P2 seats' leather ages/lasts much better than P80 Volvos

Post by **matthew1** » 13 Jul 2016, 10:18

This post got me thinking about seat leather. Sleddriver:

My front seat leather is pathetic. Even using Lexol on a regular basis didn't help.

Let that sink in. Even with care*, the leather failed.

Mine too. I used "Eagle" brand (automotive) leather conditioner for years starting when I got my 850 in the summer of 2000. My 850's drivers seat is a wreck of split leather (graphite) and exposed foam.

Now, when I see photos of P2 models' seats, they look great. Even 2002, 2001 models. I look at a few Volvos daily on http://denver.craigslist.org/ in case something nice comes up. P2 seats are almost never ruins like P80 seats are. And you know 100% of P2 owners are not caring for their seats like a 1930s Picasso.

True, P80 seats are ~8 years older on (loose) average than P2 seats, but that "delta" means less and less as both groups age at the same rate, and are now all at least 10 years old.

Rant over. Vent here if you cared for your P80 seats and they died anyway.

Not anyone's seat. Just an image I found, used for illustration only.

* according an Amazon Lexol page, it could have been any of three specific products, but whatever I think my point stands

Post by **sleddriver** » 13 Jul 2016, 12:02

Thanks Matthew for chiming in. I take care of my things and it was rather disheartening to see the Volvo leather deteriorate before my very eyes. I would clean it with Lexol cleaner first (orange bottle), then the preservative (brown bottle). Later I did try Vinylx (blue?). The backseat still looks brand new, but rarely do I have passengers. The front passenger seat also looks new for the same reason. Years ago I swapped both front seat bottoms. Been meaning to swap both front seat backs. Had a local auto upholsterer redo the arm rest for $20 in vinyl and it closely matches. I'd rather have high-grade vinyl over cheap leather anyday.

I'll post a photo later.

zhenya · Post by **zhenya** » 13 Jul 2016, 12:10

I can't vent because I have two P80's both with flawless leather! They are both charcoal thought which seems to hold up much better than the lighter colors.

Post by **matthew1** » 13 Jul 2016, 12:46

Zhenya, mine's charcoal also. I guess the Colorado sun w/ no window tint just beat the leather over the years.

Did you use products on the seats? If so, which?

Sled, thanks for the details on the products you used.

zhenya · Post by **zhenya** » 13 Jul 2016, 13:05

I have used the Leatherique two step system across at least 5 cars now and really like it. It softens the leather very nicely, and cleans remarkably well. https://www.amazon.com/Leatherique-Rest ... 9JR45P6K7E

Follow their application instructions (I like to apply it just with my fingers first - really work it in) and it will make leather that is hard and stiff soft and supple again. After finishing the second step with a microfiber cloth, use that cloth to clean the rest of the interior and it looks beautiful without being greasy.

Post by **sleddriver** » 13 Jul 2016, 18:44

What I do is to vacuum the seats well. Then put a few quarts of hot water into a small bucket. Then I used a 100% horse hair (I think) scrubbie. I dip it into the hot water, spray it with Lexol cleaner, then massage the seat leather to produce a foam. I wipe off the dirt with a towel, then work up more lather with a fresh dip into the bucket. Wipe that off and go on to the next.

Next, I'd spray the surface with one of the above, then work it in with my hands, then let it sit while going on to the next one. Then I'd return to rub it with a cloth. Lexol brown is an oil and would come up on the cloth. Never quite sure how much "penetrated" the vinyl layer into the leather. Given the deterioration of my leather: Not Much. Meguirers #40 vinyl/rubber clean/condition, 303 and vinylx are not oily, as they're water-based. I've also used Meguiar's M5716 Marine/RV Vinyl & Rubber Cleaner & Protectant. I bought this to use on my boat vinyl, then started using it on the SAAB, then the sled. I think the two products are the same, just relabeled for different markets.

I believe it's important to vac, then clean well BEFORE applying anything else to treat the leather. Just works better. Especially down here where heavy sweating is normal for us active types.

This is a good reminder as the sled needs a good, thorough interior clean. I've been so focused on all-things-external-underneath & below.

Post by **abscate** » 13 Jul 2016, 19:35

CONNOLY leather treatment. It's a fortune. Worth it

Post by **polskamafia mjl** » 14 Jul 2016, 01:33

P2 seats don't fit P80 cars do they?

Post by **abscate** » 14 Jul 2016, 04:40

There is no seat in the world better than the P80. Get the leather fixed or cover it!

Post by **mecheng** » 14 Jul 2016, 06:02

zhenya wrote:I can't vent because I have two P80's both with flawless leather! They are both charcoal thought which seems to hold up much better than the lighter colors.

THIS, exactly. Black seat is fine in 850, tan seat in S70 is not so fine.