Maintaining C5?
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Joined: Dec 2011
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Maintaining C5?
Hello, a few questions about a C5. A little background, it is a Torch Red on Light Oak on Light Oak 2000 Vert. It has 25k miles and is a show quality driver 
First, there is a tear the size of a pencil eraser in the convertible top. How do you think I should fix it? Second, the chrome wheels have a few small peeling spots, about half an inch along the lip. What do you recommend for that? Lastly, the leather is starting to crack a little. I dont want to buy new seats covers because they arent that bad, but would like to see the cracks gone. What do you think I should use to get rid of the cracks? Thank you!!! 
First, there is a tear the size of a pencil eraser in the convertible top. How do you think I should fix it? Second, the chrome wheels have a few small peeling spots, about half an inch along the lip. What do you recommend for that? Lastly, the leather is starting to crack a little. I dont want to buy new seats covers because they arent that bad, but would like to see the cracks gone. What do you think I should use to get rid of the cracks? Thank you!!!
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Hello, a few questions about a C5. A little background, it is a Torch Red on Light Oak on Light Oak 2000 Vert. It has 25k miles and is a show quality driver First, there is a tear the size of a pencil eraser in the convertible top. How do you think I should fix it? Second, the chrome wheels have a few small peeling spots, about half an inch along the lip. What do you recommend for that? Lastly, the leather is starting to crack a little. I dont want to buy new seats covers because they arent that bad, but would like to see the cracks gone. What do you think I should use to get rid of the cracks? Thank you!!!
First, there is a tear the size of a pencil eraser in the convertible top. How do you think I should fix it? Second, the chrome wheels have a few small peeling spots, about half an inch along the lip. What do you recommend for that? Lastly, the leather is starting to crack a little. I dont want to buy new seats covers because they arent that bad, but would like to see the cracks gone. What do you think I should use to get rid of the cracks? Thank you!!! PS fill out your profile comletely so we know what you have and were you are from and so on.
Last edited by BWF07; Jan 14, 2012 at 10:03 PM. Reason: Add info
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,181
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From: Puyallup Washington
It is possible a good upholsterer could hand sew a repair into the top that will make it look a bit better and keep it from getting larger. A picture would help.
There is no cure I know of for fixing peeling chrome other than rechroming, which can make some metals brittle. Care is needed.
If the leather is cracking you need to use something like Lexol to soften the leather. That will not get rid of any cracks but will soften the leather and make it more flexible, so it will last longer. If you want the cracks to disappear take the car to a leather restorer, someone who works on antique leather furniture restoration.
There is no cure I know of for fixing peeling chrome other than rechroming, which can make some metals brittle. Care is needed.
If the leather is cracking you need to use something like Lexol to soften the leather. That will not get rid of any cracks but will soften the leather and make it more flexible, so it will last longer. If you want the cracks to disappear take the car to a leather restorer, someone who works on antique leather furniture restoration.
Last edited by Kmcoldcars; Jan 15, 2012 at 11:20 AM.
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For the peeling chrome on the wheels, not much you can do other than get another chrome wheel or have that one rechromed. For your seats, start using a really good leather conditioner on them. May not take all the cracks away, but it will moisturize them to where the cracks don't get worse.
