Leather and carpet color change...what's involved?

[madmike]

Granted this job is fairly far down my list (after BOV, chip, brakes and suspension upgrades).

However, I'm less than thrilled with the color of my interior (Tan). And the fiance flat hates it.

I was wondering, when I do get around to doing it, what is generally involved in:

A) Re-dying the leather to a much lighter shade, such as creme or white?

B) Replacing, or dying the carpeting? (White or perhaps black.)

Just wondering, as I'm bored, and generally obsessed with my car. Any issues, concerns, links or advice?

Mike

[superdave]

I've changed the colour of my carpets from beige to black and also redyed my leather. I have no mechanical or automotive experience, so if I can do it, anyone can. Would take about 3-4 days on and off to complete doing it DIY.
Before:-

http://community.webshots.com/scrpts/editPhotos.fcgi?action=showMyPhoto&albumID=61560612&photoID=61562803&security=dJZoGP
After:-

http://community.webshots.com/scrpts/editPhotos.fcgi?action=showMyPhoto&albumID=61560612&photoID=61564222&security=IgftkM
Interior with new carpets in:-

http://community.webshots.com/scrpts/editPhotos.fcgi?action=showMyPhoto&albumID=61560612&photoID=61562137&security=lCusSe
Also if you do a search around January this year for redying leather and new carpets, you'll see where I bought it and how I did it.
If you can't find it, then give me a shout and I'll guide you.
Total cost is about £300 for the lot ($450-500??)

Cheers,


Dave Walters

[chrismsnt]

Am I hitting those links wrong... it says they moved?? I'm right int he middle of this process now. I'm trying to find a place to redye my leather. It's all boxed up and ready to be shipped to where ever!!!

Chris
'91 Midnight Blue

[wbillybobw]

Hey Chris, Try www.leatherique.com they sell dyes and from what I hear all their products are the best.
Bill
90SE

[kylie]

Hi Mike am not sure how easy it is to go from tan to a lighter colour, but I am in the same boat. I wish to do the same in the future. I will do a test spot under the seat somewhere. If I make a hash of it I will take it down to the local interior person to redye it for me. I think redying is the way to go if your leather is in reasonable condition. Save a few bucks anyway. I use leatherique as suggested above for maintaining the leather, so wouldn't mind trying their dyes in the future. I have only heard of one bad report with this stuff from a guy in aussie which posts here, otherwise all good.
Cheers
KS

[dictys]

The key to this in the prep. I did my mercedes coupe from tan to Magnolia. 3- 4 days. Make sure you clean and then sand the leather before redying (not too much otherwise you'll end up with suede!).

[superdave]

Hi all, sorry if you can't see my pics, try this link to my general webshots pages and have a look at the before and after. Seat 1 is obviously before.
http://community.webshots.com/album/61560612qXxCQx

Cheers,


Dave Walters
ps. I've just tested and it works!

[chrismsnt]

I tried the Leatherique thing... I just don't have the talent for it. It turned out like crap. I did the whole sanding thing with 800 and 1000 grit... got it baby smooth and all. Just couldn't apply the stuff. Thus, I'm looking for a place in the US to redye it. Anyone have thoughts on this??

Chris
'91 Midnight Blue

[karlfranz]

Chris,

What problems did you have with Leatherique? Were you tying to apply it with a brush or spray? In my experience, you get better results by spraying many light coats. This will prevent you from getting any brush marks.

[chrismsnt]

I tried to brush... I tried to spray... bottom line, I don't have the talent. *sigh* I can fix the piss out of a computer though!! :-)

Chris

[superdave]

chrismsnt said: I tried to brush... I tried to spray... bottom line, I don't have the talent. *sigh* I can fix the piss out of a computer though!! :-)

Chris

Chris, you don't need talent, believe me. All you need is confidence!! If you need help then e-mail me off line.

Cheers,


Dave Walters