Straightforward Questons

[TwistingMyMelon]

Firstly I have followed this forum silently through the years and many thanks for all the top quality advice, its opened my eyes to clay bars, not using a sponge(!) on paintwork and the difference between wax and polish. I.e All the numpty basics that really make a difference.

I have just got a early nineties Merc 320 (c124) coupé and it needs a good sorting , in regards to both interior and exterior, I have a few questions:

1. Firstly the leather on the drivers seat is very well worn (cream) there's some light scratching, cracking and general wear and tear, What would be the best product to help restore the leather and protect it from further wear in the future? Its really top notch quality leather, but 200k of miles have taken their toll!

2. The cream carpets are slightly stained in places, what's the best product for cleaning up carpets?

3. Anyone recommend a good wax/sealant? I intend to clay bar the car, polish with Autoglym polish and then seal in with somthing. In the past I had a pot of Meguirs wax I got in the states, was nice enough, but only *seemed* to last a few weeks.

4. Whats the best product for the cleaning wood in the dash?

Many thanks in advance!!!!! All help appreciated!

Edited by TwistingMyMelon on Thursday 4th March 15:14

[placebo]

I can help on the wax front as I have just recently completed a C124 restoration. I am no pro detailer but found Dodo Lime Prime (£12) was excellent as a pre wax cleanser and we followed this up with Collinite 476S (£18) and the car looked stunning. We left the car undercover for 24 hours and reapplied a coat of Collinite and the paint looked amazing. Both very easy to use products too. The cream leather in it we used Gliptone on to restore them and that worked really well. We did take the front seats out to do it though! Any good carpet cleaner should be fine on the carpets - you dont have to use any specific car one. good luck!!

Edited by placebo on Thursday 4th March 16:04

Edited by placebo on Thursday 4th March 16:05

[belleair302]

One point to add to the above is warm up the leather with a hair dryer before cleaning as this will open the pores and aid the removal of any trapped dirt particles. Be gentle as leather is skin and needs a little respect. My preferred choice is LTT Solutions and their car care range. Amazing!

Regarding carpets, any decent all purpose cleaner diluted is OK, brush and then dry. A wet vac is good but if not available just vacuum, spray with apc, brush out dirt, then use a damp cloth to remove any additional marks.

Bilt Hamber Auto Balm offers a wonderful polished layer to any metal surface and can be topped off with Collinite a great wax.

Finally wash carefully, two buckets, two grit guards and no cellulose sponges please. Rinse the car with an open hose to sheet off the water, then dry with a decent drying towel or waffle weave and away you go.

[TwistingMyMelon]

Cheers chaps just the info to get going! will post some pics up, before and after when I get my arse in gear