I have a 03 Limited EX. I know for years that Ford has only used real leather on seating surfaces and Vinyl on the sides and back. My issue is that the rear (third) seat seems to be better quality leather than the front 2. My front 2 rows have tan smooth leather with the side vinyl being rougher. I am noticing wrinkling in the very front seats on the front edges facing the center storage box. It looks as though the leather is cheap and thin. I never had this in another vehicle and I am not impressed. The wrinkles are from those in the second row grabbing the front seats to get closer to talk(kids). The third seat may be vinyl as well as others do this too, but it seems better quality. Anyone else have smooth leather that is less than supple? I looked at another limited tan leather seats and they are not the same as mine (smooth) they are rough like my back seat. I am wondering if my truck was made monday and someone messed up or I have a waranty complaint.
Adam

 

That's very odd because the '04 Lincoln Navigator is said to have a vinyl 3rd row seat.

 

My '02 X has smooth leather seats.
And I use my armrest ALL the time, and it is starting to crack. How can I fix it?

 

It's probably too late, but the best thing for leather is saddle soap.

 

My '04 Limited owner's manual says the third row seat is vinyl.

 

my 2000 has a leather third row seat, but the rear seat is a mix of both as well as the front.guess they used what they felt like using.

 

You have to step up to BMW, Mercedes, Lexus, etc. if you want GOOD leather.

Saddle soap is good, so is Meguiar's Gold Class cleaner/conditioner. Mothers also makes some good stuff.

 

A Ford truck salesman once told me that the Ford Lariat leather was four times stronger then the GM truck leather and the same quality as the Mercedes leather. The salesman is one of the most knowledgeable salesman I've yet to meet, unlike most who know next to nothing.

BTW, he used to own a newer LT Chevy 1/2 ton with the black leather seats so he knew the difference.

Saw an early 99 super duty in 2002 with around 100K miles and it's driver cloth seat was complety ruined by wear and tear. My F250 has 154K miles and it's had heavy duty vinyl seat covers since 50K miles and the seats look brand new still.

 

If you want the best leather get a Rolls , Bentley or a King Ranch. I use Leather conditioner from King Ranch.

 

My armrests and my front seats are all cracked in my 2001 Limited. It's too late for conditioner. But does anyone know if they make after market seats or do I need to buy them from a dealer. Since they are all power I bet they are a pretty penny! $$$$$$$

 

the third row seat is all vinyl...the front two rows are a combination of "bonded leather" and vinyl...regular mantainence with a quality product and limited UV exposure will keep it looking it's best...

BTW: bonded leather is pretty much leather dust and a binding agent(glue)..it's like particle board in the upholstery business....because it has real leather in it, it is allowed to be called "leather"...

if you want the finest quality, you are looking for "full grain leather" (ie:King Ranch interior)...

 

You may be able to find a good auto restoration company that may (depending upon how bad they are) be able to help you out. I had that done on an older Volvo that I bought used and they cam eout looking real good. Some tears and cracks may be fixed. I also use Meguiars leather conditioner on all of our cars.

 

Thank you Yesprofit. I'm not sure if my seats are too bad or not but I amm going to look for a restoration company and see what happens! Thanx

 

I found this on Ebay, not sure of the quality but the guys got a 99.2% rating with 507 responds. The price also seems resonable compared to having a upholstery shop make new ones.

eBay My World - theseatshop

 

Ford went to vinyl on the 3rd row some time after 2000. I had a 2000 and it had a leather rear seat and my 05 has vinyl. The best cleaner / conditioner I found is Leatherique. Leatherique

It's an all day process. You need to let it cook in the sun. But it's worth it.