is it true that in either 08 or 09, the KR's have a new leather in them? Is it easier to care for or still a delicate leather? I am on the road about 5 hours a day and worry about fading with sunlight.
Thanks

 

It's new in the 09, and frankly, I don't care for it. I think the color is too bright, and, it doesn't have a "western" look. It's too early to know if it will be easier to care for I imagine.

The rest of the truck though, is beautiful! I'd buy one if I had the money.

- Jack

 

Hi, Cohiba -

The 2009 F-150 features Chaparral leather. The 2008 (and earlier, back to 2001) featured Castano leather.

Both are King Ranch styles of leather but are quite a bit different in look and feel, IMO. The one that they will definitely both have in common is that they're a tad more difficult to take care of than that of a regular Lariat or similar. The reason that this is the case is because neither the Chaparral nor Castano leathers are 'coated' with any type of protective layer to keep them from becoming more easily stained or soiled. You'll often hear this referred to as 'uncoated' or aniline.

Because of this lack of coating that many automotive-grade leathers have, if one spills something on the seat, it'll soak in more rapidly. Additionally, it makes it a tad more difficult to care for as you must keep up with it or it'll look poor in a jiffy.

I personally feel that the Chaparral leather will likely be more friendly than the Castano from the standpoint of taking care of it but, both will still require that certain degree of 'labor of love' to keep them looking schnazzy.

I hope that helps... welcome to f150online.com!

-RP-

 

I agree 100% about the look...it still looks nice, but not as "rugged" as the Castono.

 

I am convinced that Ford has adopted the Chaparral leather because of excessive claims and complaints about the appearance of Casatano when not properly cared for.

I think that the new leather will fare better than Castano but to my mind the castano will always score more points in the orginality/appearance stakes.

 

I agree with you Lenny. I imagine the number one reason they did it was because unless you spend time and take care of the seats, like the people on this board do the leather will look horrible. This means when people go to trade them in the dealerships have a difficult time reselling them since the interior looks so bad. The new leather won't have as much difficulty keeping it clean and looking nice. However like you said the original leather was the best looking interior I have ever seen or owned( noticed I said I...I'm sure you have seen and owned better).

 

Actually when I am describing the leather to people in the UK etc who haven't seen Castano, I usually say that it is as good if not better than some of the leather in those 'other' cars !!!

 

Agreed 200%, John. The Chaparral is definitely a different beast compared to the ultimate beast in Castano.

 

As long as you condition the leather on a regular basis, it's not a concern.