Hey,
Just got the r53 back from paint and am going to detail the interior. It is the 06 Checkmate edition so it has the blue leather with gray vinyl seats. The drivers seat has some back crack and fade up the left side of the back rest and I was just wondering is there any way to find a dye or somthing in this color, or what would be suggested to be done. I have kinda looked for a set of new OEM seat cover for the Checkmate but OEM's are expensive and I have not yet even found someone with the Checkmate colors. Thanks

 

You might check out FibreNew. They're a mobile repair service. I used the local guy to repair a rip in the vinyl on the passenger side door card, and they did a remarkable job, especially with matching the color. They'd at least be worth calling. Otherwise, I'd say check your local Yellow Pages or Google for an auto interior repair shop in your area.

 

You might also check out Katzkin.

For around $1500 you can get new all leather seats, front and rear. This includes 2-tone leather replicating the original. For a little more you can go with perforated centers.

I know, probably more than you originally were planning, but I find the cloth centers impossible to keep clean.

This was my plan until deciding to give my '06 R53 Checkmate to my son (I'm currently driving a R59S). It's his problem now.

I would wait until after getting the new passenger side cover that fixes the airbag sensor recall. This should replace the entire lower cushion, leather and all. However be prepared for a slightly different color due to differences in the leather dying process.

 

That is still cheaper than standard OEM leather covers at 680 for just the bottom of the seat leather. The centers if I'm careful I can keep the cloth clean but I need to clean it again because it got a bunch of water on it at paint it looks like.

 

I used this on my panther black seats, works great. Worth a try and they have lots of colors

http://www.ebay.com/itm/111685034786?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&var=410692037147&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

 

I've had great luck getting a leather dye kit (cleaner, dye and conditioner) from this company. For my BMW, they had the color ready. For my MINI, I mailed them a headrest to color match. A big improvement and easy DIY.


http://www.leatherworldtech.com/

 

Do you remember which color you got from them?

 

How's this been holding up? Any chance you have before/after pictures?

Thinking of giving this or the cheaper eBay one a try on my seats.

 

Curious too I saw a thread on the Detailing 101 section. My 06 R53 drivers left bottom bolster has a crack and want something. David.R53 what was the color code for yours do you have the dark grey seats?

 

I checked with leatherworldtech.com and they didn't have any MINI colors saved in their system. So for them, you would have to send them a headrest (or other sample with the color) and have them custom match the color.

https://www.leatherworldtech.com/Cus...ing-s/1874.htm

I'm looking to find a driver's seat back in at least a little better shape than mine (the airbag tag is fraying) and then give this stuff a try.

 

looks like they are pretty close to me atleast in VA

 

If you end up giving it a try, be sure to take before and after pics!

I've seen some videos on youtube that use similar materials, and it looks very promising.

 

Any progress?

 

I ended up switching seats to a set that was in much better shape, but the driver's side could still use some refinishing. Too many other projects lined up for this year as of now...maybe next year...

 

I hear you there I have a ton going on myself. If I repair mine I will post up info.