I searched the threads and could not find too much (or current) info on how owners are caring for the interior leather (not just seats). Any recommendations on what works or doesn't work? Thanks for the help!
Dash and Interior Leather Care Question
- Thread starter NavyVet
- Start date
ron1416
GT Owner
I've been using Lexol for years . Smells funny when you first out it on , but the odor dissipates quickly.
It seems to work OK , but then again I don't have much to compare it with. Noticed that most of the "fancy" car care product suppliers ( Mother's, Meguiar's,...) that cater to sports cars have specialty products for leather care , but truthfully have not tried them.
Beach-GT
GT Owner
I use GOLD CLASS rich leather cleaner/conditioner by Meguiar and it works very well. Don't know what it would be like if I didn't use anything. I use it about once a year since the car sits in an airconditioned garage 99.95% of the time. No bad odor. White cream.
Xcentric
GT Owner
I use Meltonian Leather Lotion, which is what I have used on my leather and lizard boots forever. Boots get way more stress than car interiors. This stuff keeps it supple without any slipperiness. I use it on the seats, not the dash. I don't know why. Maybe the dash would benefit too.
My problem with the dash is the leather separating around the vents.
My problem with the dash is the leather separating around the vents.
Xcentric
GT Owner
If you only drive it 0.05% of the time, I don't think leather preservation is an issue. :lol
PL510*Jeff
Well-known member
Mine too..it's naugahyde according to my car interior guy. Started shrinking the day it was manufactured. Tough job to pull the dash cap to do a proper repair.
Kingman
GT Owner
Jason the Detailer who used to patronize this site told me quite some time ago that our leather (as on the majority of all new cars) has a plastic coating to protect it. He recommended a 2.5 gallon bucket of warm water with a quick spritz of mild dishwashing soap (Dawn plain) and a rag to wipe down the leather.
Wally (Cobrar1339) who is a big shot with Autozone (you should look at Autozone's stock price rise since he took on his new role ~7 years ago) who also has his own aftermarket site Www.fordGTparts.com, turned me onto 'Pledge Grab-It' dusters (I would think Swifter Dusters would have similar results) for wiping down the interior dash, bezels, doors, etc.... It picks up everything without leaving any residue to attract dust/dirt or a shiny surface which would create a terrible reflection in the windshield while driving.
Wally (Cobrar1339) who is a big shot with Autozone (you should look at Autozone's stock price rise since he took on his new role ~7 years ago) who also has his own aftermarket site Www.fordGTparts.com, turned me onto 'Pledge Grab-It' dusters (I would think Swifter Dusters would have similar results) for wiping down the interior dash, bezels, doors, etc.... It picks up everything without leaving any residue to attract dust/dirt or a shiny surface which would create a terrible reflection in the windshield while driving.
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Xcentric
GT Owner
Sealed how? If leather was sealed, it would feel like vinyl. Leather is skin. Skin breathes. Skin has oil. Dead skin doesn't get any oil replenishment. Keep your skin lubed.
Or else coat it with plastic and see how well that lasts.
Kingman
GT Owner
All new cars come with sealed leather. That is why the other products discussed here that would 'soften' the leather are entirely wrong. The Meltonian will actually shrink the leather as other shoe 'polishes' will. The Connolly Leather Hide Food and others like it are for old cars (I.e., Rolls, Lotus, Jag, etc.... ) that didn't have the technology for sealing the leather many moons ago. Companies keep pushing this crap because it's revenue producing.
I highly recommend talking to a professional. The above info was also provided by the detailing team Chip Foose engages for his $1M+ rides.
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Ford recommends "Motorcraft Deluxe Leather and Vinyl Cleaner," which I find seems to do a good job of both cleaning and protection. Part number is ZC-11-A.
For the dash, buy a cover from DashTopper - http://www.dashtopper.com/ (They used my car for the fitting)
Buy the Brushed Suede in Black - It will also eliminate the reflective glare of the dash in the windshield. You can even have it monogrammed if you want.
For the dash, buy a cover from DashTopper - http://www.dashtopper.com/ (They used my car for the fitting)
Buy the Brushed Suede in Black - It will also eliminate the reflective glare of the dash in the windshield. You can even have it monogrammed if you want.
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Xcentric
GT Owner
My shrinkage problems have nothing to do with the dash.
Actually, it's more like an expansion problem. Or, the leather has unglued around the defroster vents. I've seen this in other GTs. If the vents pop off from the top, it looks like it would be easy to re-glue with the windshield out.
Speaking of which, are windshields likely to become hard to get?
Xcentric
GT Owner
I remain a skeptic, but I can be swayed by evidence. I understand that the leather is "coated." I don't believe it is "sealed." It still breathes and can absorb.
BTW, the Meltonian Leather Lotion isn't a polish. It's a water-based cleaner and conditioner. Is it actually doing anything to the leather besides cleaning it? I don't know. Keeping the leather clean is the best thing you can do for it.
I have a several bottles of 303. Does anyone use that? UV protection seems like a good idea. It's water based and the manufacturer says it is "great for coated leather."
No, the dash cover is real leather, not vinyl. And if its properly cared for does not shrink.
I used Lexol for years, it is a great product for preserving leather and does work well. Couple years ago tried Zaino leather in a bottle and it seems to work as well or better than Lexol, is easier to apply as a cream rather than a spray and it SMELLS GREAT. Everyone that gets in my GT thinks it still smells of new leather. I'd buy it for the smell alone. I does a great job on the seats and trim but does require a rub in, let dry, buff approach on the seats to keep them looking good. I use
I tried the Connolly stuff, what a mess and a waste of time and it STINKS.
i do use the 303 protectant on all rubber and vinyl parts around the vehicles and it works well but don't use it on the leather.
And yes, the leather in the GT is coated for wear and water repelancy but its NOT SEALED and absorbs the leather conditioner readily. If you have not used a good conditioner on the seats in many years, you will be surprised how much more supple the leather becomes once properly treated.
I used Lexol for years, it is a great product for preserving leather and does work well. Couple years ago tried Zaino leather in a bottle and it seems to work as well or better than Lexol, is easier to apply as a cream rather than a spray and it SMELLS GREAT. Everyone that gets in my GT thinks it still smells of new leather. I'd buy it for the smell alone. I does a great job on the seats and trim but does require a rub in, let dry, buff approach on the seats to keep them looking good. I use
I tried the Connolly stuff, what a mess and a waste of time and it STINKS.
i do use the 303 protectant on all rubber and vinyl parts around the vehicles and it works well but don't use it on the leather.
And yes, the leather in the GT is coated for wear and water repelancy but its NOT SEALED and absorbs the leather conditioner readily. If you have not used a good conditioner on the seats in many years, you will be surprised how much more supple the leather becomes once properly treated.
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STORMCAT
GT
Beach-GT
GT Owner
Kingman
GT Owner
I was incorrect in the terminology I used for automotive eather. The correct reference should be - Top Coated Protected Full Grain
http://www.leathermagic.com/Pages/determineAutolthr.htm
http://www.leathermagic.com/Pages/determineAutolthr.htm