I can't afford replacement leather, so If I can patch the hole and/or reduce further damage that would be great.

Would just coloring the yellow foam work and then using a Tear-Aid on top work?
The color code is NED btw. Let me know if you have any repair wisdom to share!

 

Go to an upholstery shop and ask how much to have that one section replaced.... They can undo the stitching and sew in a new piece remarkably affordably. It will beat any "tear aid" band aids. At that point you might as well go to your garage and bust out the duct tape.

Take care,

George

 

I got myself a kit from Colourlock, I haven't repaired any major rips like yours, but had good success on some smaller ones, including some scuffs.

[youtube]5wxOtByPJBY[/youtube]

 

I just had a very similar 'tear/hole', in the drivers LH seat bolster also. After months of searching and watching for a replacement used seat back in 'black', I finally arrived at the conclusion that no used one's were to be found. I even tried to see if some of the new replacement seat cover mfgs, would just supply the seat back only. Again no sucess.

Finally went to an upholstry shop that changed it out in a couple of days for $225. Most of the 'couple of days', was due to the shop having to special order matching leather. The replacement itself, was only one day. Had to sign a 'waiver' though, because of the 'special thread' that rips when the Air Bag goes off. But this was pretty much of the norm. A couple of other Shops, wouldn't touch it because of the special thread and the Air Bag liability.

Anyway, the match is almost perfect as far as texture, grain and color. One thing that I did though, was to remove the seat and take it to them, instead of having to leave the car with them. I had heard of some horror stories where the shop removed the seat and got the control boxes all fouled up by damage.

But this was still way less costly then a full replacement and the added possibilty of having to have an upholstry shop to fit the new leather.

The only problem that I can forsee in your case is matching the existing leather. Your Bolster really looks worn.

 

That's a very good price, matching could be a slight issue yes. I got a quote for 300-400 at a very reputable shop near San Francisco. Any chance you're in the same area?

 

the seats look awful I can not imagine that any repair will work, the picture is blurry but even the seat bottom looks totally warn. People have had good luck with topsonline but if you can't afford that I would consider some pullover. that leather is cooked

1997 thru 2000 Jaguar XK8 & XKR Convertible & Coupe Models

 

Years ago I had a Volvo that had cracked leather on the driver's seat. I found a reasonably priced pair of thick sheepskin seat covers on eBay that looked great and felt wonderful.

 

LOL. That being said, problem is that my interior is rather white, and sheep skin usually yellowish.

 

I have a bad tear in my passanger not as bad as that though

 

Did you Photoshop that? It looks like the driver and passenger are sat in the vehicle wearing sheep skin suits.

Graham

 

This is the real deal, $100 on ebay.

 

words fail me

 

Jagosaurus -

Shop was a custom shop, Ace Upholstry in Mechanicsville, Southern Maryland.

 

Ouch! I can guarantee you my skins didn't look anything like that. Those are creepy; looks like a couple of Yeti are sitting in the front seats.

 

Cannot stop laughing.

 

Ok seriously..........who buys these things??

 

Jim,

My guess is that their targeted market involves the hip-hop / street-thug crowd....

 

Only thing missing, is Sunny and Cher...

 

Is that a bad thing?

Graham

 

Not sure how successful this would be in a high wear area. The kit from the Furniture Clinic.

Before



After



Side by side.




How to.



Backing material put behind the split...



The split glued down...



First coat of filler...



Second coat of filler...



Once cured I used sand paper to smooth it off, then applied the leather dye as per the instructions to the entire seat.