Recommendations for Nutmeg Leather?

[johnsonic]

Hey all!

I'm kicking around the idea of getting my front seats reupholstered, but want to do it in leather. I can find matching vinyl pretty easily, but leather on the other hand...

So, does anyone know a source for leather that matches, or have a source for someone that can dye leather to match?

Thanks for you help!

[johnsonic]

Maybe I should be asking: for those that had seats reupholstered, which way did you go? Is leather even an option or should I go vinyl? Any opinions?

Totally new to interior stuff, but wound up with an '84 with an amazing interior, aside from the front seats where cracks are turning to splits.

Here's what I'm working with, any help would be awesome!

[440sixpack]

You might try these guys they had the tan Levis material for my J10 and nobody else did. they don't say anything about leather but they might be able to steer you the right direction. you might try the wagon masters too they do high dollar restorations.

https://originalauto.com/products/n-o-s-original-seat-cloth-vinyl/

I think matching that color is going to be tough. I'm a perfectionist too but to be honest that interior looks good enough I'm not sure you will be able to match it well enough to improve it.

[johnsonic]

Thanks!

I did call original auto - they actually have the nutmeg corduroy cloth (amazingly!), but do not have leather, only vinyl.

I just found SMS Fabrics in OR & they say they can dye to match, but ran them through the googler and looks like lots of people are not excited about their lead times and would rather NOS. Sounds like it doesn't exist.

Thanks again for the reply!

[440sixpack]

I would guess NOS Jeep leather would be unobtanium. and even if you found it it would be 30 years old.

You might have a heart attack when you found out what it would cost in labor too, my J10 bucket seats cost me $800 to recover and I supplied the material. your seats are far more complicated . they did a perfect job but I paid for it.

[johnsonic]

She quoted me $250 in labor for each seat, and they had a 2 month backlog and the parking lot looked like a carshow. Local classic car dealer said was the only spot in town (Rob's Upholstery on SE 82nd in PDX). Just MINT Corevettes and '57 chevy's and all the usual. Three people around commercial sewing machines making artistry. Thinking that's a deal.

Got my last ride ('87, peanut butter interior) quoted in Milwaukee and it was $600 a seat because baseball stitching is super complicated.

I'd have to think though, that with all of the resto rides out there someone has cracked this code.

Will reach out to wagoneerworld, wagonmaster, grandwagoneer.com and see what they do. If they install heaters, they must reupholster?

Thanks 440sixpack!

~john

[440sixpack]

That is a good deal.

If those wagoneer restoration outfits can't help you I'm not sure who could. I hope you find what you're looking for I love to see as many of these rigs restored to original rather than being kidderized and crushed.

[SOLSAKS]

i got a color chart of marine vinyl used on boats
it is so close to leather it is amazing

and it will take more abuse
and not crack like leather.

name on color chart:
BRY-TECH DISTRIBUTORS
THE ALLANTE COLLECTION

search marine vinyl color chart on ebay to find one.

a lot less expensive than leather and more durable in my opinion.

an expert leather reconditioning expert that services car dealerships
like mercedes, lexus, etc would be a good idea for you too ( IMO )
call a local high end dealership and ask if they know of a mobile service for this.

if you do it, i would always remove seats
then let them work their magic.
if it fails to impress you, you could still recover later.

that is an amazing find, i would condition leather and keep original as long as possible. it looks SWEET.

dave in NC

[johnsonic]

Thanks SOLSAKS!

I found a super close match at Oregon Leather Co - it's called Doral Oak Tan. The texture is different and it's more supple, but pretty dang close color wise.

Will get to it when my current seats fully split & be applying leather honey like a maniac until then.

You guys rock.

[SOLSAKS]

reminds me of a wagoneer ronald reagan was photographed in one time
those photos look like it does not need much at all...except enjoying.
once again.......great find,...
the gold exterior wagoneers are one of the best looking wags ever !

dave in NC

[JPSwapMohn]

That is, by far, my favorite interior color for these rigs. Yours looks amazing!
If you have luck with the marine vinyl, please share what you find.

[johnsonic]

I don't think I'll be going the vinyl route for this - I've looked at hundreds of swatches and found one leather that is a really close match and I like the texture / suppleness more than factory. Thinking I'll do the front seats & pray they can reuse the shag.

But, I still have some time before the cracks in the seats turn to splits so it could be a ways away.

If I were to go vinyl, I'd go with the readily available vinyl that is a direct match (it's used on the door panels).

[wimbers]

I have exactly the same color combination. unfortunately mine is very worn out: drivers seat is cracked, armrest vinyl is cracked, carpet is rotten and the paint is burnt by the sun. on the good side, tech is good, it's complete and no rust!

where did you say you found the original corduroy?

[johnsonic]

Got it from originalauto.com - it's cloth #40411.

~j

[wimbers]

Got it from originalauto.com - it's cloth #40411.

~j

thanks!