Leather border under seat belt escutcheon

[White230CE]

Hi all,

As you know, the seat belt extender arm emerges from a triangular hole. That hole is covered by a plastic escutcheon. Over time, the leather edge around the hole has shrunk back, so the escutcheon no longer masks the edge and it all looks quite tatty. A common problem, no doubt.

Has anyone had any success in overcoming this problem? I recall coming across a post some time ago (may not have been on this forum) which described stretching the leather using a hairdryer, then somehow securing it at the edge (can't remember how exactly, but he didn't just glue it to the base). I've also found a post on a leather expert's site, which advises against using a hairdryer, but instead, rubbing in an emulsion of water and saddle soap/neatsfoot oil over time and the leather gently relaxes with a bit of coaxing.

All suggestions gratefully received.

Thanks

 

[television]

Heating leather is not good, neither is getting it wet.It shrinks after getting wet.

To get leather to cover things like gear shift etc, you beat it with a mallet on the inside, and this will stretch it, it you stretch it, it gets thinner, so the right piece of leather is chosen for these task.

In your case I would lift it as far as possible and apply an impact adhesive in stages, stretching it as you go.

Hyde food on that year of car is good to get it soft

 

[White230CE]

Thanks Malcolm - once again!

 

[Mercedes 190E]

Are you sure it's leather and not vinyl? If vinyl, heating and gluing will work-I need to do this on the B posts of my TE soon.

 

[television]

Are you sure it's leather and not vinyl? If vinyl, heating and gluing will work-I need to do this on the B posts of my TE soon.

You can always tell from the backing,if its skin or other. yes you can warm the plastic, but not too hot or that will shrink

 

[White230CE]

Ah, thanks 190E, never thought of that. How do I check please? (I know it was originally cloth trimmed, and a previous owner then had it retrimmed in leather - a very good job, with the rear cards even having ruffled inserts, so perhaps he specified leather). Having said that, it makes the car sound like a boudoir, which it isn't!

 

[White230CE]

Even as I post, Malcolm rides to the rescue, once again.

Thanks!