SEAT RESTORATION

[WH252-H 4]

More reto on the 252-H!

This still has the original seat but the vinyl/plastic (?) has turned brittle. It's in fair/good condition but has chalky coloring that I can't get out. What are the tried and true methods of cleaning the seat without damaging it? Also, is there a way to soften the material up so it's not so brittle?

Included a few pics of the seat. Hopefully you can see what I'm referring to when I said "chalky" .

Also a pic of some reassembly. Wont be long now!

[WH252-H 4]

Is there a tape, that lasts, for seat repair or do they all just stick to you pants and not the seat?

[AMC RULES 37,141]

Probably see the best results by cleaning it really good and then redying it black.

3M makes a really good vinyl re conditioner you could use on it then, to get it pliable again.

[WH252-H 4]

Thanks AMC I'll look for it. I've tried cleaning it to the point of putting another crack in it. Maybe I'll find some conditioner and work backwards.

[AMC RULES 37,141]

http://www.vhtpaint....ducts/vinyldye/

http://www.autogeek....leatvincle.html

Both are quality products, first clean, then correct the color, then recondition.

Apply the reconditioner liberally and let sit overnight, pretty amazing stuff.

Should be able to find 'em both online, or at a local auto parts store.

Repost your results.

[smoreau 658]

There are several products out there, but you need to find one that will put the natural oils that have dried out the vinyl seat back in there. It will make thee seat pliable again. Its made of plastic and after time it gets harder and wants to crack when bent. Your bigger auto parts stores will have what you need and you will need to put on several applications for it to look good again.

[GlenPettit 1,717]

After trying many many brands, I found "Meguiar's Protectants" give the best and longer lasting results in replacing the original oils and softness in vinyl and rigid plastics (like the seats, trim, steering wheel, knobs, hub covers & grips). Like Scott said, it takes many applications, especially if it has been 30 or more years of time & sun drying them out. Just using a dye only helps soften a little; on your 'extra nice' seat, I would wipe Meguiar's on every time you finished using it, until the seat softens, and then once every few months.

Glen Pettit

[neil 2,410]

This maybe not the right solution for you , but i had a real nice original seat on one of my tractors that i really didnt want to get damaged to i bought a cheap from a different brand and put that one on the tractor and then put the good seat away so that i didnt damage it with my big butt. especially as it was only a couple of screws and now my original wheelhorse seat is STILL in fantastic condition .

maybe just another option for you while you restore yours

[Don1977 604]

There are vinyl repare kits to fix split or damaged vinyl. Don't know it any one has tried it on a Wheel Horse seat. Any splits in the vinyl will widen as the foam below dries out.

[Sparky-(Admin) 21,531]

Whatever you do dont smoother it with Armor-All. First turn you take you'll slide right out of the seat and be hanging on by the steering wheel. I went to look at a tractor for sale once where every black plastic or vinyl part was doused with Armor-All. The seat, the steering wheel (talk about having no grip) the black grip on the lift lever and of course the tires.

I walked away from that one.

Mike..............

[WH252-H 4]

thanks everyone. these are some great tips and they point me in the right direction. I have seen the meguiar's at a local parts store.

[WH252-H 4]

After trying many many brands, I found "Meguiar's Protectants" give the best and longer lasting results in replacing the original oils and softness in vinyl and rigid plastics (like the seats, trim, steering wheel, knobs, hub covers & grips). Like Scott said, it takes many applications, especially if it has been 30 or more years of time & sun drying them out. Just using a dye only helps soften a little; on your 'extra nice' seat, I would wipe Meguiar's on every time you finished using it, until the seat softens, and then once every few months.

Glen Pettit

the picture doesn't show the cracks on both sides or the small hole in the front left corner! It's in pretty good condition but hope I can improve that.