Leather Seats Have Sun/Heat Damage

jason57 · August 15, 2005

Hello,

I am looking into buying an '02 Tahoe, but the rear passenger seat and the backside of the front passenger seat have been damaged by the sun or some other heat. The seats are tan leather, and the damage portions looks like coffee stains.

Has anyone had any experience with something like this? Is there any way to remove this damage? Thanks.

Wingnut · August 15, 2005

Doesn't sound like sun damage to me...Sounds more like coffee stains.

Sun damage is generally a bleaching effect. Unless the seat actually got too close to the sun...You don't think that the previous owner took it to Venus do you? If so, I'd doubt the validity of the odometer readings.

If you could post pics, that would really help us figure out what the stains are, but since you don't own it...That might prove to be a bit difficult.

GM-Tech · August 15, 2005

Well, I'm in South Florida where the sun shines brightly nearly every day of the year and I have not seen anything like that in leather seats. Dunno whatcha got there, but it ain't from the sun.

jason57 · August 17, 2005

Thanks for the replies. I don't have any pics (since I don't yet own it).

If the damage is not from the sun, then I really have no idea what it could be. I doubt it is coffee because it covers the entire rear passenger seat and the back of the front passenger seat.

The leather is a light beige, but the damage is dark brown rings and lines. Could this be from an improper cleaning agent? The damage could be some type of chemical burn. Any other ideas or thoughts on what caused it and if it can be repaired? Thanks

mcreyaufmiller · August 17, 2005

Could be kiddie excretions.

Wingnut · August 17, 2005

Any possibility that the truck has been sunk? Leave leather submurged at varying depths of water, and it's bound to discolor in some funny ways.

az'03Silverado · August 17, 2005

Could be kiddie excretions.

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Ah yes, there's nothing like a mystery stain. If you do end up buying the truck, try some Armoral Leather wipes. They clean leather very well. Or, for a few hundred clams you can get a set of Catskins for it.

cyclejerk · August 17, 2005

Some people are known to clean there leather w/ laquer thinner. If done correctly it's ok however if the thinner says on to long this could be the issue. Is the guy/gal in the automotive bus...?