I’m fixing up an older set of bellows. The leather is a bit stiff, I was thinking of rubbing some neatsfoot oil. Does anyone have any opinions on this?
Also. The leather is cracked in places. Has anyone had any luck with a good leather repair kit or filler product?
I suggested to change leatherparts to new ones. … it’s saves your time and nerves in the future.
For a quick fix - Duct Tape. It’s ugly but it’ll temporarily stop a leak caused by cracked leather.
Another thought I had was just to use Rubber cement
If the leather is starting to crack, it might be easier in the long-run to replace it altogether.
If you are dead set on repairing the existing leather in lieu of a new gusset, you could try a patch on the outside of the leather. It will require some scrap pieces of leather, sandpaper or file and 100% silicone caulking.
File or sand the area around the crack until the outer shiny part of the leather is so roughed up that it looks like the nap on the inside. Cut a piece of scrap leather the same size as the roughed up area. Put a generous amount of caulking on the patch and place it on the leather you are repairing. Put as much pressure as you can, for as long as you can on the patch and squeeze out the excess caulking. Keep the pressure on until the caulk sets (about 15 minutes) After 24 hours you’ll have a very flexible patch. The excess caulking does not adhear well to the shiny side of the leather and will rub off. You can then rub some neatsfoot oil into the entire gusset to help soften it up. This is all assuming there are only a few cracks in the leather. If there are a lot, forget it and replace the whole gusset.
Jim
Great idea. If I may suggest in this same vein, the folks who make Gorilla Glue now make tape which is much like duct tape, only stronger. It also comes in black. I used it to repair the convertable top of my girlfriend’s car and it held up really well through a cold, wet Maryland winter. I’ve never come across a stronger, more durable tape.
I should mention that Duct Tape has a big disadvantage - residue. If it gets damp (with sweat) and is left to dry it may leave a grey residue when you take it off. That’s why I say it is a temporary solution.
I’ve used other water-proof tapes (Tuff Tape was one) to mend gortex coats, etc. They are very good for keeping water out but I don’t know how they handle air pressure.
If duct tape is the answer, at least, temporarily, they sell clear duct tape now..i believe.
D
Thank you all. I think I’m going to give the Gorilla tape a shot just to see what happens. If it doesn’t work I’ll send it to get re-leathered.
I went to Home Depot to buy some during lunch. The guy in the paint department told me the stuff is so strong that in order to get some of it off, you have to put your foot in the hole and pull with both hands. We’ll see.
It really is that strong. Amazing stuff.