wallfish 16,964 #1 Posted October 23, 2012 Most of my seats are cracked and I have a couple of used replacement seats but the vinyl always cracks during the winter from the cold. My replacement seats don't have any cracks but they are kind of stiff and I know they will crack if they are used out in the cold. Does anyone have experience with a product that will help keep the vinyl more pliable? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KATO 115 #2 Posted October 23, 2012 Dont know of a conditioner that will be "guaranteed" to work on that vinyl. but you could recover with a quality vinyl like what is used on snowmobiles. I know that will work. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CasualObserver 3,408 #3 Posted October 23, 2012 Other than recovering with something designed for winter use (like snowmobile seat material as suggested) or maybe truck bed tonneau cover material, I think you're limited by the chemical composition of the vinyl. The polymers in lawn tractor seats just aren't made to handle cold, no matter how much you "condition" them. It's about temperature.... not how oily they are. For winter workers that crack....I use my universal seat repair kit. Stays pretty pliable and cost effective. Easily replaced when the repair wears out. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
546cowboy 301 #4 Posted October 23, 2012 The replacement seats I have been buying for the last few years when I can find them have a cover that seems to be rubber or something close to that. I have never had one crack or split. I have been getting them at a farm store for about $50 and from what I have seen it's a bargain. Here is a picture of one on my GT1848 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tankman 3,518 #5 Posted October 23, 2012 Like the Cowboy, I found rubber seats (as in his picture). I never purchased one, pick 'em up at the junkie, five bucks. The rubber easily comes off, foam can be washed while the steel bucket is painted. Drill mounting holes as required before paint. Spray adhesive makes the foam stick back in. The rubber cover takes paint easily, I use RustOleum Gloss Black lacquer (rattle can). The seat now mounts with new holes and looks new with the black paint. On another subject, black coarse skateboard grip tape is excellent on the foot rests. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
specialwheelhorse 174 #6 Posted October 23, 2012 This product probably won't help the cold situation to much but it will go a long way toward preserving many items.I would not use anything else on all my old original Wheel horse tires. Check out 303 aerospace protectant. My quarters worth !!!!!!!! JIM In Texas Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevebo-(Moderator) 8,330 #7 Posted October 23, 2012 Used motor oil.. Lol 303 is a great oil based product used mostly for marine applications. Very good stuff for sure. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
specialwheelhorse 174 #8 Posted October 23, 2012 Do some research : Petroleum based products are murder on rubber. 303 makes many different products. Put all the old oil you want on your tires but you will soon be discarding them and I'll still have mine. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dsholler 54 #9 Posted October 23, 2012 I can picture the scene on the domestic front when you come in the house after sitting on a seat rubbed in used motor oil. :) 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
