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Interior: Leather vs. Vinyl (look a like leather)

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Old 01-07-2001, 10:51 AM
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Interior: Leather vs. Vinyl (look a like leather)

One of my friends had her MX-3 decked all out in white vinyl. I mean her whole damn interior basically. She got charged $500 to do everything in the inside of the car; seats included too & inlcuding labor. It fooled me so bad that I thought it was leather.
Well here is my question. On the '82 T/A PMD seats that I have should I go w/ real leather or that fake leather looking vinyl stuff? I really couldn't tell a difference. Hell, it even felt like leather too. So whatcha guys think?

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1986 Firebird S/E
Old 01-07-2001, 11:09 AM
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Originally posted by Mike Harvey:
One of my friends had her MX-3 decked all out in white vinyl. I mean her whole damn interior basically. She got charged $500 to do everything in the inside of the car; seats included too & inlcuding labor. It fooled me so bad that I thought it was leather.
Well here is my question. On the '82 T/A PMD seats that I have should I go w/ real leather or that fake leather looking vinyl stuff? I really couldn't tell a difference. Hell, it even felt like leather too. So whatcha guys think?

Personally I love real leather... however price is always a factor and if you cant tell a difference and think its just as good.. hell with it.. go with the fake stuff! thatsj ust my opinion tho.

-Steve
92 rs/ss frankencamaro

Old 01-08-2001, 08:54 PM
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I'm not completely sure about this comment but i heard from a friend vinyl wears out very quickly.

It cracks alot more than leather and isnt as durable.

Once again this is just what i heard from a friend.

I also want to do this so i would like a response from someone who knows for sure.

Old 01-08-2001, 09:29 PM
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How long the material lasts really depends on how you care for it. I agree, vinyl will crack over time, but leather will also do the same if it is not treated with a leather protectant (not a silicone based product)

Leather expands and shrinks more when it is heated and cooled(compared to vinyl)such as if the car is sitting in the sun etc.

My best suggestion is what ever material you decide, keep it clean and protected, and it will last.
Old 01-15-2001, 02:35 AM
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I love leather, especially black leather.
Here's my new interior, what do you all think? http://www.leannrimes.cz28.com/leather.htm

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Old 01-15-2001, 03:20 AM
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Kick *** . That was for the seats themselves, or to have them done? And all five pieces? Not a bad price.
Old 01-15-2001, 09:45 AM
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Avoid leather or vinyl if its a daily driver and you have any cold weather. When you jump into your car and sit on a 10* vinyl or leather seat, you'll wish you'd gotten cloth.

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Old 01-15-2001, 11:29 AM
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This is what 13 year old leather looks like when it's not taken care of:


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Old 01-15-2001, 04:03 PM
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Jim,

Ever seen leather GTA seats in a high mileage car that didn't look that way? Leathers just not durable. Also the side bolsters on the GTA seats while comfortable, stick out too much... Unless you're a contortionist your body will rub that bolster every time you get in and out of the car. No amount of care will prevent that eventually... except for not driving the car. Even the cloth seats in GTA's and Iroc's, even Fiero seats take wear on the bolster from entering and exiting the car... Its a sad fact.

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