Lariat “real leather” seat upgrade

[son of a ..sven]

OK. But why leather? It's not as durable as Active X that Ford uses ( and many other companies now) I had quite a few leather interiors over the years..I know the problems. What is wrong with the Ford Activ X seat material? I think it looks good, does not crack and does not need maintenance. Regular leather requires special care and cleaning to keep it looking its best and to avoid cracking or tearing over time. Ford doesn't require a similar schedule for ActiveX, which can be cleaned with a standard leather cleaner when necessary. When stains occur, ActiveX holds up to a stronger type of cleaner and the material is more resistant to discoloration than regular leather.

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[Achtungg]

I’m halfway through my seat replacement and wanted to post a few pics of the progress. I am thrilled with my new seats and how it is going so far. My replacement leather seats make the factory seats seam even cheaper than they are. The difference is night and day. I ordered them from Leatherseats.com and would highly recommend them, not only for the quality of their product, but for the service they provide. The follow up and help when needed is stellar. I worked with Tim, but I’m sure the entire staff is just as top notch. If you have any questions about the installation process, just ask. I’ve attached before and after of the back and my removed covers (which I will sell, if anyone is interested since they are in perfect condition). I will have the full set in a couple of days.

What were the colors you chose? I’m on their site. Using the configurator. And it’s hard to tell from the renderings with the blues.

 

[GreenLady]

I’m halfway through my seat replacement and wanted to post a few pics of the progress. I am thrilled with my new seats and how it is going so far. My replacement leather seats make the factory seats seam even cheaper than they are. The difference is night and day. I ordered them from Leatherseats.com and would highly recommend them, not only for the quality of their product, but for the service they provide. The follow up and help when needed is stellar. I worked with Tim, but I’m sure the entire staff is just as top notch. If you have any questions about the installation process, just ask. I’ve attached before and after of the back and my removed covers (which I will sell, if anyone is interested since they are in perfect condition). I will have the full set in a couple of days.

Thanks for the info on the company! I don’t think I care about having them in my Maverick but I am interested in replacing the cracked leather seats in my ’68 Cadillac Eldorado.

 

[Poultrygeist]

nice

 

[samspritzer]

Nice looking but one thing I notice....there are no slots for the headrests. I would hate to sit back there if ever in a front end or rear end accident.

 

[AngeloInSC]

Nice looking but one thing I notice....there are no slots for the headrests. I would hate to sit back there if ever in a front end or rear end accident.

That is because I did not install the headrests yet. I removed them even before I changed the seats because I never use the rear seats for passengers (only my dogs) and it gives a better view out the rearview mirror with them out. They can easily be reinstalled, but you do have to punch holes in the seats, which is a fairly simple process. The reason there were no pre-cut holes is due to the leather being stretched over the existing seats, and the hole placement needs to be precise so it can be covered by the receiver sockets that go into the receivers sleeves on the seats. I do plan on putting the socket holders back in place for when they’re needed, but will not be putting the headrests back in. The headrest covers do come as part of the kit. I did put them on the front and it was very simple to do.

 

[AngeloInSC]

Thanks for the info on the company! I don’t think I care about having them in my Maverick but I am interested in replacing the cracked leather seats in my ’68 Cadillac Eldorado.

If you call them, make sure you press extension #107 and speak with Tim. Tell him I said he would take good care of you. He will send you out a kit with your choices of up to 10 sample colors to pick from. It is very difficult to get an accurate depiction of the colors from the website. (Why I’ve gotten so many knocks on my color choice here even though it looks fantastic in person). And I love to see that Eldo when you’re done. I would definitely hold onto that beauty

 

[realshelby]

That’s not at all true. The vinyl in the lariat is about as cheap and non-porous as you can get. I have always had leather seats since after my 65 Mustang. The vinyl on the backs of these leather seats I now have put the lariat to shame and is tuff to tell the difference from the leather on the fronts. Had the original Latiat seats been the same quality of what they use on the backs of these current leather seats that I now have, I wouldn’t have changed them. BTW, leather only cracks if it’s cheap and/or you don’t condition it properly. I had a 1984 Porsche 928 with a leather dash in Southern California, and the leather was in perfect condition after 10 years. If you condition them regularly, you never have to worry about it.

We will just disagree on the quality of the Lariat vinyl. After having it, I would pay more to have Active-X over typical leather seating surfaces.
The reason many leather seats don't show much cracking/wrinkling....is because ONLY the seating surface is leather! Because the sides get crushed down the vinyl is MUCH better for that. Active-X is NOT the vinyl of years past. It is surprisingly breathable.
I don't doubt your new covers are good quality and comfortable. But how much of that is a bit of extra foam on the backside?
I know a little about Mustangs and Shelbys.....and NO factory 65 Mustang ever had leather in it!

 

[AngeloInSC]

What were the colors you chose? I’m on their site. Using the configurator. And it’s hard to tell from the renderings with the blues.

The colors I used are the blue and burnt orange. If you want to best match the current lariat seats, then Blue, and Cocoa would be the best options. The blue is a dead ringer for the existing blue, but still looks 100% better with the grain and higher quality of both their leather and the vinyl they use for the sides and backs. You can actually request a sample pack of up to 10 colors. Call the number and press extension 107 and talk to Tim. Tell him I said he would take good care of you. He’ll get the samples out and you’ll have them in a couple of days. It is very difficult to pick colors by looking online as they do look different when they show up. One of the reasons I’m getting so many negative comments on my color choice is because they look nothing like what they do in person.

 

[AngeloInSC]

We will just disagree on the quality of the Lariat vinyl. After having it, I would pay more to have Active-X over typical leather seating surfaces.
The reason many leather seats don't show much cracking/wrinkling....is because ONLY the seating surface is leather! Because the sides get crushed down the vinyl is MUCH better for that. Active-X is NOT the vinyl of years past. It is surprisingly breathable.
I don't doubt your new covers are good quality and comfortable. But how much of that is a bit of extra foam on the backside?
I know a little about Mustangs and Shelbys.....and NO factory 65 Mustang ever had leather in it!

I guess you missed the part of my comment that said AFTER my Mustang. So before you call me, a liar, maybe you better read a little more closely. And I do know all about which parts of the seats are leather and which parts are vinyl. (My 1984 Porsche 928 was 100% leather interior including the dash, doors and headliner and I never had a problem with cracking in the 10 years I owned it). What I know is with the seat covers that I ordered, the vinyl used on the sides and back is a much higher quality than your active X, which is smooth, hard and has zero grain on it and is more like commercial bus and subway seats. Great for long wear, but not comfort IMHO. Looks aside, the feel is of both the leather and the vinyl is 100% better. And I don’t think after sitting on those lariat seats for multiple 500 mile trips they’re anywhere near as comfortable or breathable as you make them out to be regardless of “Active-X”. So you go ahead and pay extra for them if you like, (especially since you’re comparing it to “typical” and likely “bonded” leather and not higher quality leather). Maybe you’ve convinced somebody out there that they are better and I will get an offer for my old seats. To each his own.

 

[Wiingnut]

The colors I used are the blue and burnt orange. If you want to best match the current lariat seats, then Blue, and Cocoa would be the best options. The blue is a dead ringer for the existing blue, but still looks 100% better with the grain and higher quality of both their leather and the vinyl they use for the sides and backs. You can actually request a sample pack of up to 10 colors. Call the number and press extension 107 and talk to Tim. Tell him I said he would take good care of you. He’ll get the samples out and you’ll have them in a couple of days. It is very difficult to pick colors by looking online as they do look different when they show up. One of the reasons I’m getting so many negative comments on my color choice is because they look nothing like what they do in person.

They look nice. I’m curious and have a few questions. Did you just decide to go with this particular brand of leather seating or did you research different brands? If so what made you pick them over another? I have a Mav XLT on order and I’ve entwined the thought of possibly upgrading to leather eventually. I’ve seen the Katzkins and they look good and seem to hold up well, but I’ve never seen another aftermarket brand in person. Thanks for any info you can provide

 

[AngeloInSC]

I’ve been noticing that critical negativity has been lingering on this forum. Some posts are great, and some give a bad vibe.

I’m glad I’m not the only one to notice. Seems there’s a lot of sad, jealous people out there and it’s just a sign of the times. No good deed goes unpunished.

 

[AngeloInSC]

They look nice. I’m curious and have a few questions. Did you just decide to go with this particular brand of leather seating or did you research different brands? If so what made you pick them over another? I have a Mav XLT on order and I’ve entwined the thought of possibly upgrading to leather eventually. I’ve seen the Katzkins and they look good and seem to hold up well, but I’ve never seen another aftermarket brand in person. Thanks for any info you can provide

I did do quite a bit of research. Katzkins does have a very good product as well but the main difference is they require you to have their contracted installers put the seats in and charge more to do so, whereas Leatherseats.com sends you the seats and you install them yourself (saving about $1,000) or can hire whoever you want to install them. What I found very helpful was the YouTube videos done by the Redneck Garage that shows the complete maverick install along with a very in-depth review on the seats. I highly recommend you view those videos since it is what convinced me to go the way that I did.

BTW, if you’re convinced by some of the other commentators on this thread, that the stock Lariat, ActiveX vinyl seats are just fine and the way to go, I’d be more than happy to sell you my old set. They are in perfect condition as I was very careful when I removed them.

 

[AngeloInSC]

OK. But why leather? It's not as durable as Active X that Ford uses ( and many other companies now) I had quite a few leather interiors over the years..I know the problems. What is wrong with the Ford Activ X seat material? I think it looks good, does not crack and does not need maintenance. Regular leather requires special care and cleaning to keep it looking its best and to avoid cracking or tearing over time. Ford doesn't require a similar schedule for ActiveX, which can be cleaned with a standard leather cleaner when necessary. When stains occur, ActiveX holds up to a stronger type of cleaner and the material is more resistant to discoloration than regular leather.

#1 Acrylic shower insert vs natural stone
#2 Exotic hardwood floors vs vinyl planks
#3 Natural grass vs artificial turf
#4 Champagne vs Bud Light

The latter in all these examples may be considered better by some, but you get my drift. If you’d rather sit on something that feels more like a public bus or subway seat vs fine leather seats, because you don’t want to deal with the proper care of them, that’s your choice.

 

[Wiingnut]

I did do quite a bit of research. Katzkins does have a very good product as well but the main difference is they require you to have their contracted installers put the seats in and charge more to do so, whereas Leatherseats.com sends you the seats and you install them yourself (saving about $1,000) or can hire whoever you want to install them. What I found very helpful was the YouTube videos done by the Redneck Garage that shows the complete maverick install along with a very in-depth review on the seats. I highly recommend you view those videos since it is what convinced me to go the way that I did.

BTW, if you’re convinced by some of the other commentators on this thread, that the stock Lariat, ActiveX vinyl seats are just fine and the way to go, I’d be more than happy to sell you my old set. They are in perfect condition as I was very careful when I removed them.

Thanks for the reply and info, it's much appreciated. Should I decide to go the leather route, I will check out those videos on YouTube. As for the Lariat seats, I'll pass. I don't seem to care much for the lariat colors. Thanks again for the info, and enjoy your new interior.

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