Leather Advice from a new owner

theedge · 09-18-2003, 02:53 PM

Hello all,
I just got my RX-8 day before yesterday! Had to drive a couple of towns over to get the color combo I wanted, but well worth the trip. I wound up getting Titanium with black leather and chapparal. Wound up with the grand touring package and spoiler, loving it so far!!! Best car I have ever owned!!!
Now, on to my two cents on leather care. I have owned (in the past) a Jaguar and Grand Cherokee with lots of leather - the Jag almost completely leather on the interior. It was my understanding, and I'm certainly no expert, that leather being a natural product is porous. The problem with armor all and other generic leather cleaners is that they seal the pores and the leather can no longer breathe - this leads to hardening and then cracking under stress. The Jag was certainly a victim of hardening. I found a product I used call leatherique - all natural, hand brewed down in FL. I can say that it did (at least for the Jaguar) return the suppleness and softness after I treated the car. They have different products depending on your objective - restoration, maintenance, etc. The stuff contains some citrus products and otherwise proprietary ingredients. Everyone with leather may want to check it out. I will most likely clean and maintain with it for the RX-8. The people were really nice and helpful, but I had to call a few times to get them on occasion. I believe the URL was www.leatherique.com , if not google should pick it up.
Hope this helps, and it's definitely just my experience - and I'm two states away and in no way affiliated with them. Just had good success in my cars.
BTW - lots of great posts and great cars here!!!! Glad to be part of it

!

Wm

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mikeb · 09-18-2003, 04:51 PM

I've been using meguiars leather wipes and they work great

AfroCreame · 09-18-2003, 07:40 PM

Lexol owns...snag it at Pep Boys. Armor All Leather conditioner is actually pretty good. Zaino has a good smell but streaks.

Kap · 09-19-2003, 02:48 PM

Thanks for the tip. I think another member was also endorsing leatherique in this thread, http://www.rx8forum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=6532 .

The stuff is pretty expensive, but I'll probably give it a try once my lexol runs out.

/still waiting for a product to turn my seats into glove-soft leather

MSMAMBA · 09-26-2003, 12:48 PM

I use Meguiars' Gold Class Leather Cleaner & Conditioner. I love the smell.

Kawi · 09-26-2003, 01:51 PM

I'm also using Meguiar's Gold Class. So far I'm happy with it. Easy to apply and remove.

6speed8 · 09-27-2003, 11:52 AM

Lexol does a good job, try it.

Dissolved · 09-29-2003, 12:17 PM

Mink Oil. Buy it at any leather store. Put it on with your hands, rub into leather, then let the car sit in the heat with the windows up. This causes the leather to open it's pores and absorb it. Then wipe off with a terry cloth.

Meguiars Gold class and lexel are good **** too, but I prefer mink oil. No blotchiness

antman_x · 10-01-2003, 06:19 PM

I use the Meguire's stuff. Tried the creme but too much work for me and when it gets in the seams tuff to get out. So went with the spray. Works well.

alarabie · 10-01-2003, 08:42 PM

Use a microfiber towel to remove excess from the seems, it works wonder, I like the mequiar too.