Can anything be done for seat "sunburn"?

[guy48065]

The seats on the 96 Sweetwater I just bought are solid with no rips, tears, open seams but the vinyl surface is starting to show some issues. Top edge is yellowed a little from sun damage and there's a little bit of mildew specking here & there. What can I use to clean without additional damage from harsh chemicals? Is 303 Protectant still the best stuff to apply after cleaning to keep it clean & preserve the vinyl?

What about dying the yellowed top panel to make it look new? I dyed the seat on an ATV once and was surprised how "factory" it looked & performed. Has anybody tried this?

[Gonefishing]

I think 303 cleaner and protector is the best stuff out there. It is all I ever use.

[guy48065]

Is there a good tutorial or detailed discussion on cleaning the pesky mildew dots, grey streaks, etc?
I've tried the gentle stuff and I'm afraid to bring out the big guns.

[joe20toon]

I also use 303 and it's mentioned more often than other products. It has excellent reviews.

[guy48065]

Once a seat gets those yellowed dry patches there's nothing you can do to improve the look or feel?

[Drago]

I have the same issue on our 9 year old Bennington. It has always been under a playpen cover and the only places that have issue is where the cover makes direct contact with the top of the seats and sundeck. Possible reaction to the 303 Fabric Guard I've used over the years to protect the cover from sun damage. The vinyl has turned yellow, hard and has a few splits. See pix. I've searched the net for fixes and the only thing I've come across that looks like a true fix is Chemscreen.
See
http://www.leatherworldtech.com/Leather ... screen.htm
and
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOXpKGkXXFQ
I have been unable to find a local guy or small pieces on the net.
New complete replacement by real professionals would cost 5-7K $.

[guy48065]

Yeah its heartbreaking isn't it? There's all sorts of products to restore suppleness to leather but I suppose vinyl is shot once it's natural oils are gone.

I don't think the 303 did that or there would be lots of brittle seats--on ALL surfaces, not just the top edge. But contact with the cover deserves some thought. I've always seen these spots only on the top edge.