Buco Horsehide Pants Restoration Project: seeking advice

[Motorbass]

I recently got this wonderful pair of vintage Buco racing pants in horsehide. Does anyone recognize the specific model? I have not seen this model that has legs like a pair of jeans, but is padded like Bucos racing breeches. The pair came even with the original Buco belt. They have certainly seen better days. To my disappointment RAM Cleaners in Detroit refused to repair and clean them for reasons I don't know. Yes, they smell like they were doused in gasoline, they arrived in my place smelling like that. Now, it's a restoration project. The main question I have is how to get rid of the gasoline smell. I read things like storing them in an airtight bag with baking soda. Any other ideas? What about cleaning? Saddle soap? Then Pecard? Any advise is highly welcome. Thanks

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[tmitchell59]

When stuff smells I put it outside and leave it there until it doesn't smell. That is the most effective technique I have used or know. I've had jackets take months to loose ordor, but it did work. I have not tried any of the techniques you mentioned.

 

[Carlos840]

When stuff smells I put it outside and leave it there until it doesn't smell. That is the most effective technique I have used or know. I've had jackets take months to loose ordor, but it did work. I have not tried any of the techniques you mentioned.

Fully agreed, i don't have as much experience with old jackets as Terry does, but i have noticed that even after washing some jackets still have that old attic smell.
In that case, leaving them hanging outside for sometimes as long as a couple weeks was the things that worked best for me.

 

[Motorbass]

Fully agreed, i don't have as much experience with old jackets as Terry does, but i have noticed that even after washing some jackets still have that old attic smell.
In that case, leaving them hanging outside for sometimes as long as a couple weeks was the things that worked best for me.

Thanks. Worked! It still has a hint of gas, but maybe that should be called character..)

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[Gamma68]

Thanks. Worked! It still has a hint of gas, but maybe that should be called character..)

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Gasoline does evaporate, so in theory, the longer you leave it out, the more the odor will fade. (Just don’t light a match while wearing them until that gas odor is gone!)

 

[TREEMAN]

Yup...leave it outdoors and let nature take care of it.......