Softening leather to restretch over the dash

[col320ce]

This leather is really hard and I want to soften it to fix the dash. It's not original and I'll eventually replace it...
Any ideas how to make it supple enough to work with?

[mbzse]

.../...It's not original and I'll eventually replace it... Any ideas how to make it supple enough to work with?

Making it soft is certainly an important step. There are vendors that supply "leather softener" liquids.
Another important preparation of the leather, also when you replace, is to skivvy the leather down towards 0,5mm thickness. Book binders for instance use this technique. Written about before on this Forum.
For your enjoyment, a picture from the M-B production 1968, templates for cutting interior leather (colour Bamboo/Bambus)
/Hans S

[450sl]

You might want to use a hairdryer to soften.

Nice picture Hans !

[BaronYoungman]

I swear by Color Plus out of Milford PA they are great and sell a leather softener.  Joann will answer the phone has owned for 20 years plus.  I have used their service MANY MANY TIMES in the past. Her #
Call: 570-686-3158
Fax: 570-686-4161
Email: admin@colorplus.com

just my 2 cents Bob

[col320ce]

I've had great success with Neatsfoot Oil.  I made a solution of about 20% water and 80% oil and painted it on. I was able to get to both sides of the leather. It has made it very easy to work and stretch the leather. The heat gun on low also helps.