Best way to protect leather interior from sun?

[Giselle]

Tan leather interiors on old cars are always ruined, presumably in part from the sun.

What can I do to protect my interior when she's outdoors?

I have a metallic windscreen reflector and little fabric protectors on both windows and rear window.

It still gets amazingly hot inside though, after sitting in the sun though.. That can't be good.

A quick search brought up people denouncing the evils of car covers

[Red Dragon]

Good Quality sheepskin covers are great and do not damage the leather

[NitroDann]

Defeats the purpose of having leather seats? (can't see them anymore)

Dann

[hks_kansei]

The heat itself shouldn't damage the leather as far as I know, it's the UV rays that harden it and ruin it.

The sun shades should work well at keeping sunlight off them.


It’s also a good idea to clean the seats regularly, and afterwards use a leather conditioner/moisturizer on them.
The moisturizer will help keep the leather from drying out and becoming hard, and the cleaning will keep dirt from causing discolouration, and also from collecting in the stitching (apparently it can cause the stitching to wear out faster)

[MrRevhead]

I agree with HKS.

I clean/condition my leather at least twice a year using the Oakwood Leather Cleaner & Conditioner kit available at Super Cheap. I use to use the Meguiars Leather Conditioner, but I have found the oakwood to be a better product.

Also, have a read of some recommendations here (http://mx5cartalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=58025&p=730622)

[Giselle]

My thoughts exactly Dann. I *could* put some seat covers on them, but that kinda kills the British racing green/tan leather thing...

They're old seats already so I condition them with RM Williams leather conditioner, since we have that lying around the house.

Would that do the job, or should I step it up to something more pro?

[Okibi]

Not sure if there's something like this that fits over a softtop/hardtop

http://www.gomiata.com/evivcusfitco.html

[tescoking]

Is the tan leather from Mazda or did you retrim it with some trimmer?
If the leather is original from Mazda then I am really sorry to tell you that they are not real leather, so nothing you can do to keep it dry or keep it rich.
However, if it is retrimed by trimmer with real leather, you can just simply use cold/warm but not hot water to wipe down your leather once a week, and every month put on once conditioner (choose Meguiar/Mother). Let the conditioner absorbed, then another layer, untill the leather doesn't look dry. Keep doing this process and you should have your leather last for a very long time even under the sun with your top down.

[taminga16]

Giselle,
Have a look at this thread, viewtopic.php?f=57&t=46765&p=667554&hilit=snshami#p667554
Hami did a mountain of research into everything and got some great results, and you will enjoy his car (sadly sold now).
Greg.

Edit. Spelling.

[emily_mx5]

If the leather is original from Mazda then I am really sorry to tell you that they are not real leather, so nothing you can do to keep it dry or keep it rich.

Yeah fück yo fake seats.

Lol x100000

HKS said everything I would have, Mothers make a really nice cleaner/conditioner set too.
Do NOT amorall them.


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[green_comet]

Zaino Z9 Leather Soft Spray Cleaner followed by Z10 Leather Treatmeant & Conditioner, waxit sell them. Excellent leather care products, I use them on mine and my clients cars.

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[tescoking]

I forgot to mention, when you clear the real leather, DO NOT use the leather cleaning products, it will actually damage the leather. So remember just to use cold/warm water. Unless it is really dirty (Pet's urine), then you can use leather cleaning products.

P.S. Don't get something said "leather clean and conditioner" they are not that effective compare with the "leather conditioner". Spend a bit more for the best result.

[davekmoore]

Sit on the seats when you're driving and put the roof up when you park?

[tescoking]

Sit on the seats when you're driving and put the roof up when you park?

who doesn't sit on their seat when they are driving?

[taminga16]

Sit on the seats when you're driving and put the roof up when you park?

who doesn't sit on their seat when they are driving?

SAD.