The leather seat covers and console in my 2001 King Ranch have faded to a lighter shade, even with consistent treatment with the KR conditioner. They are also hard and dry. Does anyone know of any dyes out there that will at least bring some color back? I've heard about a company called Dr. Vinyl that does this. Some feedback would be appreciated ASAP as I am planning on selling my 2001 in anticipation of the 2005's. Thanks.

 

Hello and welcome aboard, Rock Pick is one of the resident leather experts and I'd figure that one of them will chime in soon. Sounds to me like maybe the seats went for some time without treatment, just guessing though. I know there's a product called hide food or something like that that suposedly will restore luster to leather, look for Lenticular (Lenny), he knows alot about leather treatment as well.

Later,

~DM~

 

Leather Master will do the truck. My leather was very hard. I did the same thing, I had conditioned the hell out of it with King Ranch Leather Conditioner. I am starting to wonder if the King Ranch leather conditioner is as good as everyone thinks it is.

The Leather Master kit comes with a cleaner and conditioner. After about 2 coats of the conditioner it was starting to look awesome and is getting soft again.

 

Hi. I recently purchased a King Ranch and I have the same issue with my seats. The leather isn't getting all hard and starting to crack or anything. I just want to restore the front seats to the same condition as the back seats (which are in near-pristine condition). Where can I get the Leather Master kit? And will I need to saddle soap them before using that kit? Thanks in advance.

Clint

 

Do NOT use saddle soap to clean the seats. As a matter of fact, all you need is a couple of soft, clean washcloths and a bucket of warm, not hot, water. I got my truck out of the shop the other day, and freaked out when my steering wheel was black from grease. I cleaned it with nothing but water, and it looks fine. The leather is not saddle leather, it's furniture grade leather. I'm wanting to try the Leathermaster as well, but I'll have to wait a while before ordering some. I've used the KR Conditioner, Armor All, Leather CPR, and Lexol. So far the Lexol has performed the best, but I'm curious about the Leathermaster. Anyway, good luck!

 

Avoid Saddle Soap...

 

Eeek! I was unaware of the saddle soap fiasco. Thanks for informing me so quickly.

I stopped by a local cleanup shop and the guy there said Lexol works great, but he also said you could use saddle soap and/or mink oil. Apparently he's also unaware of the saddle soap myth. What about mink oil? Yes, no? And while I'm thinking about it, is there a store that regularly carries Lexol or a website where it's sold if not?

Oh, and RP, I'd like to join the IKROC. What type of info do you need from me for me to do so? Thanks.

Clint

 

Again, I'd probably lean against Mink oil because of it's darkening qualities. I used to use it exclusively on my soccer 'boots' back in high school as a softening agent that also provided a bit of conditioning. I can assure you that it will darken the leather though...

Lexol, initially, will darken the leather too but, it will dry and thus, fade back to the initial castano color. Leather CPR seems to be a decent product as well with my one and only application. Meguiar's Rich Aloe Conditioner isn't too shabby either...It's all personal preference though...

Lexol is commonly available at Pep Boys. Also, if you have a pet store like PETSMART that has a 'tack shop' within, you'll find it in gallon jugs down to spray bottles.

IKRFTOC -- email me at rockpick(((@)))insightbb.com (and of course remove the parenthesis) and I'll forward the information I need to add you to our database.

RP

 

Wal-Mart sells a small Leather Master kit. I saw it the other day in the household cleaners section (along with stainless steel cleaner and such). I almost bought it but I couldn't convince myself that it was the right stuff...I guess it was?

RP

 

Wow, you guys sure do work fast. I just registered last night and already I have a ton more knowledge about this stuff than I had then. Thanks a lot for your time and the quick responses.

Also, since the Castano is aniline, I take it this is the kit I want to purchase?

Clint

 

Kit without the dye - alternative choice.

 

Aaaaahhhh, ok. I figured since that kit was the only one with aniline in the description it was the only one that works. Sometimes I can be simple minded, hehe.

Oh, RP, you have mail.

Clint

 

Again, I must say that you guys rock.

Clint