Leather interior - What is/isn't?

On a premium, what is genuine leather in the interior beside the seats?

I'm gonna guess that nothing is........:shrug:

The steering wheel and arm rest might be, but the shifter boot and parking brake boot definitely are not. Not sure what the door cards are.

Only the seating surfaces, shift knob, handbrake handle itself, and steering wheel are "real leather".

I put "real leather" in quotes because it is all bonded and top-coated garbage.

PatrickGT said:

Only the seating surfaces, shift knob, handbrake handle itself, and steering wheel are "real leather".

I put "real leather" in quotes because it is all bonded and top-coated garbage.

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So you're saying that the bolsters, the headrest, the sides, tops and backs of the premium seats are not leather?

JohnBoyNC said:

So you're saying that the bolsters, the headrest, the sides, tops and backs of the premium seats are not leather?

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Correct, it is essentially "Leatherette"
BMW and Mercedes have been doing this for years, so don't think Ford is pulling a fast one. I think Mercedes calls it MBTex.

This is the primary reason that i've been thinking of changing my seats to Katzskin full leather but i figured why fck with the seats, i might as well wear them out and change when they start showing real age and damage.

At that time I'm probably going to end up getting my foam steamed to refluff them and then wrapped in full leather on all surfaces with the leather.

I got full leather in my truck and its AMAZING. (also from katzskin)

Since they're not real leather, is leather cleaner needed to maintain them? Or should I use something else?

JohnBoyNC said:

So you're saying that the bolsters, the headrest, the sides, tops and backs of the premium seats are not leather?

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Correct.

Katzkin leather kits are NOT full leather either. I asked the same question to MODDICTION on this forum...he works for a Katzkin dealer...only the seating surfaces (where your butt and back hit the seat) are real leather.
FYI...I got a price for true full leather on my seats on my 16 from a well known top notch company here locally.....1800.00. And they do the entire seat in leather...the WHOLE thing....

There are actually wear areas that are commonly done in vinyl for a reason.

Some of you may think you want real leather there, but you really don't know what you're asking for. Also we're still talking about top coated leather, which is bonded, which is actually how vinyl is also made lol... it's not like you're upgrading to aniline leathers or natural olive dyed product here.... it's not THAT different.

metalhead79 said:

Since they're not real leather, is leather cleaner needed to maintain them? Or should I use something else?

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Same question....

Leather cleaner?

You mean saddle soap? It's fine to use on vinyl as well... but I'm kinda wtf at the question. Are you referring to a leather conditioner, interior quick detailer?

PatrickGT said:

Leather cleaner?

You mean saddle soap? It's fine to use on vinyl as well... but I'm kinda wtf at the question. Are you referring to a leather conditioner, interior quick detailer?

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I have Katzkins with white inserts.They recommend Ivory Soap and a damp cloth. I had some faint marks from the install and it worked fine.

I saw a few years ago the description was leather seating surfaces.in other words if your body touched it, it was leather, otherwise NOT.

Mothers VLR I have been using it for years on all of my vehicles.