How-to restore leather motorcycle saddlebags?

Question

I was told by an "expert" biker familiar with leather restoration to saddlesoap then neetsfoot, then mink oil them. any feedback?

Answer 1

Neetsfoot is great stuff it will hydrate the leather .
You won't really need to soap it as the neetsfoot will remove the dirt as you rub it in.
The mink oil will help to make the leather more water resistant.

Answer 2

Sounds like you got a decent answer from your "expert".
Ride on is right about the neatsfoot oil taking off the dirt, but it may also draw some into the leather as it's absorbed. Personally, while saddle soap IS the good old way to clean leather, I find it to be a PITA, and I hate having to stop so the leather can dry before I go to the next step. I use GOOP. An inexpensive waterless / water after hand cleaner. NO OTHER BRAND. This particular one, along with gentle cleaners, has no grit, and contains lanolin, which will help soften and nourish the leather. Work it into the surface, wipe with a damp (not wet) cloth to remove cleaner and dirt. Follow with neatsfoot oil, or your other method of waterproofing.

My chaps are hand-me-downs. They had been improperly stored in a barn. When I got them, they had lots of mildew, some mold, were stiff and hard, and very dirty. Now they are softer than my own skin.

Answer 3

Oil's make them attract dust.

I would use Blick 1 to clean & blick 4 Leather conditioner, it will do it all.

Answer 4

http://tandyleather.com/Locations.asp

Use this store locator to find a store near you. The people working there are knowledgeable on the subject, and can sell ya what ya need.