Author Topic: Why Vegetable-Tanned Leather Is So Expensive  (Read 4987 times)

GM

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Why Vegetable-Tanned Leather Is So Expensive
« on: July 18, 2021, 18:16:33 »
Gary
1971 280SL - Sold
(98 from the end of production)
DB180 Silver Gray Metallic
Black MB Tex

Iconic

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Re: Why Vegetable-Tanned Leather Is So Expensive
« Reply #1 on: July 21, 2021, 15:29:47 »
I found it interesting also.
Thanks !
1970 280 SL Automatic, USA version, Grey-Blue (906G/906G), Blue leather (245)
1968 SS396 Camaro Convertible (owned since 1977 -- my first car :D)
1984 Porsche Euro Carrera coupe, LSD, SlateBlueMet/Blue
1998 BMW M-Rdstr Estoril Blue
1970 280 SL Automatic, Anthracite Grey-173G, Red Interior-132 - sold

zak

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Re: Why Vegetable-Tanned Leather Is So Expensive
« Reply #2 on: September 08, 2021, 21:09:25 »
Very interesting. My car has MB Tex, but I wonder if the leather seat covers made by Gahh and Gat and Heritage are veg dyed ?

jz
1967 250 SL
1983 280 SL
2015 ML 250 Bluetec
2007 ML CDI
2004 E 320 Wagon
1999 E300 Turbodiesel

doitwright

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Re: Why Vegetable-Tanned Leather Is So Expensive
« Reply #3 on: September 09, 2021, 05:45:07 »
Very interesting. My car has MB Tex, but I wonder if the leather seat covers made by Gahh and Gat and Heritage are veg dyed ?

jz

Their standard offerings are not Veggie dyed however you can request "Old Timer" which is veggie dyed. Significantly more expensive.
Frank Koronkiewicz
Willowbrook, Illinois

1970 280SL Originally Light Ivory - Now Anthracite Gray Metallic

stickandrudderman

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Re: Why Vegetable-Tanned Leather Is So Expensive
« Reply #4 on: September 09, 2021, 07:17:12 »
You learn something new every day! Thanks for posting.

bogeyman

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Re: Why Vegetable-Tanned Leather Is So Expensive
« Reply #5 on: September 09, 2021, 10:24:36 »
I know the terminology is confusing but the original leather was vegetable tanned and surface dyed.  Most current offerings are chrome tanned and vat dyed. Original leather will look like natural leather on the back side where the new stuff has the color all the way through.
Rick Bogart
1970 280SL Black(040)/Parchment
1969 280SL Silver(180)/Green
1993 500E
1972 350SL
1995 E320 Cabrio

zak

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Re: Why Vegetable-Tanned Leather Is So Expensive
« Reply #6 on: October 05, 2021, 18:13:43 »
I wonder which is the better method. Color all thru seems a better, longer lasting dye job.
I really think the quality of the leather makes a huge difference. Look at the Connolly leather in some vintage Rolls and Jags. The quality is evident.
Who was MB's original leather supplier ? Roser ? The leather seating in newer MB cars seems thin and soft somehow.

jz
1967 250 SL
1983 280 SL
2015 ML 250 Bluetec
2007 ML CDI
2004 E 320 Wagon
1999 E300 Turbodiesel

Vander

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Re: Why Vegetable-Tanned Leather Is So Expensive
« Reply #7 on: October 05, 2021, 18:30:02 »
I'm surprised to hear that the original leather may have been vegetable tanned. Chrome tanning was discovered in the 19th century over 100 years before the W113 chassis and only takes about ONE day to dye, where vegetable tanning takes 100 days.

Vegetable tanning is most commonly used for soles of shoes, belts and straps.

The tannins only account for part of the car's leather substance, not the whole thing.
« Last Edit: October 05, 2021, 18:35:22 by Vander »
1969 280SL