Shift knob refresh

[Lanister]

Hey guys,

So my stock black auto leather shift knob is showing signs of wear. At first, I thought I would just replace it but after a second look, I saw that it's nothing more than mild leather discoloration. The piece looks entirely intact and leather is very smooth. It seems wasteful to spend $60 for a new one. So I figured that it might be worth it to simply give it some leather dye. This is often done to leather seats from what I can tell.

Since I have no experience with this stuff, I wanted to see if there would be any input on how to do it best? What type of product to use etc?

[Avetiso]

Honestly, buying leather dye, spending the time to do it, risking messing up, not knowing if it'll match, or how long it'll hold up...

I'd just buy a new one. That's honestly my opinion. There are some parts on this car not worth working with... just replace.

[Pip]

I've never used it, but I wanted to try it on my old sedan seats and the shift knob. You could also risk it and see if Mike would wrap the knob in alcantara. I know when I tried to see if he would do it he was swamped with work so might not work out.

http://www.furnitureclinic.co.uk/Leather_Recolouring_Balm.php

[tkundhi]

I redyed the interior in my convertible. It real is a simple process. A shift knob should be a piece of cake. I used Leatherique (http://www.leatherique.com/). Basically redying leather is like refinishing wood. Strip, prep, stain. Just takes time and patience. I bet 30 minutes or less to do what you describe.

You may not save a lot compared to replacing but you will learn how to do it and keep the current one out of the landfill.

Give it a shot.

t.

[Lanister]

Thanks T.

That's what I was thinking as well. I don't have letherique as I have another leather conditioning product I use on my seats. There's a leather shop in town so before going the leatherique route, I'll see if they have a small-volume product for less than what leatherique would set me back.

Sean, I wish I was an alcantara fan but I just hate the way it ages.

Dario, if I were to replace it, I'd rather go with something better/different; but of all designs, I can't seem to find one to get excited about. In fact, I'm surprised at the lack of variety given the commonplace popularity of shift knob upgrades.

EDIT:
I just want to make sure that if I choose a dye product that it's not toxic since I'll be touching it every day.

[Pip]

You could always try and get a sample from leatherique. I'm not sure how they do that, but worth an email explaining your dilemma to someone over there and see if they bite. Just tell them the truth that you'll be reviewing the product for a simple refresh or worn leather parts and using it to refresh your seats if it works out.

[Lanister]

Clever clever man :)

[ELCID86]

I was just researching dyeing leather last night for a possible upcoming project. These threads might help:

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1308187-DIY-Restore-cracked-leather-seat&referrerid=328435


http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=601668&referrerid=234699

I think Leatherique is a good solution.

[Mike2003ZHP]

On this topic, I will be posting a thread on my next project hopefully in a weak.

I recently found a very good deal on a warn leather M3 tri stich leather wheel ($100). I was planning on using it as a core or a Coby re-rewrap. The leather finish is sun baked and worn at 12 O'Clock. Dyeing looks messy, time consuming and relatively costly. In trolling the internet, I found this link on using Doc Bailey's Leather Black to refinish a Mazda steering wheel.

http://www.rs25.com/forums/f105/t196240-diy-leather-steering-wheel-restoration.html

I also did a little reading on the Doc Baileys, it is popular with Harley owners for seats, jackets, boots, saddle bags, etc. Happy Harley customers is good enough for me. It supposedly cleans, dyes and seals worn black leather. So for under $20 I will try it on the my "new" old steering wheel. If it works, great! If not then I will send to Mike at Coby for a re-wrap. Either way, I will still have my oem worn alcantara to sell or get re wrapped later.

Here's the link to Doc Baileys on Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/KURYAKYN-BAILEYS-BLACK-LEATHER-DETAIL/dp/B005HR3WFQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392143007&sr=8-1&keywords=doc+baileys

[ELCID86]

^ wow that stuff looks good for black leather. Be sure to use the affiliate link for Amazon.

[johnrando]

^ wow that stuff looks good for black leather. Be sure to use the affiliate link for Amazon.

Appreciate that.