creases in leather seats

[Derry]

I have about 3K miles on the car and maybe 25-30% are track miles. I have noticed that the bottom of the seat on the outboard side in particular. The creases are still black and are not cracked or anything. I am 195 lbs and 6'2so I don't think I am terribly chubby. It seems to me they should last longer though b4 developing these. Is it my track miles accelerating thsi or is it common out there with just street miles? Thanks.

Derry

 

[SteveA]

Mine is doing it also. I have seen cars with three times the miles as mine with fewer to no creases at all. I'm 225lbs. :confused I showed a dealer and they have seen this as well but stated their wasn't much they could do about it. I'm thinking of getting a spare seat.:frown

 

[AJB]

I have 3100 miles. Drivers side outboard bolster has 2 creases. Pass. side smooth. This is just the patina of real leather in my opinion and no issue. The LH Drivers bolster get significant compression during each ingress/egress.
AJB

 

[Kayvan]

Saw a couple of Ferrari 430s in Newport Daalers at dealers with <5Kmi.

All had drivers bolster edge delaminating/peeling.

I have seen same on corvettes; but, was shocked at ferrari.

 

[timcantwell]

The creases are all part of how the base leather hides are prepared before they are installed. Today, we don't have the lovely full-grain leather hydes of yester-year. Today's leather is pieced together with imperfetions in the hydes processed with additives and fillers such as polymers and silocone. These "fissures" or natural cracks in the natural hyde are filled in. They look great when new, but break down with use over time. There is nothing you can do. If the "cracks" turn into breaks or tears, then it is a warranty issue. I wouldn't worry about it unless it gets terribly worse.

 

[Empty Pockets]

The creases are all part of how the base leather hides are prepared before they are installed. Today, we don't have the lovely full-grain leather hydes of yester-year. Today's leather is pieced together with imperfetions in the hydes processed with additives and fillers such as polymers and silocone. These "fissures" or natural cracks in the natural hyde are filled in. They look great when new, but break down with use over time. There is nothing you can do. If the "cracks" turn into breaks or tears, then it is a warranty issue. I wouldn't worry about it unless it gets terribly worse.

Which means Steve is correct and OUGHT to buy a spare ( and pbly TWO) for use as replacements "down the road". And so should others with the same concern.

(Krymuny. "Fillers" in leather ... gem stones ...Hollyweird starlets - WHERE WILL IT ALL END!!! :lol)

 

[Kingman]

Instead of buying another seat or two, there are several high-end leather guys that you can take your seats and reproduce or make even better.....for much much less than purchasing another seat to keep in storage.

The only 'drawback' to this solution is that in the 'Sports Car Market' magazine/Concours Judges/etc..., they will note that the interior is not original, and mark it down a few points. You have to make that individual decision if that is something important to you.

One guy that does incredible work is Gabe Lopez - Gabe's Custom Interiors
www.gabescustom.com/

Nice article: www.classictrucks.com/features/cl_0311_1967_chevrolet_truck/index.html

 

[Shelby#18]

Another guy that could help is Knights Autoworks, Inc. He's the one that did the X1 custom seats.

 

[SteveA]

Thanks for the replies. It kinda bums me out when I look at Todds, Psycho's, William.S etc. with 3x's the milage of mine and their seats look new....:frown. I'll live ....and probably just purchase spare seat for when I go for first place at the "2035 Earth/Green/Save the Planet Concourse I Can't Believe They Used to Let Insensitive People Own Cars Like This" show.

 

[Empty Pockets]

:rofl:rofl:rofl:rofl:rofl :cheers :thumbsup

 

[Derry]

Thanks guys, good to know I am not alone, sad to know I've got one of the vulnerable ones. I will keep the contacts given for repairs down the road, and maybe keep an eye out for a spare as well. I appreciate the input!

Dery

 

[SteveA]

Anyone know of a primo drivers seat? Maybe out of a total?

 

[fjpikul]

Derry, I bought the FRPP cotton canvas seat covers a few months after I got my car and they have been on almost 2 years. I just pulled them off for the first time and I'm very impressed with the protection they have provided. I know Gulf GT has some nice custom covers too. I don't see no stinkin' creases (9,000 miles so far).

BTW, people are ALWAYS VERY complimentary on my nuts. They think they are factory. My friend with the Cobra nuts is also very pleased. Frank

 

[Empty Pockets]

BTW, people are ALWAYS VERY complimentary on my nuts. They think they are factory. My friend with the Cobra nuts is also very pleased. Frank

Naaaaaah. 'TEMPTING. But, naaaaaaaaaah...

 

[roketman]

I have seat covers by mike@besmooth.com .I think they are terriffic. My seats still look brand new with 8k on them !!
do a search on the forum for more info.

 

[Pantera1]

Is it necessary to buy an entire seat? Obviously the carbon-fiber shell should be in good condition. Anyone know what Ford gets for new seats (or new leather inserts)?

 

[SteveA]

As I understand, it's all or nothing.

 

[Empty Pockets]

Is it necessary to buy an entire seat? Obviously the carbon-fiber shell should be in good condition. Anyone know what Ford gets for new seats (or new leather inserts)?

Steve's right about having to buy the whole 9 yards (I tried to buy just the replacement upholstery for both seats a year ago).

'Cost is around $3500 for the whole seat as I recall.

 

[Pantera1]

Wow! Makes an owner want to frisk a passenger for screwdrivers and ballpoint pens in the back pockets before letting them get in !!

 

[Empty Pockets]

Wow! Makes an owner want to frisk a passenger for screwdrivers and ballpoint pens in the back pockets before letting them get in !!

...And DON'T forget those "bling-bling" infested BELTS that some of the gals wear these days...as well as those dang purses infested with "bling" and/or buckles 'n' th' like. :tap:

('Had to "refuse entry" into the GT by the wifey a time or two kuzza this stuff. :bored:willy 'Had to send her back into the house to change!:biggrin) (And I thought I'd trained her 'more gooder' than that...:lol)