Recently acquired a 1997 XK8,under 57k miles. So many things to learn. Stepping through mechanical priorities(tensioners change prior, front R wheel bearings just replaced, BobRob put new oil pan gasket on....)...
So excuse my OCD, but now I am looking for information on best leather cleaning & conditioning products. Driver seat back side bolster is showing leather wear and I want to arrest that. So a general cleaning and proper conditioning is called for. Leather is a lovely caramel color, at first glance it looks good, but after closer scrutiny I think it needs attention... now. Besides that, I’d like to know how to care for the burlwood trim. I imagine that body oils can create problems all over the place.
Appreciate experienced and tested advice.

 

There is a section of this forum devoted to interior care that may be worth your time doing some reading. It is called "Interior"....

I have used Lexol products sparingly on all of our automotive leather for many years now. Reasonably priced and a little goes a long way. Rub it in with a clean slightly damp cloth, let it dry for a couple of minutes, then buff it out with a clean dry cloth. Keep in mind that in most cases the only real leather panels on the seats are the surfaces that your body rests against when you are in the seat....

The wood trim is sealed and coated so it rarely requires much attention as long as it is not scratched. A damp rag is typically all I use to clean it....

 

I’m a fan of leatherique for leather care. And I occasionally hit my woodwork with a little bit of carnauba wax. The wood is under a nice thick layer of polyester so it doesn’t need much protecting but I feel like a slight bit of wax makes it a little more dust resistant and a tad nicer looking.

 

It sounds like this is more than CARE only and you are looking for REFURBISHMENT of the typical worn colour on the bolster and seat base?

If so, here's two threads on leather dye:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...esolved-80080/

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...r-spray-69495/

Recommended products many members have used are from Leatherique and Furniture Clinic. They both seem to be equally effective and I haven't read any bad reports about either on the forums.

Graham

 

Thank you, Graham, for the very useful link on restoring the leather on my seats in the 1997 xk8. I was amazed at your before and after photos! I didn’t realize it was more damaged than I thought. But you are absolutely correct about the work I need to do. And it looks like the original owner wasn’t as careful about the leather as he was about everything else. But, good news(!), he left a few extras in the boot, including leather dye!
i will have my morning coffee, and take another look at those seats. Of course, I love an excuse to look at the car. I love it so.
Cindyll

 

Cindy, I agree with cannula wax on the elm. Stubborn dirt on leather seats? Magic Eraser (USA product) works wonderfully BUT it is an abrasive by nature. Use gently and never ever on glass or plastic.

No disrespect to anyone that answered, but these seat's leather is coated to promote longevity. There is some question about how much the good leather preservatives/restore products can get to the leather itself. BTW yes I use them sometimes, just admitting that I realize much of the improvement is more likely placebo than not. You try and decide.

If you're like me, you probably think there's leather all over the interior ( I sure did :-)). As far as I recall, its vinyl except for the front and rear seats plus the center console. Since vinyl is a lot less delicate than leather I wanted to let you know. Plus there's a lot more stuff you can put on it.

Glass? Do a search in this forum on Bon Ami . Wonderfully helpful post from someone who worked with glass from a few years ago. He explained Bon Ami original formula and how it cleans glass better than any glass cleaner I can think of. I've used it ever since when the glass seems extra dirty (or when I'm tired of doggie nose prints :-)

BTW I've found the Bon Ami I mentioned (gotta be original formula, new formula is too abrasive) works really well on my factory chrome wheels too.

John

 

John...on my 1997 xk8.... I must admit that my head is spinning with all the different answers, very appreciative by the way! Have been stumbling over so many aspects. This morning, I finally looked at the exterior & interior color codes on the front door panel. What I thought was Cabernet exterior is actually Carnival Red Mica, which works for my “life is a circus” nature. And I’ve thought the interior was kind of caramel, but definitely not oatmeal..... and the REAL color name is Coffee! Love coffee.
I do tend to overthink every suggestion in my desire to treat this car right, and it has been creating a bit of anxiety. Still haven’t had the front end leak traced, so I’m not doing much driving. Can’t express how much I love the car and want to feel it’s road worthy. I have AAA , but that’s not how I roll.(okay, everyone roll your eyes)
I am adding your advice to my folder, sifting through and sorting those that make sense. So much! But also not looking to spend so much time on crazy details that I forget why I bought this beautiful car in the first place.
John, all of you are super!

Cindy

 

Not to add to your confusion Cindy but like you I reviewed all the great suggestions regarding how to clean up my upholstery. I ended up going with a UK company (live in Bay Area) who specializes in UK and European cars and love the result. https://www.colourlock.com/?___store=usa?___store=usa

 

Started cleaning and conditioning drivers front seat in my 1997 XK8 this morning. Looks pretty dirty, pretty sure very little has been done on the interior for a couple years. But I was dismayed to find a tiny(not even 1/4”)slit in the front of of seat. Is this a simple repair that I can do with one of the kits?
Also, previous owner left a leather dye kit , but I have no idea how old it is. The bottle is full, liquid, and when I shake it really well , the elements that had separated mix back together pretty nicely. I will likely try it on a place not visible, but wondering about quality of something that has unknown age,

Thanks!
Cindy

 

Cindy,

I assume the tear is not along a stitched seam. Yes it can be repaired. I use Magic Mender. 5 stars for color matching. Longevity? 3 stars.

With this brand, you'd be cleaning around the slit, applying a semiflexible repair compound. Drys 1 hour. Sand it smooth WRT surrounding leather. Shake the paint, brush it on. Here's where 1st timer has heart attack (I did) - its way too light! Not to worry, it'll match perfectly when dry, about 2 hours.

With wear it seems to last about 2yrs, then repeat. If the color wasn't such a dead on match I wouldn't be telling you about it.

Cindy - do something about it soon. It will get worse and magnify the work involved (guess how I know)

John

 

Hi Cindy, not to add anything to your question but MY car came from Roseville, CA 2 1/2 years ago. Rust free Cali car and very clean underneath. If you had been a little sooner on the purchase I might have missed out. :^) Good luck with your seats. TM

 

I love the forum! So much information, and everyone is so supportive. I washed the ‘97 xk8 yesterday, thank god it was only 6am, overcast.. because I don’t have a shady spot. Temps today will be over 100degrees. Dressed the tires which were looking pretty dry and dull. Now it’s in garage where I can go over it using a clay bar for very first time. Watched YouTube videos about that, so I need to either do a soap solution or go find clay lube. And not that I love power tools, but have a da orbital polisher coming in a few days.
The leather repair kit is also on its way. My sister rolls her eyes a lot! Well, what the heck, I can’t do the mechanical, but this stuff I can do.
I’m excited about making the already gorgeous Carnival Red look even prettier.

 

I love that spirit ! Do what you can and learn everything you and know where and when to pick and chose what to farm out and what to tackle yourself. Good luck and keep us posted. TM