Products for rejuvenating and fixing old vinyl?

[jonny69]

I know you can get some wonder products for saving old leather, but is there anything on the market that will soften up old vinyl on seats etc? Mine are getting on for 45 years old and the vinyl is getting stiff and starting to split in places. I think if I could find something that would soften it back up it would prolong the life of the seats somewhat and stop the splits spreading.

 

I've got one split in the actual vinyl panel, so I could also do with something to repair it. It's on the seat base, so something that I could maybe patch it with that would sit flush on the surface and not catch on my jeans would be ideal. It's also split one of the seams where it is sewn together. Ideal would be to try to sew it back up but the vinyl is too stiff to do this in its current state and I think I'd end up with another rip. Any ideas?

 

hav dun pix wat luk betar then thy reely r n reel lief

 

 

[Station]

Just apply this, sometimes the colour match is spot on, lol

 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gaffer-gaffa-packing-cloth-binding/dp/B004CS6REO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1424942367&sr=8-1&keywords=red+gaffer

[vulgalour]

Split stitching - this is best done by hand in this instance, it looks like the thread itself has failed rather than the fabric.  You need to get some heavier weight button or top stitching thread and go backstitch through the original holes, that way you reduce the risk of damaging the vinyl by putting more holes in it.  Be sure to go over the old stitching at each end to make it a strong repair

 

Torn vinyl - Ideally, remove the cover from the seat and patch with a piece of similarly coloured vinyl.  For best adhesion, put the patch fabric side to the back of the seat cover, the glue will soak into both halves and make it strong.  Keep the patch small, no more than 1/2" larger than the tear, to reduce the chance of the repair going too stiff for the area you're fixing.

 

On an inconspicuous area try some DOT4 brake fluid on the vinyl.  The dash in the Golf I briefly had was pretty tough and brittle, after cleaning all the paint off the vinyl with brake fluid it became much more supple.  Use sparingly and wipe with a paper towel before it has chance to dry out, don't use water.  Afterwards apply a vinyl cleaner like Autoglym supply to keep things fresh and clean.  This is the only way I know from experience of getting vinyl to be renewed.

[jonny69]

Urgh, don't like the idea of brake fluid I'm afraid. The main problem with Fords, as the forum knows, is the price of things has flown up. So for us who owned our Fords from when they were still cheap, it can be an expensive mistake if you accidentally ruin something.

 

The covers are also a complete nightmare to get off the seat because they're held on with those little steel ring clips, so getting to the back is difficult.

[vulgalour]

urgh, hog rings.  They're so annoying.  Some have had success pushing a piece of vinyl through from the facing side with glue on and then pressing down on the seat to effect a repair.  I never have.

[Uncle Jimmy]

If you're careful, cellulose thinners brings back the colour, cleans off the crud and softens the hard areas (ooo er)

Don't overcook it though or you'll get melted seats!

[burraston2006]

Didn't somebody say in another thread about spraying on loads of Mr Sheen and let it soak in ?