What, if anything, do I need to do to treat my 2003 Lariat Leather to keep it looking new?

 

Treat it nice and it will treat you nice. This means no Taco Bell, White Castle, or Mcdonalds Only kidding, I use Tanners leather protectant and cleaner on mine about once a month just to keep it looking good. But then again mine is an 02 and I remember you putting down the 02 Lariat leather in another post, YOUR leather probably doesnt need anything since the 03 seats are SOOO MUCH better!

 

Superbeast,

I didn't put down the '02 Leather in a previous post. I said I had read where OTHERS have had complaints about THEIR leather!! The leather in the '03 IS DIFFERENT. Which is better??? Has yet to be seen.

Thanks for the recommendation on Tanners. Anyone else use this or something else?? Experience with.....????

Oh, and I agree, Taco sauce doesn't tase good when eaten off a leather seat!

 

I've always used Lexol products on my previous vehicles. The products always worked well and were highly recommended by high end vehicle owners. I need to clean mine this weekend. After a week of fly fishing, the vehicle got abused just a bit.

 

Marc -- Ask the leather experts in the KR forum.


Lexol. Plain and simple.


RP

 

Rock,

You ought to change your handle to "Ol' Faithful." Why? Because when I post a question, you always come thru with the goods!

 

Marc,

You'll get my invoice in the mail. I think this makes... oh... about 8 threads that I've replied to that you've had questions. What? You think all this invaluable data is free?!?! Oh geesh. You're going to be suprised when you get that bill..

muhahahahaha!


Nah, no worries. I'm fairly cheap. Just a mere $79.95 per answer. I'll give you a line discount as well. It'll only cost you a buck fitty.... and, for that case, if we ever cross paths, just buy me a beer and we'll call it even.

RP

 

Deal!

 

Eagle one makes some really great stuff. Eagle One "Leather Care" conditioner is the onlyl thing my Lexus' seats see. (not to bag on the Lariat fans here but if you want to talk about quality leather seats...) It has no cleaners in it. Come's in a spray bottle but I spray it on and massage it in by hand. Let it sit for an hour or so and then take a clean terry cloth and buff it dry. Leaves litterally no greasy residue and looks very rich. They also have a cleaner that works really really good. I don't use anything but Eagle One products on all my vehicles.

 

I am thinking the owner's manual says not to use products like Lexol which has a chemical base that could 'harm' the Lariat clear protective coating. The KRs have 'real' leather and Lexol would be fine. I just have not found what is best for my Lariat leather yet.

 

Lexol is not a solvent based conditioner. It is an oil based conditioner. The KR stuff that Ford sent each King Ranch owner is a SOLVENT BASED conditioner and, for that reason, I simply don't use it. Solvent based cleaners do have a tendancy to break down stitching more rapidly.

Another product out there on the market called Fiebings 4-way conditioner is a good product as well. It's a tad more 'watery' thus, I stick with the lexol.

Another product that has recieved rave reviews is Connelly's (sp) Leather Food. I haven't been able to locate this product on the local market but, when I do, I can assure you that I'll try it. I've heard nothing but good about it.

I know of many people that are using lexol on their clear coated leather seats (just like those in the lariat and the lexus) with great results. I used it on my 98' Explorer XLT and had NOTHING BUT SUCCESS. The leather was 'real' as well, it's just treated differently in manufacturing. Also, as I mentioned, the lariat leather is CLEAR COATED and thus, cleaning is one of the most important steps in taking care of your leather. You need to remove the built up dirt and grime from a clear coated leather prior to conditioning the leather. Skipping this step is like washing your truck with a brillo pad. It's useless.

The Lexol is an EXCELLENT product and has been on the market for many years. Their cleaner has yielded mixed opinions. I've had good luck with it but, others that have used in the KR forum have had issues with it. It's pH balanced and thus, is safe for the clearcoat.

I've been using the Lexol for many years and have NEVER had ANY issues with it... and trust me, I'm super particular about my leather....I wouldn't have gone with a King Ranch if I had doubts about being able to care for it...


RP

 

I met an old lady with a 68 Mustang and origional leather seats . That was 5 years ago and they were origional and looked great . She swore by Tanners . Too bad someone upped my price for the buy . I don't have leather but if I did , I would give Tanners a hard look .

 

I'm with RP, Lexol is the way to go, used it on my explorer, and on my wife's Acura without any negatives. Find it at Pep-Boys.

 

Eagle one or duragloss,both nice stuff!