Just got my Robert Budd Alacantara Pod!!
#18
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Alcantara is an Ultrasuede material developed in Italy
Its strong, easy to care for and looks great. It wears very well too.
Black doesn't photograph well though. The Alcatara site has some better images.
This is a set of seats for a Cessna we did in red Alcantara. It feels just like real suede.
Its strong, easy to care for and looks great. It wears very well too.
Black doesn't photograph well though. The Alcatara site has some better images.
This is a set of seats for a Cessna we did in red Alcantara. It feels just like real suede.
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Last edited by Rob M Budd; 11-27-2006 at 10:17 PM.
#19
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What you need to understand is that alcantara provides relief from glare from the pod and dash into the windshield and into your eyes. Check out the old Ferrari fuzzy dash material finishes that were used to prevent glare. This stuff is probably much better and better wearing. I keep a black terrycloth towel handy and place it over the pod when the reflections from the sun are so bad the glare interferes with sight through the windsheild. Alcantara would end all of that, and also provide a means to dissapate heat from the surface of the pod or dash or other surface, keeping it cooler and preventing ultimate cracking. Sounds like a pretty good deal to me.
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Originally Posted by ODSharkBytes
Looks like new blue jeans to me, wtf is alcantara? Isn't that some sort of tuna?
#21
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Its a ultramicrofiber.
The incredible appeal of Alcantara® stems from a true technological breakthrough, an invention that comes from Japan.
It all started in 1970, when Dr. Miyoshi Okamoto, a scientist working at the multinational Japanese chemical corporation Toray, filed a patent for this innovative material. To tap the full potential of this extraordinary discovery, the Japanese company looked for a European partner to help it tackle the market, and found one in the ENI Group.
Once an agreement had been signed for commercial use of the patent, the material was launched under the brand name Alcantara®.
Alcantara® is based on a unique, proprietary technology, which has yet to be rivalled, and ensures that the product will preserve its one-of-a-kind, state-of-the-art features over time.
The incredible appeal of Alcantara® stems from a true technological breakthrough, an invention that comes from Japan.
It all started in 1970, when Dr. Miyoshi Okamoto, a scientist working at the multinational Japanese chemical corporation Toray, filed a patent for this innovative material. To tap the full potential of this extraordinary discovery, the Japanese company looked for a European partner to help it tackle the market, and found one in the ENI Group.
Once an agreement had been signed for commercial use of the patent, the material was launched under the brand name Alcantara®.
Alcantara® is based on a unique, proprietary technology, which has yet to be rivalled, and ensures that the product will preserve its one-of-a-kind, state-of-the-art features over time.
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Originally Posted by RyanPerrella
Very nice Rob,
How much for your work?
How much for your work?
This includes minor repairs to the pod, engineered foam underlayment and installing the cover.
If I install it, its guaranteed against fading, cracking, lifting or seam unraveling for one year.
#24
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Rob & Paul...
Can either of you comment on the suitability of alcantara material for seats - particularly inserts with respect to comfort, breathability & maintenance (cleaning) Vs leather.
Since I'm in a hot place - leather is often uncomfortably hot - would alacantara be better? - does this come at a price? - e.g. difficulty cleaning it - swat stains etc...
I'm considering recovering my seats and am looking at the options for improved comfort... is a combination of alcantara inserts and leather bolsters / headrest problematic in any way..?
Alan
Can either of you comment on the suitability of alcantara material for seats - particularly inserts with respect to comfort, breathability & maintenance (cleaning) Vs leather.
Since I'm in a hot place - leather is often uncomfortably hot - would alacantara be better? - does this come at a price? - e.g. difficulty cleaning it - swat stains etc...
I'm considering recovering my seats and am looking at the options for improved comfort... is a combination of alcantara inserts and leather bolsters / headrest problematic in any way..?
Alan
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Beautiful work there Rob.
One question: how does the Alcantra do with dust build up on the pod and dash? How do you deal with that?
Seems like it would not wipe down too well with the suede like material.
Do you vacuum it to keep it clean?
For my cars that have vinyl or plastic dashes, a quick pass with a moiste towel with or without a cleaner, cleans it up nicely.
Thanks. -Ed
One question: how does the Alcantra do with dust build up on the pod and dash? How do you deal with that?
Seems like it would not wipe down too well with the suede like material.
Do you vacuum it to keep it clean?
For my cars that have vinyl or plastic dashes, a quick pass with a moiste towel with or without a cleaner, cleans it up nicely.
Thanks. -Ed
#26
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Alan,
a mix of Alcantara and leather works very well. Porsche uses it as well as most other high end car makers.
You need automotive grade Alcantara, which is treated for both UV and stains.
The surface will not get cooking hot like leather would, and it as the added advantage of keeping you in place since, like suede, it has some "grab" to it.
Paul
a mix of Alcantara and leather works very well. Porsche uses it as well as most other high end car makers.
You need automotive grade Alcantara, which is treated for both UV and stains.
The surface will not get cooking hot like leather would, and it as the added advantage of keeping you in place since, like suede, it has some "grab" to it.
Paul
Originally Posted by Alan
Rob & Paul...
Can either of you comment on the suitability of alcantara material for seats - particularly inserts with respect to comfort, breathability & maintenance (cleaning) Vs leather.
Since I'm in a hot place - leather is often uncomfortably hot - would alacantara be better? - does this come at a price? - e.g. difficulty cleaning it - swat stains etc...
I'm considering recovering my seats and am looking at the options for improved comfort... is a combination of alcantara inserts and leather bolsters / headrest problematic in any way..?
Alan
Can either of you comment on the suitability of alcantara material for seats - particularly inserts with respect to comfort, breathability & maintenance (cleaning) Vs leather.
Since I'm in a hot place - leather is often uncomfortably hot - would alacantara be better? - does this come at a price? - e.g. difficulty cleaning it - swat stains etc...
I'm considering recovering my seats and am looking at the options for improved comfort... is a combination of alcantara inserts and leather bolsters / headrest problematic in any way..?
Alan
#27
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The Alcantara comes standard on Volvo's 850 R models and is in my 97 850 R wagon. It has great holding ability and over the 150,000 miles I have on the wagon, it has held up remarkably well. To clean all you need is a lightly wet cloth..and rub lightly. It will take that matted look right back to nice and clean. Mine is in black.so you can't see dirt as much..but I've seen lighter interiors that have held up nicely too.. All in all..I think its a great material for the 928
Later,
Tom
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Later,
Tom
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#28
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Originally Posted by ODSharkBytes
Looks like new blue jeans to me, wtf is alcantara? Isn't that some sort of tuna?
![nono](https://rennlist.com/forums/graemlins/nono.gif)
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