[egebhardt]

Originally Posted by Edgy

Subscribing, and thanks Braymond for all the research.

Has anyone worked successfully with Furniture Clinic to color match? Their BMW page has what sounds like non-BMW color descriptions, and no Nappa section: http://furnitureclinic.co.uk/BMW_Lea...lour_Chart.php

I'm trying to find a way to bring my Dove/Light Grey Nappa N5TT driver seat back to prime condition. It's not terrible, but there is some wear after 13 years.

If there was a way to bring it to prime condition, that option would have been presented by now. Honestly, I don't know what you mean by "prime", so I'm guessing here.
What I do know is, you can't match factory original. Even during production, the colors changed. I've used several back-seat sets as donor leather. It becomes obvious.

The first thing you want to do is to swap the driver's cushions with the passenger's cushions. That puts the worn bolsters in the middle. The best solution, in the short-term, is to get the seats looking even. After the swap, the nicer passenger seat is now in the driver's position and it will slowly begin to look more like the worn seat.
Factory BMW leather does not exist anymore.
Factory BMW foam is very hard to find, even in Germany. You will never match the original shape.

[Edgy]

Thanks for reply, though it's not encouraging. By prime I mean looking as good as the very lightly worn pass seat.

I've got a recommendation for a local restoration pro. Will see what he suggests. All this info is very useful, in case he promises too much.

What I do know is, you can't match factory original. Even during production, the colors changed.

Curious -- are you saying that Furniture Clinic can't really match all the BMW colors they claim to? Or that is why they list no Nappa interiors?

[egebhardt]

Originally Posted by Edgy

Curious -- are you saying that Furniture Clinic can't really match all the BMW colors they claim to? Or that is why they list no Nappa interiors?

I can imagine the F.Clinic matches the colors well, but there is nothing like taking fresh sheep hide (Nappa) and dipping it from the start. Just like painting metal from the factory. Also, BMW Montana leather is cow hide.

I'm schooled by my wife, who is a Photoshop expert and watercolor paint artist. She can spot the wrong color on anything. The other dynamic, other than color, is texture. That's why I like AutoBerry. The texture/color combo is very hard to beat.

So, I can recommend replacement leather on both seat so it looks uniform. Otherwise, wipe the existing seats with soap and water and a dry cloth. I've even tried car wax. It gives it good protection and cleans well. I like Zymol and Lexol and use those a bit. Lastly, save your money and avoid the more expensive leather treatments. They approach leather replacement costs and don't look much better for long.

[Edgy]

I've got a recommendation for a local restoration pro. Will see what he suggests.

He quoted me $250 for a redye of the front seat with total color match, it will look perfect for at least two years. This guy was recommended by my garage, he has done lots of restoration work for them.

If you were me, what questions would you ask him?

[egebhardt]

Interesting.
First, I've never had that option presented to me, mainly because I've had tears and holes to deal with. I can imagine he would do a good job and it would probably last more than 2 years, knowing you.

I'd ask him if I should bring him the entire seat or just the leather covers.
I'm partial to removing the covers (cutting the hog rings) and putting new ones on myself. I've seen other's work and they like the leave the ring trimmings in the seat and then re-clip multiples when 1 would do. I'm not saying he's that way, but it's fun work anyway. It gives you a chance to straighten the spring-steel wires too. I like to put in a thin layer of white polyester fabric to give the foam a bit more protection.

[TechieTechie]

subscribed

[TC2]

Braymond141, did you ever get color matched dye from the LSB armrest you sent to Furniture Clinic?
If so, how was the match?
I've tried contacting them with no reply regarding their Cinnamon dye.

Thanks.

[PRF3CT]

Going to use this and try to dye some seats cinnamon.