The 1997 and 1998 C2S came standard with "Special Grained Leather" on parts of the dash and door panels. It has sort of a "snake skin" type look and is really nice.

However, I've noticed that the leather-- which after all is now 10 years old-- seems to be "drying out" somewhat, and losing it's original look, color and richness.

I'm wondering if anyone (perhaps one of our detailer types) has been able to restore these leather bits to their original richness.

I use the Lexol leather care product on my seats and it keeps them feeling mosit and supple, but I'm hesitant to apply it to the "special grained leather" without knowing the effect.

Have any of you C2S owners had success in maintaining or restoring these leather parts, and if so, what products are you using?

Thanks.

 

I don't know why this type of leatehr merits any special treatment. I'm a Leatherique man, myself. Love it. Besides the 993. Ive used it on my BMW and two different Mercedeses.

 

I used the Lexol products regularly on my C2S, including the Pig Skin trim on the doors and dash. It worked very well.

 

IMHO, stay away from Lexol, it's not neutral PH & can rot the stitching.

I really like Leathereque, & Leather Masters. Both take some time & are a process, but really, you got to do it 2x a year. Leather Masters is a little easer, but is a 3 step.

Here is my 75kmi, extended leather 993 interior.

 

Oh, that stuff's leather? I didn't know what it was - the texture on mine is so weird...you're talking about that swath from the headlight switch down past the radio, and across the doors where the window switches are?

 

Leatherique. I quit using Lexol when I bought my 993.

 

Yah, can we get confirmation on this? This is the strip of maybe-leather
that looks like basketball textured.
I use and am very happy with Leatherique, BUT havent put a thing on
this basketball strip because it's finish is matte and am unsure how to
clean/protect it.

 

Yeah. That's what I'm talking about. I recall seeing it when it was new and it looked really nice. Over time it has dried. The finish wasn't always matte. When it was new it looked-- I guess you could say-- "moist", like the leather on the seats. I'd really love to bring it back to life.

 

Calling all Leatherique guys... do you apply it to the basketball strip??

 

I think it is a textured vinyl. I recall reading that somewhere. Has anyone looked in Adrian Streather's book? That probably has the answer.

 

What about the Griots products, like Griots leather treatment and Griots leather rejuvenator?

 

My bet is that piece is not leather unless car has full leather interior, can tell if upper dash cover has stiching.

 

My rating:
Leatherique 10
Griot's 8
Lexol 4
I have found Leatherique will not hurt any non-leather such as the pigskin basketball stuff.

 

If you don't have extended leather, everything is vinyl. You can use leather stuff on vinyl, but it can leave it greasy. I really like 1Z products, they don't leave a high shine, & make it look all clean.

You will know if you have extended leather, the door pulls will have stitching, the center console will have stitching, the lower dash will all have stitching. Of course so will the top of the dash.

 

That is why I call it pig skin, and it was leather in my car.