I think they have some neutral moisturisers in. In reality I doubt there's much can be done for age hardened vinyl, it's UV damage isn't it I was thinking about removing the covers and gluing a new strong backing to the inside of the vinyl to try to stop it stretching and splitting in use. Maybe some strong canvas and a decent upholstery glue might extend their life. Don't know if you consider this a sensible idea...
Definitely not sensible but I've put 60's vinyl mini seat covers through the washing machine before on a hot wash and they came out great.
Ollie

[scott6058]

Hi, Mike
I think meguiars do a couple of vinyl products, I've not tried them though I'm sure some internet research would tell you more. I have been cleaning up some original seats for my 71 clubman recently and the seat bases although not yet cracked are probably not as supple as they once were. I find good quality baby wipes do a pretty good job of cleaning gently and I think they have some neutral moisturisers in. In reality I doubt there's much can be done for age hardened vinyl, it's UV damage isn't it I was thinking about removing the covers and gluing a new strong backing to the inside of the vinyl to try to stop it stretching and splitting in use. Maybe some strong canvas and a decent upholstery glue might extend their life. Don't know if you consider this a sensible idea...
Definitely not sensible but I've put 60's vinyl mini seat covers through the washing machine before on a hot wash and they came out great.
Ollie

Delicate or permanent cycle????