Thanks for the advice Dave!
Even though my Rovers are in hibernation, the hobby continues!
Like said before; i wanted to improve the condition of the leather seats in my 827 Vitesse. First i bought several items to help me. I contacted the same company who made my lovely floor matts. They directed me to a company named Colourlock.
The whole set (exept for the jar of filler on the left) was delivered by Colourlock after i sended a sample so that they could mix the proper paint colour.
This is how the leather looked:
Drivers seat:
First i cleaned them properly. I was told you must start with the least agressive cleaner and work your way up when needed.
During the cleaning, i got to another tear in the driver's seat. After this i checked the rest of the leather to make sure there were no more. I also took the time to improve the glue on other tears i repaired earlier.
After this i sanded the leather to remove old imperfections, paint and rough the surface.
Then i used a more agressive cleaner:
After this step it was quite clear that many areas were worn badly. Mainly the driver's seat of course.
Driver's seat side of the back rest:
Back rest of the driver's seat:
Then i started to apply the filler. The white thing is a plastic knife i cut down and sanded:
Driver's seat:
Backrest driver's seatl:
Front passenger seat:
To harden the filler i used a hair dryer.
Then, it was time for paint:
Tailored:
Driver's seat:
Passenger seat:
Areas i did not like the finish of, i improved as much as i could by sanding it and using specialy colour mixed filler. After this i added new layers of paint of course to even it all out.
In total, i used about 7 layers of paint on the front seats.
About 7 years ago, i painted the steeringwheel. It was a decent job but it was showing its age so because i had some paint left, i decided to freshen it up. It looked ok but up close, wear and tear was easily spotted.
Even a tear:
Mask of, sanding down and degrease:
I applied filler on the worst areas including the tear:
Then, it was time for paint:
After all this, i applied leather sealer to both front seats and the steeringwheel. This is to isolate the painted areas as much as possible and help in a durrable result.
Driver's seat:
Passenger seat:
Steering wheel:
The final step was hydration creme:
Driver's seat:
Passenger seat:
The end result:
Seat of the driver's seat:
Backrest of the driver's seat:
Side of the backrest of the driver's seat:
Seat of the passenger seat:
The steeringwheel is now in a better colour than before. It was always to light.
Tear is gone:
In the days after, i warmed/heated up the interior of the Rover to help the paint dry and set.
All in all, it looks fresh i think:
A profesional company would have replaced some parts i am sure and have a better reslut. But i am pleased and i had fun doing it. I hope it will be a durrable result.
1989 Rover 827 Vitesse.
1982 Rover 3500 Vanden Plas.