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  #11  
Old 23rd May 2017, 09:54 PM
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I also added some additional (and, I hope, tasteful) features which I will post on some photos tomorrow.
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2002 D2 S8 – Ming Blue, Valcona leather, Vavona wood insert, solar sunroof (to be fitted), Heated rear seats, extended leather pack, 18” Avus, ski hatch, Bose, auto dim rear view mirror, rear blind.
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  #12  
Old 23rd May 2017, 10:15 PM
HPsauce HPsauce is offline
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Originally Posted by moltuae View Post
I've also re-Woollied my driver's seat, which was beginning to look a little worn.
On my "to do" list as well.
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2003 D2 FL S8. Irish Green Pearl/Beige. Solar sunroof, auto-dim mirrors, electric rear seat functions, ski hatch retrofit; extended leather. Aftermarket DVB-T, reversing camera and full XCarlink (Bluetooth etc.).
2016 Volvo V40 T5 Cross Country (4WD) with ALL the toys including adaptive cruise etc. etc. Osmium Grey with Blonde/Charcoal leather interior. Polestar performance "optimisation". (A much rarer model than a D2 S8 by the way!) Oh, and a brand new engine at just under 30,000 miles on the factory one!
Finally: gone, but not forgotten.....
1998 D2 PF S8. AgateGrey/Platinum. Every option (I think) except electric rear seats, tiptronic steering wheel, ski hatch, towbar & dimming door mirrors.
e.g. Cruise control, NavPlus/TV, Bose, GSM, Xenons, Solar roof, Parking sensors, Alcantara/leather everywhere of course. (internal dimming mirror added later)
1998 (very early) Ford Focus 1.8 Zetec; ABS/TCS, Heated screen/mirrors, Aircon, Auto-dim mirror, Leather, Trip computer, Cruise control, OEM Ford SatNav with CD changer.
And before that a lot of Rover 800s, a few oddities, a lovely Triumph Dolomite 1850HL with Overdrive and way back in my schooldays an Austin Seven aka Mini 850!
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  #13  
Old 25th May 2017, 06:40 PM
HPsauce HPsauce is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by moltuae View Post
I've also re-Woollied my driver's seat, which was beginning to look a little worn. Now it's like new again. I used a different technique this time which seems to have resulted in a much better (potentially harder-wearing) job. Ignoring the advice in Woollies' instructions (NOT to use brushes), I used a soft shoe polish brush to massage the dye in. I also used another shoe polish brush with a different leather cleaning product beforehand; I find that the blue Woollies' leather cleaner leaves the leather a little blue.

What cleaner did you use? My end result is decidedly patchy and will have to be done again some time soon.
My leather is cream and I think the slight blue tint from the cleaner has made some parts look worse.
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2003 D2 FL S8. Irish Green Pearl/Beige. Solar sunroof, auto-dim mirrors, electric rear seat functions, ski hatch retrofit; extended leather. Aftermarket DVB-T, reversing camera and full XCarlink (Bluetooth etc.).
2016 Volvo V40 T5 Cross Country (4WD) with ALL the toys including adaptive cruise etc. etc. Osmium Grey with Blonde/Charcoal leather interior. Polestar performance "optimisation". (A much rarer model than a D2 S8 by the way!) Oh, and a brand new engine at just under 30,000 miles on the factory one!
Finally: gone, but not forgotten.....
1998 D2 PF S8. AgateGrey/Platinum. Every option (I think) except electric rear seats, tiptronic steering wheel, ski hatch, towbar & dimming door mirrors.
e.g. Cruise control, NavPlus/TV, Bose, GSM, Xenons, Solar roof, Parking sensors, Alcantara/leather everywhere of course. (internal dimming mirror added later)
1998 (very early) Ford Focus 1.8 Zetec; ABS/TCS, Heated screen/mirrors, Aircon, Auto-dim mirror, Leather, Trip computer, Cruise control, OEM Ford SatNav with CD changer.
And before that a lot of Rover 800s, a few oddities, a lovely Triumph Dolomite 1850HL with Overdrive and way back in my schooldays an Austin Seven aka Mini 850!
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  #14  
Old 25th May 2017, 08:20 PM
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moltuae moltuae is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HPsauce View Post
What cleaner did you use? My end result is decidedly patchy and will have to be done again some time soon.
My leather is cream and I think the slight blue tint from the cleaner has made some parts look worse.
Yeah, I don't know what Woollies were thinking. I'm sure it's ok on darker colours but it definitely leaves a blue tint on lighter leather.

I've used a few different leather cleaners. I think most will probably do a better job than Woollies leather cleaner but Dr Leather was what I used this time:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B007KARWZE/

When I've used the Woollies' kit in the past, I've always followed the instructions to the letter and had similar disappointing patchy results.

So this time I figured I'd try a shoe-polishing type of technique. I bought a couple of soft shoe polish brushes and used the first one to gently scrub the surface clean, using leather cleaner and wiping off a few times with a clean microfibre cloth. Once it was clean and dry, I applied Woollies' dye to the other brush and gently massaged it in, covering large areas and repeatedly moving the brush around all areas until it had started to soak in a dry a little. I left it to dry for an hour or two then repeated the process to apply another couple of coats, until it looked even. Once it was dry, I gently buffed it with a microfibre cloth then carefully applied the sealing paste. The next day, I finished off with some Auto Glym Leather Care Balm.

I think the problem with Woollies' recommended technique is that the dye doesn't always adhere very well. They do stress the importance of getting the leather thoroughly clean to allow the dye to adhere/soak better but I don't think you can get leather properly clean by wiping it with cloths and the same goes for applying the dye. Whenever I've followed their recommendations, using cloths to apply the dye, no matter how long I leave it to dry or how carefully I apply the sealing paste, it always seems to wipe off again and end up patchy. Perhaps on more porous leathers their technique works well, but the A/S8 seat leather seems to respond better to a brushing.
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2002 FE S8 Ebony Black Pearl
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Cars Owned:
The Tesla Era: 2020 Model S Performance Ludicrous+ (present)
(Black, with all black premium interior and carbon fibre décor, 21" sonic carbon twin turbine wheels and FSD capability)

The Audi Era: '97 A8 4.2 (Ming Blue) --> '96 A8 4.2 QS (Dark Green) --> '02 FE S8 (present)
The Citroen Era: '84 BX 1.6 RS --> '89 BX 1.9 DTR Turbo --> '94 XM 2.0L Turbo --> '96 XM 2.0L Turbo Exclusive --> '00 Xantia Activa 2.0L Turbo
The Banger Era: '76 1.2L Lada VAZ-2101 (Ruski Fiat 124) --> '80 1.7L Morris Ital HL, finished in Ermine White and Rust

Last edited by moltuae; 25th May 2017 at 08:23 PM.
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  #15  
Old 25th May 2017, 09:17 PM
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steamship steamship is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by David's8 View Post
I also added some additional (and, I hope, tasteful) features which I will post on some photos tomorrow.
Come on David, where are the photos, or have you decided that they aren't tasteful enough for us?
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2001 A8 D2 FL 3.7 Q - LPG Conversion, Engine: AKC, Gearbox:FBB, Colour:LY5X Aqua Blue pearl effect, Interior:WJ light beige/dark beige valcona leather with burr walnut inserts

My DIY jobs - Replaced alarm horn, Replaced Coolant Temp sensor, Updated RNS-D firmware, Installed Reversing Camera and Digital TV, Dashcam Installation, Retrofitted Rear Blinds, Auto-Dimming Rear View Mirror, Chrome Boot Struts

Sold! 2008 S8 D3 5.2 V10 - Engine: BSM, Gearbox:KLW, Colour:LY7F Suzuka Grey Pearl Effect, Interior:Black/Black with Silver/Black valcona leather with carbon atlas inserts, Bang & Olufsen, Heated windscreen, Soft-close doors, TV, DAB, AMI, Quad Zone, Auto Boot, Auto dim Mirrors, Keyless entry, PDC with rearview camera, AFS II Headlights

My DIY jobs - Fan Jet Windscreen Washers, Retrofitted Electric Side Blinds
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  #16  
Old 25th May 2017, 09:30 PM
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Originally Posted by steamship View Post
Come on David, where are the photos, or have you decided that they aren't tasteful enough for us?
Truth is I have only just downloaded the photos in the last few minutes and I cannot really say that I can see the difference!! I attach a few photos to see what you think. I have used 3mm "chrome" trim to highlight the drab grey trim lines. As you can see, the rings are sat on top of the grey, plastic rings (as I didnt want to drill out the originals) and whilst it gives them a slightly "3-D" appearance you can see the slight mismatch in size (only 2-3mm - but it shows).
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2002 D2 S8 – Ming Blue, Valcona leather, Vavona wood insert, solar sunroof (to be fitted), Heated rear seats, extended leather pack, 18” Avus, ski hatch, Bose, auto dim rear view mirror, rear blind.
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  #17  
Old 25th May 2017, 09:37 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by David's8 View Post
Truth is I have only just downloaded the photos in the last few minutes and I cannot really say that I can see the difference!! I attach a few photos to see what you think. I have used 3mm "chrome" trim to highlight the drab grey trim lines. As you can see, the rings are sat on top of the grey, plastic rings (as I didnt want to drill out the originals) and whilst it gives them a slightly "3-D" appearance you can see the slight mismatch in size (only 2-3mm - but it shows).
Very tasteful indeed, although that engine is disgustingly clean

Now where did I leave that tin of elbow grease?
__________________
2001 A8 D2 FL 3.7 Q - LPG Conversion, Engine: AKC, Gearbox:FBB, Colour:LY5X Aqua Blue pearl effect, Interior:WJ light beige/dark beige valcona leather with burr walnut inserts

My DIY jobs - Replaced alarm horn, Replaced Coolant Temp sensor, Updated RNS-D firmware, Installed Reversing Camera and Digital TV, Dashcam Installation, Retrofitted Rear Blinds, Auto-Dimming Rear View Mirror, Chrome Boot Struts

Sold! 2008 S8 D3 5.2 V10 - Engine: BSM, Gearbox:KLW, Colour:LY7F Suzuka Grey Pearl Effect, Interior:Black/Black with Silver/Black valcona leather with carbon atlas inserts, Bang & Olufsen, Heated windscreen, Soft-close doors, TV, DAB, AMI, Quad Zone, Auto Boot, Auto dim Mirrors, Keyless entry, PDC with rearview camera, AFS II Headlights

My DIY jobs - Fan Jet Windscreen Washers, Retrofitted Electric Side Blinds
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  #18  
Old 25th May 2017, 10:26 PM
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The_Laird The_Laird is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by moltuae View Post
Yeah, I don't know what Woollies were thinking. I'm sure it's ok on darker colours but it definitely leaves a blue tint on lighter leather.

I've used a few different leather cleaners. I think most will probably do a better job than Woollies leather cleaner but Dr Leather was what I used this time:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B007KARWZE/

When I've used the Woollies' kit in the past, I've always followed the instructions to the letter and had similar disappointing patchy results.

So this time I figured I'd try a shoe-polishing type of technique. I bought a couple of soft shoe polish brushes and used the first one to gently scrub the surface clean, using leather cleaner and wiping off a few times with a clean microfibre cloth. Once it was clean and dry, I applied Woollies' dye to the other brush and gently massaged it in, covering large areas and repeatedly moving the brush around all areas until it had started to soak in a dry a little. I left it to dry for an hour or two then repeated the process to apply another couple of coats, until it looked even. Once it was dry, I gently buffed it with a microfibre cloth then carefully applied the sealing paste. The next day, I finished off with some Auto Glym Leather Care Balm.

I think the problem with Woollies' recommended technique is that the dye doesn't always adhere very well. They do stress the importance of getting the leather thoroughly clean to allow the dye to adhere/soak better but I don't think you can get leather properly clean by wiping it with cloths and the same goes for applying the dye. Whenever I've followed their recommendations, using cloths to apply the dye, no matter how long I leave it to dry or how carefully I apply the sealing paste, it always seems to wipe off again and end up patchy. Perhaps on more porous leathers their technique works well, but the A/S8 seat leather seems to respond better to a brushing.
Interesting. I've just done my driver's seat again too, but following the Woolies instructions. I've not noticed the blue tint or the patchy colouring, but I'll try the brushes next time.
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2002 Final Edition S8. Ebony black with Silver Grey leather and myrtle wood trim.
Current mods: solar sun roof, 20mm rear spacers, 15 mm on front, red brembo callipers, 6k headlights, rear view camera, engine remap, alloy dash dial rings, alloy navi rings, tt/phaeton pedal upgrade, (and custom matching foot rest) dension ipod interface & parrot hands free kit (both fully hidden), av input, tv in motion switched thro' PF switch in blanking plug right of steering column, Audi 'quattro' sill covers, repositioned centre console switches, radio clock, .
Planned mods: auto-dimming rear view mirror, dash cam (as steamship's), fit the ski hatch, refit philips drl's (or maybe not - nope, definitely not - horrible botch!).
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  #19  
Old 25th May 2017, 10:28 PM
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briang9 briang9 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by moltuae View Post
Yeah, I don't know what Woollies were thinking. I'm sure it's ok on darker colours but it definitely leaves a blue tint on lighter leather.

I've used a few different leather cleaners. I think most will probably do a better job than Woollies leather cleaner but Dr Leather was what I used this time:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B007KARWZE/

When I've used the Woollies' kit in the past, I've always followed the instructions to the letter and had similar disappointing patchy results.

So this time I figured I'd try a shoe-polishing type of technique. I bought a couple of soft shoe polish brushes and used the first one to gently scrub the surface clean, using leather cleaner and wiping off a few times with a clean microfibre cloth. Once it was clean and dry, I applied Woollies' dye to the other brush and gently massaged it in, covering large areas and repeatedly moving the brush around all areas until it had started to soak in a dry a little. I left it to dry for an hour or two then repeated the process to apply another couple of coats, until it looked even. Once it was dry, I gently buffed it with a microfibre cloth then carefully applied the sealing paste. The next day, I finished off with some Auto Glym Leather Care Balm.

I think the problem with Woollies' recommended technique is that the dye doesn't always adhere very well. They do stress the importance of getting the leather thoroughly clean to allow the dye to adhere/soak better but I don't think you can get leather properly clean by wiping it with cloths and the same goes for applying the dye. Whenever I've followed their recommendations, using cloths to apply the dye, no matter how long I leave it to dry or how carefully I apply the sealing paste, it always seems to wipe off again and end up patchy. Perhaps on more porous leathers their technique works well, but the A/S8 seat leather seems to respond better to a brushing.
There is an easier way, get a black interior
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  #20  
Old 25th May 2017, 10:39 PM
tintin tintin is offline
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I used Woollies once, on a small part of my (lovely!) red leather. Never again - very disappointing.
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(4) 2010 Fiat Panda 100HP. White Pandamonium (Final Edition!!). Pure old-fashioned 6-speed go-karting.
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