Suede inserts and durability
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,783
Likes: 400
From: Paoli, IN
St. Jude Donor '17, '19
Suede inserts and durability
Hey Guys,
Its seems lately all I am doing is asking questions...
How does the suede inserts hold up? I always thought it seemed odd to get a leather seat and then put suede in it. Whats the difference between suede and regular material seats? Do they get dirty and stain? Does it get matted? Make the seats look aged after use? Get hot in the summer months? etc.
I am looking at another used vette and it has the suede inserts in the seats. Not sure about that. I wanted leather as from experience I have seen what material seats turn into after a few years. But not sure if it should be a deal breaker because I have no experience.
Thanks for the opinions.
Its seems lately all I am doing is asking questions...
How does the suede inserts hold up? I always thought it seemed odd to get a leather seat and then put suede in it. Whats the difference between suede and regular material seats? Do they get dirty and stain? Does it get matted? Make the seats look aged after use? Get hot in the summer months? etc.
I am looking at another used vette and it has the suede inserts in the seats. Not sure about that. I wanted leather as from experience I have seen what material seats turn into after a few years. But not sure if it should be a deal breaker because I have no experience.
Thanks for the opinions.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 82
Likes: 11
From: Florida
I have it and love it
sure helps in keeping your *** planted when driving
so far with 8000 miles, still look'n like new
lots of the cars at Spring Mtn have it,
and with the amount of students that use the cars,
it stands up well and looks great
I would not be afraid of it
sure helps in keeping your *** planted when driving
so far with 8000 miles, still look'n like new
lots of the cars at Spring Mtn have it,
and with the amount of students that use the cars,
it stands up well and looks great
I would not be afraid of it
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 26,259
Likes: 4,363
From: Chirper Island
The "suede" seat inserts are phenomenal! 
They don't show dirt, and what little that does collect is very easy to clean with just a damp cloth. They look new after 65,000 miles.
The "suede" trim is another matter altogether.
It is matting, and shows any moisture as a water ring. The seat inserts and trim pieces are two different materials.
I just bought a steamer( McCollough 1385), and am experimenting with it before I try to bring my trim back to life (it really is just a few pieces--both arm rests, and the center console lid).
They don't show dirt, and what little that does collect is very easy to clean with just a damp cloth. They look new after 65,000 miles.The "suede" trim is another matter altogether.
It is matting, and shows any moisture as a water ring. The seat inserts and trim pieces are two different materials.I just bought a steamer( McCollough 1385), and am experimenting with it before I try to bring my trim back to life (it really is just a few pieces--both arm rests, and the center console lid).
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 35,076
Likes: 12,433
From: NE South Carolina
Hey Guys,
Its seems lately all I am doing is asking questions...
How does the suede inserts hold up? I always thought it seemed odd to get a leather seat and then put suede in it. Whats the difference between suede and regular material seats? Do they get dirty and stain? Does it get matted? Make the seats look aged after use? Get hot in the summer months? etc.
I am looking at another used vette and it has the suede inserts in the seats. Not sure about that. I wanted leather as from experience I have seen what material seats turn into after a few years. But not sure if it should be a deal breaker because I have no experience.
Thanks for the opinions.
Its seems lately all I am doing is asking questions...
How does the suede inserts hold up? I always thought it seemed odd to get a leather seat and then put suede in it. Whats the difference between suede and regular material seats? Do they get dirty and stain? Does it get matted? Make the seats look aged after use? Get hot in the summer months? etc.
I am looking at another used vette and it has the suede inserts in the seats. Not sure about that. I wanted leather as from experience I have seen what material seats turn into after a few years. But not sure if it should be a deal breaker because I have no experience.
Thanks for the opinions.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
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St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
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CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
I have the suede inserts on my DD and they are very nice. Comfortable, wears very well (2 yrs, 20K miles on the car) and looks great.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 928
Likes: 633
My 370Z had suede ("Alcantara" for those mfg's willing to pay the royalty! 
), and they were great! Held you tight in the seat and were always cool. Never any wear problems.
My question is about the suede covered steering wheel. That would seem to get worn faster do to the oils in your skin. I know a number of Porsche GT3 guys order a leather wheel over the standard Alcantara.
I don't think you can order the suede seats without getting a suede wheel. I love the idea of the suede wheel, just worried about durability.
I saw a Grand Sport YouTube review where the tester mentioned that the suede on the steering wheel was already starting to pill.
What is everyone's experience?
), and they were great! Held you tight in the seat and were always cool. Never any wear problems.My question is about the suede covered steering wheel. That would seem to get worn faster do to the oils in your skin. I know a number of Porsche GT3 guys order a leather wheel over the standard Alcantara.
I don't think you can order the suede seats without getting a suede wheel. I love the idea of the suede wheel, just worried about durability.
I saw a Grand Sport YouTube review where the tester mentioned that the suede on the steering wheel was already starting to pill.
What is everyone's experience?
Pro
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 701
Likes: 179
From: Muskoka ontario
I have the same concern as gurneyeagle as to how the suede wheel holds up.
Does the suede just cover the regular wheel such that you might be able to remove the suede ? I wonder if it would come off clean, what is underneath, probably a glue mess ????????
Can you delete the suede wheel if ordering the suede inserts ??
Does the suede just cover the regular wheel such that you might be able to remove the suede ? I wonder if it would come off clean, what is underneath, probably a glue mess ????????
Can you delete the suede wheel if ordering the suede inserts ??
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 53
Likes: 12
From: MI
My 2016 3LT has the inserts and suede shift ****/boot, but the regular wheel. I'm not sure the exact option code it was ordered with (I bought it in Dec as a leftover), but you can get it that way. I don't want the shift ****/boot either and will be switching that out soon. The ****/boot is cheap mod compared to the wheel which I believe you need to get a whole new wheel and will be at least $1k.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,168
Likes: 137
From: California
I was intentionally looking for suede insert seats, and was disappointed (but excited!) to find the perfect car, with leather and not suede.
I prefer the suede inserts as I feel they are a touch more comfortable, and a joy in hot weather with no sticking. They are simple to keep looking like new. You'll love them!
I prefer the suede inserts as I feel they are a touch more comfortable, and a joy in hot weather with no sticking. They are simple to keep looking like new. You'll love them!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,641
Likes: 80
From: Florida
I was intentionally looking for suede insert seats, and was disappointed (but excited!) to find the perfect car, with leather and not suede.
I prefer the suede inserts as I feel they are a touch more comfortable, and a joy in hot weather with no sticking. They are simple to keep looking like new. You'll love them!
I prefer the suede inserts as I feel they are a touch more comfortable, and a joy in hot weather with no sticking. They are simple to keep looking like new. You'll love them!
Racer
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 434
Likes: 121
From: Allen Tx
[QUOTE=owc6;1594154893]The "suede" seat inserts are phenomenal! They don't show dirt, and what little that does collect is very easy to clean with just a damp cloth. They look new after 65,000 miles.
The "suede" trim is another matter altogether. It is matting, and shows any moisture as a water ring. The seat inserts and trim pieces are two different materials.
I just bought a steamer( McCollough 1385), and am experimenting with it before I try to bring my trim back to life (it really is just a few pieces--both arm rests, and the center console lid).[/QUOTE
hmmmm my suede package covered the dash and glove box as well.....
op I have not experienced any issues at 6000 miles....they are not hotter in summer, actually cooler as they are not as reflective as original leather but in direct sunlight I doubt you would notice a difference....I drive fast and they keep you planted well.....I am not saying they are better as I don't have the regular leather , however if you asked me to trade seats I would say no because I really like them.
They don't show dirt, and what little that does collect is very easy to clean with just a damp cloth. They look new after 65,000 miles.The "suede" trim is another matter altogether.
It is matting, and shows any moisture as a water ring. The seat inserts and trim pieces are two different materials.I just bought a steamer( McCollough 1385), and am experimenting with it before I try to bring my trim back to life (it really is just a few pieces--both arm rests, and the center console lid).[/QUOTE
hmmmm my suede package covered the dash and glove box as well.....
op I have not experienced any issues at 6000 miles....they are not hotter in summer, actually cooler as they are not as reflective as original leather but in direct sunlight I doubt you would notice a difference....I drive fast and they keep you planted well.....I am not saying they are better as I don't have the regular leather , however if you asked me to trade seats I would say no because I really like them.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 26,259
Likes: 4,363
From: Chirper Island
My reference to the "few places" was just referring to where it's matted, which is where elbows rest. Yes, the suede is covering the A pillars, dash and door panels, but nothing ever rests there, so that portion is not showing any wear/matting.
