Do you love your Leather?
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Do you love your Leather?
After dealing with some HVAC issues and pulling the dash out of the car, I was able to look at how my Nappa leather has pulled away around the cutouts. I love the leather, but I'm betting I haven't given it enough love and starved it and mistreated it, allowing some sun to hit the dash on hot days and not replenishing it with enough conditioner. This lack of love, I'm fairly convinced, is why the leather has shrunk some and pulled back.
Do you love your leather, and what are you doing to keep it supple and nourished? This may be a bigger problem than just C7's, it may be something to think about for every car with leather, we aren't loving it enough, and it shows by shrinking!
Do you love your leather, and what are you doing to keep it supple and nourished? This may be a bigger problem than just C7's, it may be something to think about for every car with leather, we aren't loving it enough, and it shows by shrinking!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
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Avoid using wax-based cleaners or polishes as this may damage your napa. Lanolin-based leather conditioners are good for locking in the color. Spray conditioners need to be applied evenly on the surface. And finally, if you are using cream leather treatment solutions, remember to use a dampened washcloth to apply the cream evenly, and do not use your fingers.
To remove dirt on napa leather, simply wipe the surface with a dry lint-free cloth. For stains, gently wipe the mark with a cotton washcloth and lukewarm water. Simply dab at the stain carefully and allow the leather to dry. Remember to never soak the leather.
https://bestleather.org/types-of-lea...20to%20fading.
Napa leather is typically a full-grain, unsplit leather made from lamb, kid, or sheepskin. Full-grain means that the skin surface has not been modified apart from the removal of hair. Full grain leather is often regarded as the most authentic type of leather because it keeps all of the texture from the original hide.
To remove dirt on napa leather, simply wipe the surface with a dry lint-free cloth. For stains, gently wipe the mark with a cotton washcloth and lukewarm water. Simply dab at the stain carefully and allow the leather to dry. Remember to never soak the leather.
https://bestleather.org/types-of-lea...20to%20fading.
Napa leather is typically a full-grain, unsplit leather made from lamb, kid, or sheepskin. Full-grain means that the skin surface has not been modified apart from the removal of hair. Full grain leather is often regarded as the most authentic type of leather because it keeps all of the texture from the original hide.
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Drifting
Joined: Mar 2013
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From: Hampton VA
I liked the leather dash till it started lifting and curling. Then I wasnt happy especially with the $4-6k price fix. Foun an older guy that replaced the leather with marine grade vinyl looks a lot better that the dried up old leather at 1/10 the cost . Not perfect but many times better than it was 
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From: Phoenix, Arizona
Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2018
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Maybe I'm wrong, but leather being an organic material needs a certain amount of moisture or it's going to shrink and crack as it dries out. I remember seeing really old cars in junkyards growing up that had leather seats and they were hard and shriveled up. I think this is something to consider.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
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From: Loveland
Maybe I'm wrong, but leather being an organic material needs a certain amount of moisture or it's going to shrink and crack as it dries out. I remember seeing really old cars in junkyards growing up that had leather seats and they were hard and shriveled up. I think this is something to consider.
Last edited by kodpkd; Jun 3, 2025 at 04:11 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
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I agree, but everything I keep hearing about as a leather conditioner, I am afraid it will also shrink the leather. It doesn't sit in the sun unless I am driving it. I am looking at getting a UV windshield covering. I would love to find a leather conditioner that is guaranteed not to shrink it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
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Lol. When I clicked on your copy of the manual, there was an indication of other photos. So I scrolled thru and found there were photos of a black and red dash and interior. Also a photo of syringe. Those must be from another thread.
Last edited by Photomania; Jun 3, 2025 at 09:14 PM.