Protecting Leatherette(J30)

[CustomJ30]

Hello Board, I Have A Quick Question About The Leatherette On The Doors Of The J30, I Noticed They Are Starting To Become Hard And Crack, I Was Wondering What Product Should I Use To Protect It From Any Further Damage......Some Suggested I Use Some Wet Tire Spray On It.....Is That The Right Thing To Do Or Not.....Can Someone Please Suggest Any Product That I Can Pick Up At My Local Pep Boys Or Auto Zone.....Thank You

:help

[J-Owner]

I have used Armor all leather treatment on my drivers door. That has slowed down the cracking. It is barely noticeable anyway. I never put my arm on the upper part of the driver's door so that has helped slow the process.

J30's are notorious for the leather tearing up on the upper part of the driver's door. I have no idea why it does that. That is the only part of my leather in the whole car that is cracked. You can only slow the process but inevitably it will start to look bad.

Others on here may have some better suggestions but this has worked for me.

-- Good Luck!

[MattB]

The G20 has similar material on the doors, and I just wipe it down with Meguiar's leather wipes. Keeps it looking great.

[diamondj30]

i use 303.awsome no silicon.you can get it at bout or hot tub places.colgan bra's recommend this product.it aout 19.00 a spray bottle.last long too.

[j30t]

mine started to crack and i covered it with a bit of black marker...cant hardly notice unless you look close at it...i now rest my arm down lower though.

[911/Q45]

Leatherette(vinyl) can only be protected by keeping the sun off it, garage, cover, sunshade,etc. Magic juices shine it up, but won't protect or restore. Upholstery shop may be able to recover it for you, then you can protect it after that.

[CustomJ30]

Well There Isnt Anyway Id Be Able To Cover My Cracks With Marker Because Of The Light Color.....And Also I Dont Have Access To A Garage And If I Purchase A Car Cover People Wont Do Anything But Pull It Off Or Steal It.....I Have Tints(28%) Should I Get Darker Ones.....Ill Try Looking Into A Sun Shade But How Can That Protect My Doors, It Only Protects That Dash(From What I Know).....I Live In Miami Florida The Sun Is Out All Day Almost Everyday.....Please Help

[911/Q45]

You can cable lock a cover underneath the car, a sun shade is just for the windshield and possibly the backlight. Perhaps if you used those it would lower the inside temp enough to make the vinyl last longer.

[j30t]

darker tint would work ...28% isnt even as darl as factory suv and van tint. I think factory is 15%, at least thats what the guy at the tint place told me. I did the 5% on mine...doesnt let any sun in through the windows to ruin the leather.

[90Q45blue]

http://www.leatherique.com

They have crack filler and rejuventaor oil, etc. This should help you prevent it from further damage by also applying their cleaning products. The oil helps restore the soft feel of the leather. They also can make custom re-dying kits for you. I'm strongly considering going this route.

Also, try using the search button (top right) and search for "leather maintenance". there is an awesome thread on this subject.

Nick

[CustomJ30]

I Went To Auto Zone Today And Purchased Some Leather Wipes Made By Meguiars.....They Are Called Gold Class Rich Leather Wipes, Their Supposed To Clean, Moisturize, Protect, Fights Against Premature Aging And Also Its Supposed To Protect From Spills And UV Exposure.....Has Anyone Had Any Experience With This Product.....Thank You

[911/Q45]

Are we talking leatherette(vinyl) or leather here?

[CustomJ30]

Well Im Talking About The Leather On The Doors From What I Know Its Called Leatherette.....But I Wanted To Know Would I Be Able To Use Those Leather Wipes On The Door, Or Would It Cause A Problem.....Thank You

[911/Q45]

Leatherette is vinyl, not leather. The Q door panels are mostly vinyl, so I'd guess the J's are also. You can wipe whatever you want on vinyl and it won't hurt, but it won't help either. Save your money for repair or replacement.

[maxnix]

The Q door panels are mostly vinyl,

I thought the top sill down to the door pull arm rest was leather on my 1995 q45s.