1JZPWRD

iTrader: (59)

I would remove all of the trim pieces around the seat to include the backing piece. This would be a good time to repair all the cracks or the loose netting while you have it out. This is what I done. Dont use Bondo on anything with plastic or vinyl. Use the appropriate vinyl/leather repair kits from SEM or something similar. Good luck with your project.

phermes1

I'm planning on that. This weekend, I'm going to take both front seats out and refinish them. The driver's seat is pretty worn and has a few tears in it. The passenger seat could be better, so I'm going to go ahead and fix up both just to keep the color consistent. The plastic isn't in bad shape, although I do have to replace the top cord on the netting - when I was trying to tighten it a few weeks ago, the cord snapped.

Anyway - based on the descriptions of past jobs that I've found, it sounds like there's no need to mask and spray each section of leather separately.

koonjajee

iTrader: (1)

WOW! Seats look GREAT from before.

phermes1

No kidding, right? I saw that and figured I HAD to give it a shot before shelling out the bucks for new seat covers. Really nice job!

okbobbo

I used SEM on my steering wheel a year ago and it still looks new. Also repaired the cracks by the lever on the seat surrounds with metal strips and JB weld and finished with SEM - still looks great. I was not so lucky with the seats, but I had not heard of the liquid stitch and the cracks reappearred. I gave in and got the seats reupholstered. Very good thread.

phermes1

OK, well, I just refinished repainting my 2 front seats with SEM. I also patched a couple of small tears using Liquid Stitch.

Results - SEM rocks. The seats came out great. I used light neutral, which was actually a little too light - but that's fine, it doesn't match perfectly, but everything looks good anyway. I used more paint than I had anticipated; a little over 3 cans, but the end result looks fantastic for the SEM.

The Liquid Stitch was harder to work with than I expected. I had a hard time sanding it down to perfectly smooth without really damaging the surrounding leather, and when I painted over, it didn't blend in quite as well as I had expected. Based on the results shown here by Philly, I'm going to chalk it up to my own inexperience, lack of patience, etc. Clearly it can be used with great results, I was just lacking in execution, most likely.

Either way, the painting came out great, the patchwork not so much. Not really worth posting pics either way. We'll see how it holds up over time, but I highly recommend SEM based on initial results.

99rx

iTrader: (6)

Just found this and thought it was neat... Curious as to how the seats are holding up...

boostin240

iTrader: (1)

Since this 2 year old thread was bumped, I figured cant hurt to ask but I would also like to know how all this is holding up for you. Thanks

jayhoffa50

that came out real good !!!! im looking into that right now

valex

How is SEM paintjob on seats holding up? Any reports?

1JZPWRD

iTrader: (59)

I cant answer for the original OP, but mine is still looking great. No worries from me. SEM is simply the best. Hands down. I haven't found no other paint that holds up like this stuff. The trick is to properly sand, clean, and scrub each piece and allow to dry. Also use very light coats, and it will bond much better. Like he said before, make sure it is nice and dry and no moisture in the air, or it will appear cloudy when dry.

bigwes

How did u do those center console pieces? What kind of sandpaper did he use?

1JZPWRD

iTrader: (59)

Order a new center console leather from Ebay. Around 18 bucks from a Mississippi. They have great products for the money. I used around 600 grit or use a green scouring pad.