King Ranch interior question
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 273
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From: New Mexico
King Ranch interior question
I wanted to ask a question to the King Ranch owners in the forum. I have owned my KR for approximately 7 months and the passenger seat leather is now fading, turning a pale gray of sorts. The dealer tells me that this is a wear characteristic of the saddle leather. I condition the seats regularly and the truck is never left out in the sun. What are you seeing within the interior of your trucks?? Thanks, Jeff in NM…OUT
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 10,626
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From: Plano TX and Brentwood TN
You said that you condition often, do you use non-darkening or darkening condition? I have had my King Ranch for over a year, condition once a month with a darkening neatsfoot oil(generic name, Lexol is a brand name) and my seats are darker then when I got them. Most don't use darkening neatsfoot oil as they want to keep the light tan look(I use darkening as I like how it looks on my saddles and on my seats and plus I believe it does a better job of condition as to me it seems like it penetrates a little better then non-darkening, it just seems that when they changed it to keep it from darkening leather, it takes something out of it, but that could just be me), as yours is already starting to fade, non-darkening won't help you, but the darkening should help to a degree. Condition it generously, let it penetrate the leather, do that fairly often and it won't really matter if you leave it out in the sun as it will be more protected from drying and bleaching out.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Rural WV
Mine is an 03 so it's already older. Mine are a tan-ish color and I'm planning to take Tex's advice on the neatsfoot oil. I've used the Armor-All Leather Gel and it darkens upon application but it returns to the original color a day or two later.
Never heard of it turning gray.
Never heard of it turning gray.
New User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 22
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From: Orlando,FL.
Mine is an 05 and I use the Lexol brand cleaner and conditioner. It darkens it at first and turns that wonderful caramel color within a couple of hours. I've never heard of chaparrel leather turning grey. Maybe this passenger seat is defective.
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 337
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From: Shenandoah valley, Va
It does seem that the graying and weathering is the nature of this beast. The leather does not have a sealant added as the last step of the tanning process, so a saddle type look results. I have had good success with the Lexol product as well (can probably buy at your local farm bureau or Tractor Supply store) I treat once every 3 months. Be sure to apply with a damp applicator. The dampness seems to allow the oil to spread more smoothly. Good Luck, you've bought a beautiful interior that will last darn near forever with a little TLC
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2001
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From: New Mexico
Thank you all for the help and direction. The New Mexico dealerships are their predictable “No Help.” We have a tack shop near our home, I’ll look for the products you mentioned. Thank you again, Jeff in NM…OUT
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Tucson, AZ
The 06 should have the Castano leather not the Chapparal. Make sure you clean the leather as well as condition it. You want to get the dust and/or dirt off of it before you condition it.
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Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 273
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From: New Mexico
I like the rich dark look of the Castano leather, it reminds me of a well-worn bomber jacket. That’s what drew me to the K.R. package. Moving forward, I’ll use your recommendations for leather conditioning product…
