What is the best way to soften and condition leather seat

[halcombrick]

I just found a mint seat for my 82 wing as stated in the topic below. My question is what is the best way to soften and condition this seat so it don't break and rip when I start using it?, the seat has been setting out in the weather thanks guys.Rick

[RoadRogue]

Are you sure its leather? The stock seats are vinyl .........

[halcombrick]

now that you mention it i'm not sure. It does seem to be an aftermarket seat and looks like leather but im not sure if it is vinyl whats the best way to soften it?

[WingAdmin]

now that you mention it i'm not sure. It does seem to be an aftermarket seat and looks like leather but im not sure if it is vinyl whats the best way to soften it?

Vinyl (PVC) is a rigid plastic made flexible by the addition of plasticizers during processing under heat and pressure. With age the plasticizers migrate out and the vinyl becomes hard and brittle. Not much dissolves PVC so it is difficult to put an additive in a jar that would re-dissolve in the matrix and remain to increase flexibility without requiring conditions close to the original processing conditions.

That said, there are a few of products that I know of that claim to do just this. I haven't tried any of them, so your mileage may vary:

http://www.leathermagic.com/Pages/vinylsoftener.htm

http://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-M5716-Ma ... ingdocs-20

http://www.amazon.com/Zymol-Vinyl-Condi ... ingdocs-20

[Bigbiker0]

Dont spend any money trying to save that seat. After 30 years in upholstery business I know there is any way to restore vinyl or leather when it's dry out.