How I semi restored old leather seat

[tikiharl]

Started with an old leather seat in pretty bad shape.I had never heard of the brand, the only marking is a stamp that says "VERY BEST".
(The one on the left)

First I oiled it down with baby oil so it would soften up some and so I could see better what I had to work with.
It had some shiney spots here and there as well as some bad scuffs. So I (cringe) sanded, yes sanded the whole top down.
Reapplied more oil to see what it looked like, let it soak in. I then applied some colored danish oil wiped off real good and let dry.
I would only do this method on a real distressed saddle as it does raise leather grain. I plan no sealer, just adding oil as needed. 8)
I like the look, kinda uniformed distressed :wink:

And yes that is a sneak peak at the Uncle Stretch build. This saddle is not going on that bike though. The other saddle that needs refinished will go on the Mt. bike rat.

 

[user 135]

Nice job on the refurbed seat. Will you have to the lace skirts up to help the saddle keep its shape?

Are those 26x3 or 24x3 on Stretch?

 

[tikiharl]

I am sure I will have to lace up the seat at some point. First I have to figure what it will go on. :wink: and how it feels.
The tires on the stretch build are rear 26" x 3" Kenda flames and the front 26" x "2.125"

 

[karfer67]

that is really amazing i have passed up a few seats that were like that. wonder if you could also get the shape back if you tied strings across through the lower holes?

 

[user 135]

Lacing works well. I have done that on two Brooks.

 

[C.S.]

This has nothing to do with your serious restoration, but is my way of remodelling a sun-dried seat. Made the curled-up sides wet, and left it like this for a day.
Looks like a horrible toothache.

(Took out some color and made it a bit grainy.)
Sorry, I was just looking for an opportunity to show this.

 

[GTCOMA]

And yes that is a sneak peak at the Uncle Stretch build.

I was wondering who bought that

 

[Rustinkerer]

that is a sneak peak at the Uncle Stretch build.

I guess when ya wanna stop, ya just throw a playing card between the tire and that crossbrace!! :lol: ~Adam

 

[tikiharl]

The tire is in the all the way forward position.There is about 2" of adjustment I can make. Since I will not be running a rear fender I want it tight just maybe not that tight. :wink: