Does anyone know if there's a product out on the market that you can apply to old vinyl car seat's to help soften them up a little? Thanks, Tom
Tom, once vinyl has hardened,there is no product on the market to soften vinyl. What happens basically is the oils in the vinyl dry out over time,and that's why vinyl becomes hard and brittle. My suggestion to you is you find an upholstery shop and replace the panels that need fixing.
o.k. Thanks for the reply Carl. I already replaced the pleated insert's in the seat's of the Wildcat, but there are a couple places that I thought should be a little more pliable, and was hoping that there was something out there. Anyone ever heard much about 303 Protectant? non-silicone based,a little on the pricey side, but I thought I would get some if it would have worked?
I've been in the upholstery for thirty years, I use Nivea hand cream. Rub it on thick and let it sit for as long as you can, at least a day or two, then reapply a couple of times. If it isn't softening up by the third day or so, it won't. This will usually help vinyl and always works for leather. :TU:
303 Don't think it will soften hardened vinyl, but it will preserve existing and do a great job on appearance ! :beer :TU:
As a prank one day in high school, someone got into my Camaro and vasolined the shifter knob. I'm not sure how that would work on purpose to preserve, but it did seem conditioned after that.
By your smilies I was going to ask if it was you, but I see by your profile we aren't in the same age group
On my 32' Wellcraft we always used straight Mineral oil on all the exterior vinyl seats and panels. I had the boat 10 years and never had to change any of the vinyl covers except the one that burned during the flaming cocktail incident. ou: :laugh: But I believe the nivea cream probably has mineral oil in it. :TU:
:Brow: That's the one beauty about being old, we can get by with being chauvanistic, ill mannered, and cranky! :TU:
Nivea hand cream and mineral oil....I would of never thought of that! Its amazing all the tips and tricks you learn on this board
How about Saddle Soap? I know it's a cleaner made for leather, but doesn't it help condition vinyl too?
when applying these things to your seats, make sure to avoid exposure to the seams and any thread as it can help to rot it out (especially cotton thread). this is true for most vinyl preserving solutions.
Saddle soap isn't used on modern leathers, they are anoline dyed not tanned and saddle soap will damage them.
Cool, I'll remember that (though doubt I'll ever have a leather interior). Will it do any good on vinyl? Or was that a throw-back idea passed on through my family?
