10-23-2013, 09:49 AM
I have re-dyed seats like that using LeatherWorld products. I'd refer you to my project thread but all the images in there were on an old server that's not up anymore. I did the whole nine yards, crack filler, texture match, complete redye, etc. The initial results from my attempt were fantastic, they took seats that were close to death and at least made them all black again and a bit smoother.
HOWEVER, they didn't hold up at all, within a few weeks they were fading and cracking all over again. Obviously other people have done it with excellent results, so I don't know where I went wrong. Maybe I didn't let the crack filler cure long enough (I let it sit overnight), maybe I didn't sand the leather down enough, or maybe it just didn't hold up because all the foam under the leather had collapsed a little bit and the filler is more brittle than the actual leather, I dunno. Maybe if you're more patient or your seats are in better condition you'll have better luck.
I just ended up replacing my vaders with E46 M3 seats after a few years, which I would highly recommend if you're up for it. Black vaders are in incredibly high demand and perfect sets can go for over $1200 and beat to hell seats still fetch $4-500. However, black E46 M3 seats can be had in perfect condition for $5-600. I got mine with very little wear and cracking from a 100k mile car for $500 with power, heat, adjustable lumbar and power adjustable bolsters. They are infinitely more comfortable and functional than the vaders, and the swap just requires a little wiring and dremel work, nothing too crazy.
HOWEVER, they didn't hold up at all, within a few weeks they were fading and cracking all over again. Obviously other people have done it with excellent results, so I don't know where I went wrong. Maybe I didn't let the crack filler cure long enough (I let it sit overnight), maybe I didn't sand the leather down enough, or maybe it just didn't hold up because all the foam under the leather had collapsed a little bit and the filler is more brittle than the actual leather, I dunno. Maybe if you're more patient or your seats are in better condition you'll have better luck.
I just ended up replacing my vaders with E46 M3 seats after a few years, which I would highly recommend if you're up for it. Black vaders are in incredibly high demand and perfect sets can go for over $1200 and beat to hell seats still fetch $4-500. However, black E46 M3 seats can be had in perfect condition for $5-600. I got mine with very little wear and cracking from a 100k mile car for $500 with power, heat, adjustable lumbar and power adjustable bolsters. They are infinitely more comfortable and functional than the vaders, and the swap just requires a little wiring and dremel work, nothing too crazy.
Now: 07 Porsche Cayman S | 18 VW Tiguan
Then: 18 VW GTI Autobahn | 95 BMW M3 | 15 VW GTI SE | 12 Kia Optima SX | 2009 VW GTI | 00 BMW 540i Sport | 90 Mazda Miata | 94 Yamaha FZR600R | 1993 Suzuki GS500E | 2003 BMW 325i | 95 Saab 900S