I tried Search but couldn't find anything specific to this KR leather question.

Lately I've noticed a distinct color difference between where the seat belts rest on the front seats and the rest of the interior. I have faithfully cleaned and conditioned the leather since new so I believe the difference is from UV fading. Has anyone else experienced this?? Any suggestions on how to fix it? It's probably only noticeable to me, but it's driving me nuts.

Thanks!

 

Garry,

I believe KingRanchSC02 (AKA: Joe) had a seat cover replaced because the King Ranch 'hang-tag' that was on his seat had caused a spot similar to what you're describing.

Not sure if you're still within warranty but, it might be worth a try...

RP

 

Thanks RP....I'll maybe give that a try.

 

It's just a thought and I think someone here will come up with a better answer than 'run to the dealership'.

There might be something out there that someone has tried that will yeild the results that you need. Unfortunately, I don't know what that product may be.

Further, if you do go to the stealership, I'd walk in armed with an empty (or nearly empty) bottle of King Ranch conditioner and a stern approach to letting them know that you **HAVE** been properly conditioning and cleaning your leather. This, and this alone, is what helped me get a new steering wheel when my leather started to come apart and 'nap' up.

Good luck man!

--RP

 

When I first purchased my 03 King Ranch a year ago I saw concerns on this site regarding UV fading so the first thing I did was get my front windows tinted and purchase a custom fit sunshade for the windshield.

Hopefully I won't have to worry about sun fading.

Jayhawker

 

Yeah, stupidly, I just got my windows tinted last weekend and I've had my King since November 1, 2003. Definitely have some UV fading issues in the front seat, particularly the pass. side bottom seat.

 

I'm taking the truck in for service next week so I'll be mentioning the fading as well. Should be interesting what they have to say.

 

Garry,

The fading will happen...It's normal wear and tear. Unless the fading was there at the time you purchased the truck, they won't do anything for you. The only reason I got a new seat cover was because when I bought the truck, it was there, and I pointed it out to the salesman and he said it would come out with conditioning...6 months later and 4 or so conditions, it was still there...so i brought it in and they took care of it (wasn't as easy as it sounds: They wanted to try to repair it, so they attempted to dye it...didn't work at all on the natural leather, so they messed it up worse...and to make matters worse, they also spilled dye on my carpet and had to replace the entire carpet. They then finally opted to get me a new seat cover...should have done it right the first time!). So, I don't think they'll do anything, but you can try. Good Luck!

-Joe

 

Thanks for the info KRSC02. I'm sure they will say its "normal" as well, but I'll find out.

Appreciate the help!


Garry42

 

Any word back Garry?

 

It's booked in tomorrow so I'll let you guys know what I hear.

 

Let us know and g'luck!

 

Talked to the dealership today and, as suspected, they're saying its normal "wear and tear" caused by UV rays. The service manager did offer to have a Ford Rep look at it given that all normal maintenance has been done on the leather. This is supposed to happen over the next few weeks.

I'm not holding out any hope anything will be done. The owners manual clearly states that "normal wear" is exempted from warranty and I'm sure Ford will hide behind that forever. The disappointing part of this whole thing is that the discoloration wouldn't be an issue if the seatbelts didn't rest on the seats and the interior maintained a uniform color. A simple design change is all that would be required.

Thanks for the replies and support guys....appreciate it!

 

Has anyone ever tried to use "Saddle Soap" available at most feed and tack stores. It seems to actually work better at conditioning the leather than the King Ranch conditioner.

It leaves the seats soft and has a very pleasant "Leather" smell afterwards. It also protects from normal wear. You might try using this next time you condition your interior.

 

I am also having a problem with UV fading on my leather and the ford rep is supposed to be in sometime next week. The service advisor said he had another customer with a simliar complaint and the ford rep replaced the seat cover. Hope I get the same ford rep...