Repair Worn or Cracked Leather Seats

There are so many different ways that a leather seat gets worn, the usual spots are the bolster on the lean-back and the outer panel or center panel of the seat bottom. Some of which have had sizable holes that depending on where they are positioned can be fixed with a low heat leather repair compound and an under-patch.

Now before I start any leather repair project I mix my water based leather dye. I look around the seat side for a clean spot to get a good match, if there isn't a clean spot then I make one. Two reasons I mix my leather dye prior to starting and that is for one to make sure that I have the leather dye on board with me, which I always stock every night so I know I will, but you never know, and for second I want to make sure I get the color right before I start. Color match is a big thing to me, nothing looks worse then a bad color match. In fact you can ruin a seat if the color isn't right, by not getting your color exact you won't achieve the natural look of the leather seat and the interior of the vehicle. When mixing I always look around the vehicle to see the color scheme and make sure that I have a good match. Test your leather dye on the seat side, put a dab, dry it, if it disappears then your good, if not tint.
Once we have our leather dye mixed the right color with the appropriate amount of cross-linker, flex additive, and flattener if needed, it's time to clean and prep the leather seat. This is a very crucial part in the process and should not be taken lightly. If the area is not clean, prepped, cracks filled and leather primer applied then the leather dye will not adhere properly and you have a mess. So clean like mad.
First you take a spray bottle with a mild degreaser mixed with water, a scotch brite pad, and a towel and get to scrubbing. Spray the top portion of the seat first, scrub with the brush, then the scotch brite pad, and wipe it down. Pay close attention to the creases and the upper and outer edges of the seat, it has to be clean. Now move to the seat bottom, clean the front and the sides too, scrub it good, you don't want to be putting leather dye over dirt.
After you have scrubbed the seat with the degreaser, grab your spray bottle of prep solution which is a mixer of alcohol, ammonia, 240 grit sandpaper and your prep solution, this will remove any ruff edges and you will notice the dye will lift and start to mix with the solution and fill and seal some of the cracks and worn areas on the leather seat, this is a good thing use it. This gives you a smoother area to work with which means less filler to be applied, always remember less is better. So get the leather as smooth as possible. In the cracked areas if you fold your sandpaper and use the edge to sand the cracks and make them look more like a natural crease it helps. Now sanding with the solution, spray and sand until dry, the dye will start to kinda ball up a little, just keep sanding lightly until smooth, you want to use this dye as a filler too.
Once sanded apply a thin coat of grip base, or sticky primer to the seat with a wet paper towel and wiping it over the entire leather seat. Basicly where your going to dye is where you need to prime. This will seal off the worn and cracked areas and give you good adhesion promotion for your leather dye.
Let's chat a bit about the areas needing leather repair. The cracked areas depending on how deep they are will depend on the type of leather repair compounds to use. If the areas are pretty bad then I usually go for the low heat compound, but if not then I will use an air dry leather repair compounds. I have so many different types of compounds I use depending on the severity of the damage, it would be impossible for me to go into each. But one thing I try to keep in mind and that is to keep the repair area as small as possible and as smooth as possible, don't glob your compounds on, thin layers curing between. Sanding in between the coats will help to keep things smooth and prepare for the second coat. Try using in some cases a 800 grit, this helps from lifting the compounds you just put on. When sanding low heat cured leather repair compound cool with your chill bar first, otherwise it will lift it. Cleaning as you go, always prep between coats of compounds, even a little bit of grip base between coats too and always after your compounds before dye is applied. Never hurts to dye as you go to see where your at in your leather repair, if you look good then finish the seat off and blend your leather dye over the rest of the seat. If not keep going, never just settle for ok, always go for perfection nothing less. Patience is a must, don't get in a hurry or it will show, and in some cases hurrying your compounds will only cause you to take more time fixing your screw ups, so take your time.
Dyeing the leather seat takes finesse, start by dyeing the upper portion then work your way to the bottom and then out. This keeps from dragging your hoses across the fresh dye. Remember to dye lightly, drying in between coats with a hair dryer. Light thin coats, makes for a better job in the end trust me. When dyeing, a little hint use a plastic license plate or a piece of card board to slide down between the seat belt latch and the seat and use another one for a blocking card to cut down on your over spray.
Once dyed, it's time for your topcoat. Top coating is a must to finish your repair off, that's the way it's done at the factory, dye then topcoat. This seals it all off and gives you more wear in the end, and thats what you want is a repair that lasts. I like to add a little slip additive to my topcoat to give the leather seat a softer and more natural feel. Check for over spray spots, and wipe them off by spraying a little prep solution on a towel and wipe it off, don't leave a mess of over spray with your nicely repaired leather seat.
The seat should look new. If you did your job right, if the right dye was used, and the right steps were followed in your process to repair worn or cracked leather you should have a leather repair that will last for years to come and a happy owner of that leather seat.

7 Tips Of Booking Of Rental Car

The rental car company provides different types of booking facilities online, over the phone, fax etc.
If you are planning to move than you must have to book your rental car in advance because some time in the weekend or vacation period the demand for the rental car is higher so it is necessary to book your car in advance.
1. In the present day the rental car company provides online reservation services. The online booking will be design in Java script so no one encrypts the database easily. The customer services department is also takes care of security issue in mind, because data security is most important because of credit card information of renters are stored online as well in the rental car company’s server.
2. First you must have to read the rules of the rental car company about their operations. Most of the company give refund only if you can cancel your booking before 48 hours. if you are fail to do cancelation of your car, the rental company do not give refund as well as laid heavy penalties on you. It is advisible if you are able to cancel your car before the time limit. You must get refund once you are not break the rules of the company.
3. Once you book the car with the car rental company, you do not require the the confirmation of the car reservation or car booking. On registration the company will send car voucher by email. If you book online than then you can print the voucher.You must have to keep the car voucher with you when you are going to rent a car.
4. The voucher is one of the important documents, if you want a car you need to carry the voucher. Please do not forget the booking reference number if you have missed the reference voucher. Car rental company charges only basic rate of rent a car on the basis of present rates offered by the rental company at the time of booking.
5. Some company give premiummembership of club annually. Some rental car company offers free club membership for first year. If you are frequent travelers and using rental car while traveling you can avail the benefits of various discounts and special offers as premium club membership. If you are corporate member or government employee then you can get the benefits of premium club member.
6. Normally the rental car companies prefer credit card for the payment because with the credit card the company should know the credit-worthy, to minimize vehicle damage and losses. Some Car rental companies also accept debit card payment under certain condition. The documents require for debit card rental includes valid driver's license, Utility bill (one months), Payroll remnant (15 days)
7. Every company has customer care department, which can handle all the information about updates of booking or cancellation from the customers. You can call them directly to them and give updates or changes in your booking schedules.Only you need is your booking reference number. Onthe basis of this you have to change your documents or status online or talking to customer care department. There are rules regarding change in status of reservation or cancellation. In case of immediate cancellation the company takes some extra charges.
About Author: Christy Myers is a writer for Cheap Car Rental , the premier website to find rent a car, car rentals, car rental, cheap car rental, national rental car, discount car rental, car rental booking and many more.

Acura Dash covers

If you own an Acura, you definitely believe in the best things in life. It is one of the most stylish and finest vehicles in today's market. When you own such a machine you have to take extra care so that it stays as beautiful as it was the day you bought it. But wear and tear and time definitely starts showing its effects. But you can take better care of your car by using car covers, seat covers, floor mats, dash covers etc.
Dash covers for your dash board are one of the most important things that can help you take care of your car's interiors. You can't even imagine how dangerous the glaring rays of the sun can be for your dash board; and also your dash board is highly susceptible to spills, etc that might accidentally ruin it. A good stylish dash cover will also help make your Acura look even more stylish and personalized. You can get stylish customized dash covers for your Acura from Coverking in designer print materials, Lit Neon Edging, and custom embroidered logos or messages. You'll also be able to match them up with custom Rear deck covers.

When you are getting dash covers it is best to get custom dash covers. Because otherwise you might get dash covers that will end up covering various functions or contours of your dashboard thus not letting you get the optimum use of your dash board. At Coverking you'll get dash covers that have been made only for your Acura, thus they will give you a perfect fit and also look good and stylish. At Coverking you get the option to choose from three different varieties -
Poly-Carpet - A tough yet attractive polyester non-tufted low pile carpet which has a lifetime warranty and provides the maximum protection for the dashboard and cuts the most glare.
Velour - Luxurious and elegant, Velour is a perfect choice for luxury vehicles. It is available in several colors to compliment the interior of most vehicles. Velour is also available in our Custom Seat Covers, offering a matching interior.
Molded Carpet - Very similar to Poly-Carpet, once molded into shape, the material will hold that shape for life. Molded Carpet is guaranteed for life. Coverking is the leading brand na me when it comes to automotive accessories so when you get your dash covers from them, you can actually say good bye to all worries.

Healthy Brakes: Top 3 DIY Tips

What's the point in driving if you can't reach your destination, alive! And for the most part it's your car's brakes that ensure your safety throughout a journey. The best part about ensuring a fully functional braking system is that you can yourself run some quick checks to see whether it needs your attention or not.

And that's not all, you can even carry out some of the repairs yourself. The following three tips should help you keep your car's braking system happy, and you and your passengers safe.
1. Brake Fluid: The system's Lifeblood
The key here is to have the right levels of brake fluids in the reservoir. It's a lot more easier these days to check the fluid levels, as most of the brake fluid reservoirs are see through and have markings on them to show the levels.
To check the fluid level, lift open the hood and locate the reservoir. You'd find it at the back of the engine bay and in front of the driver's side. It's positioned high up for easy access.
Once you're there, check the markings, wipe the dust off the reservoir if you can't see clearly. If it needs replacement then here's how you should go about topping it up.
A. Clean any grime or dust from around the reservoir cap before opening it.
B. Pour in the fluid slowly, allowing it time to settle.
C. Close the cap and you're done.
However, it's a good idea to check the level again after a day just to make sure that there isn't a void after the air bubbles have escaped. Also don't take point “A” lightly, as any impurity that falls into the reservoir could harm the system.
2. Brake Pads: The systems cutting edge
While in some automobiles you'd need to remove the wheels, in others you can carry out the inspection without it. However the important thing is to get a clear view of the pads.
To make an assessment, follow surface of the disc towards the top, and you should see that the outer pad is touches the disc, of the disc brakes. Over time the pads do wear, but if they've worn to the breadth of two pennies stacked atop each other, it's high time you replaced them.
3. Brake Disc: Too critical to lose
To run an assessment of the brake disk you'd need to take a look just like you did with the pads. Run your eyes from the center to the outside edges of the disc and it should appear to be shiny. Minor lines and scratches are hardly a thing to bat an eyelid, but any rough areas or deeper grooves should certainly raise a big red flag. Replace them ASAP, and in pairs.
You'd need to run these checks just a few times each year.
If you have your car's braking system in order you wouldn't ever put yourself in danger, unnecessarily.

Start a Hobby of Restoring a Classic Car

Restoring a car sounds like a big work. Well, it is. In fact, this job is taken on by car hobbyists alone. If you want to start on this job, you can very well do so, regardless if you consider yourself a hobbyist or not. You can do one part of the job slowly until you have successfully completed the whole project. It is going to take quite sometime. But if you start now, you will finish the job eventually.
You don't need to buy an old car from the garage to start on this new hobby. You can start with any worn-out car sitting in your own barn, if you have one. There's no need to look for a vintage Mercedes or a Cadillac. Your good old Volkswagen would do. And if you get good at this, you might even earn good money out of your hobby. Restored classic cars can be auctioned off for quite a big amount.
But before looking at the distant future involving the hordes of cash you can get from your new hobby, you should first look at the problem at hand. Assess the damage of the car that you would like to restore. Is the engine still running? Are the interiors all worn out? How about the car's surface? How much paintjob is needed?

When taking on a car restoration job, start from the inside out. A shiny finish is worthless if the engine of the car can't be fixed any longer. Restoring the car means you're putting it in working form again, like you'll use it on a daily basis. And so you have to be sure that the car's engine has parts still available. If not, you might consider changing the entire engine with a compatible one. This is where your car engineering skills would help greatly.
Once the engine is sweet sounding again, you can start working on the car's interiors. Cars should be as comfortable as can be. The air conditioning should work seamlessly. And the leather seats should be nothing less than perfect. If you can add a good audio and security system to the car, that's going to be way better. Find good choices of interior trimming from car leather seat manufacturers. As for your car's wiring system, you can get it fixed with the help of a professional car mechanic.
The paint job comes last. You should put up a good investment on this part because classic cars need to be sleek and shiny for them to look good on the road. Keep in mind that the exterior is the first one noticed. You don't want your restored classic car look anything less. You might want to send the car for an oven-baked painting service so that its lost luster can be restored. Choose a color that's flashy and trendy. You can also request for a car detailing work from the car body repair center that you sent it to. Or if you really want to do everything out of your own hands, you can simply buy loads of car paint. Use an air compressor and spray it evenly on the car. Use several coatings for a more glossy effect.

Tips on Lowering the Repair Cost of Your Car

For how much money have you bought your car? The more expensive your car, the higher repair cost it requires. That's the sad reality of it. The repair of a flashy sports car is going to be much higher than the repair of a regular sedan. So if you're a little too concerned about finances and the maintenance of your car, you better consider this fact right on the day you decide to buy a car.
Impeccable vehicle service repair costs anywhere from $75 to almost a hundred dollars. That's per hour – meaning if your car is in its worse case, it could take a couple or more hours for them to fix it. Image how much money that would be. And that's only the labor costs. You have parts to pay for too.
If you want a much lower car repair rate than that, drop by the local garage. Theirs is usually much cheaper, at around $40 per hour. However, you have to make sure that they employ licensed and certified mechanics to fix your car. You want to trust your car only to the hands of the expert.
Minor repairs are best carried out by a friend who knows a little about cars. You see, it pays to learn a few things about cars - or at least how your own car works so you don't have to always take it to a repair shop for minor problems. But of course, if you want to be sure about your car's performance all the time, you should trust a qualified mechanic alone.
To further lower down the repair cost of your car, try to look for a garage that allows customers to buy their own parts. This way, you can save from the marked-up prices that repair centers usually put upon the parts you'll purchase from them. You'll save more this way because you just have to pay for the labor cost of repairing your car. However, this practice is very rare today. Not many garages allow their customers to purchase their own parts. If you want your car repaired by them, you would have to buy the parts to be used from them too.
Establishing a good relationship with a mechanic or a garage owner can lead you to lower car repair costs as well. Once you're in good terms with a certified car mechanic, you can simply ask him to drop by your place to check your car. As for parts, you can buy them yourself. You would just have to pay the mechanic for the home service fee he rendered. And if you're really good friends, you might just have to buy him a beer and everything's paid for.
The same is true with garage owners. If you frequently bring your car to a single garage you trust, you will become one of the owner's most favored customers. So the next time you request for a repair, you never know what discount or freebies he would give you. Who knows, you might even get a checkup and a repair service at no cost at all.
There are also car repair shops over the internet. A lot of businesses now advertise their service online. Looking for the right garage at the cost you can afford becomes easier these days. But don't make your decision based on what you see online. Drive by the garage and see how well they do their job and how organized their workplace is. These are good indications that the car repair shop you're taking your car to is really worth your money.

safe night riding

Sometimes whether we like it or not, while driving at night we have to deal with car drivers who have been drinking. Some of them are really drunk and can't barely to stay on the road. And if you ever see or deal with these kinds of drivers, you better pull over and get of the way. Memorize their plat license number and contact the cops, to stop these drivers. While other drivers may a little bit under the influence even they've been drinking, but don't be mistaken, they're as deadly as the drunken one.

Drinking and driving under alcohol influence can reduce people's night vision. People who have been drinking won't be able to see as good as we are, so we need to be really visible. And remember this fact: one of the five car drivers after 9 PM is at least a little bit drunk. And after midnight there will be two out of five! And as people get older, so do their visions. So if you're 26 now, you have lost half of your night vision you had when you're 13. When you reach 39, you have lost three quarter of it when you had when you're 13. The point is that, older people can't see as well in the night as young people can. And that's why you need to help drivers out by using good lights and reflectors.
Here are some riding tips to use when you're driving at night;
1. Don't ever look directly to the headlights. If you do, you'll be blink in a time and lost your vision. So avoid direct view to the headlights. 2. Don't assume anyone seeing you. Cause they maybe drunk or have a bad view. 3. Always ready with your brakes or pull a quick turn if you see anyone heading your way. 4. Pay extra attention to cars that coming towards you and cars on side streets. Either can be dangerous. 5. On clear and well lit roads, always make sure that you check your mirror every now and then. Who knows, sneaks up a good rider. 6. On dark roads, watch your shadows if you sees car comes up from your rear. If the car move left to pass, then your shadows will move right. But if your shadow stays in front of you, then watch out! The car behind is coming right at you. 7. Use extra caution while riding on dark high speed roads. Avoid one if you have too. That's where the Florida's cyclist gets killed!