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Tue Jan 09, 2024 11:32 am

I'm really hoping to save the original leatherette from my '66, but this is some serious grunge.

I've tried Simple Green and it works just *okay* (I experimented on sides only, not the weave).

Please let me know if you've had success getting this level of filth off, and what you found to be the best product.

Tue Jan 09, 2024 11:45 am

summerof78 wrote: I'm really hoping to save the original leatherette from my '66, but this is some serious grunge.

I've tried Simple Green and it works just *okay* (I experimented on sides only, not the weave).

Please let me know if you've had success getting this level of filth off, and what you found to be the best product.

That is not "grunge", it is permanent age-related discoloration of the vinyl.
But your upholstery can (and should) be saved.
SEM Color Coat to the rescue. Their Phantom White is a pretty close match to VW's Platinum.
https://semproducts.com/product/color-coattm-aerosols/aerosols

Tue Jan 09, 2024 11:48 am

iowegian wrote:
That is not "grunge", it is permanent age-related discoloration of the vinyl.
But your upholstery can (and should) be saved.
SEM Color Coat to the rescue. Their Phantom White is a pretty close match to VW's Platinum.
https://semproducts.com/product/color-coattm-aerosols/aerosols

Yep.. Typical Platinum age.. you cant clean it.. just dye it.

Tue Jan 09, 2024 12:02 pm

You will notice that the smooth vinyl bolsters look decent, while the center "basket weave" panels are discolored.
Here is a photo of my backseat after applying SEM Phantom White to the center "basket weave" only. The side vinyl sections and door cards are original ---just normal cleaning.

Tue Jan 09, 2024 12:44 pm

This is great news. Does the SEM product suggest a pre-clean prior to application?

edit: looks like they sell a "special" soap. :lol:

Tue Jan 09, 2024 1:33 pm

summerof78 wrote: This is great news. Does the SEM product suggest a pre-clean prior to application?
Reading the label on the spray can it says "FOR VINYL: use 39362 SEM soap & 38343 Vinyl Prep/ 40404 Zero VOC Surface Cleaner".
Your local auto paint supplier should be able to help you.

Tue Jan 09, 2024 2:12 pm

Thanks iowegian! :thumbsup:

Tue Jan 09, 2024 2:14 pm

iowegian wrote: You will notice that the smooth vinyl bolsters look decent, while the center "basket weave" panels are discolored.
Here is a photo of my backseat after applying SEM Phantom White to the center "basket weave" only. The side vinyl sections and door cards are original ---just normal cleaning.

Looks Good saving some of the original color! 8)

Tue Jan 09, 2024 2:38 pm

Spray Nine for the seats to get off 50 years of grime, (that you cannot tell). Always clean seats WELL before you attempt any dying.

Wed Jan 10, 2024 11:32 am

Maybe no help here but ...

My '71 has original seat covers in an off white. They were VERY discolored - prolly from age, heat, & grime. It didn't help the fact that I was employed as an electrician in a hydraulic shop.
Anywho ...
After I moved on I decided to clean them. The best results I got was from the 99cent store. It's called Totally Awesome, diluted 50/50 with water. A long handle nylon drinking glass scrubber got down into the texture.
After rinsing & drying I then scrubbed with a Magic Eraser.
Totally improved the appearance without damage to a near new appearance.
I used a can & a half of Elbow Grease, too. lol

Test in an area that won't be easily seen first.

Best luck ... stay safe

jinx

Wed Jan 10, 2024 7:46 pm

My go to is Meguiar's #40 plastic & leather cleaner, I put it into a spray bottle and use s soft bristle brush ~ the soft bristles are the best way to work any cleaner into upholstery .

Thu Jan 11, 2024 9:51 am

409 cleaner has worked well for me, yes also to the soft bristle brush. When done the 3m vinyl protector is nice stuff, much better than armorall.

Repainting is a last resort thing. So give it a good go at clean and restore before painting

Thu Jan 11, 2024 11:52 am

Hydrogen peroxide can sometimes remove yellowing in some plastics.
Never tried it on this material, though.

Sat Jul 27, 2024 2:04 pm

zerotofifty wrote:
Repainting is a last resort thing. So give it a good go at clean and restore before painting

Summer project today....

Jumped in with a Mr Clean Magic Eraser. I have to say, I don't think my issue here is age. These are disgustingly filthy.

The ME's don't last very long, so I'm going to have to buy a few boxes, but I'm really surprised at the job they did. The sides cleaned up great.

You can see where I started on the weave, but it'll take a lot more work.

Sun Jul 28, 2024 6:13 pm

I kind of like the two toned look :wink: