Skip to main content

Closed15 replies

Leather or Pleather?

FM Former Member
I'm in the process of configuring my first VS speedster, but have trouble deciding on whether or not to get leather or pleather (fake leather). The difference in cost is not as much of an issue for me as much as the overall aesthetic longevity of the interior.

Pleather seems to look pretty good when new, but like leather seems to age in its own way as well. I looked at some older speedsters (e.g. 4-5 years old) and the pleather lost it's leather like appeal and appeared more plasticy. Leather I guess becomes hard and eventually cracks, but also can be treated and has a nice vintage appeal with age. (For what it's worth, I'm considering Tan colored seats)

What does the Speedster community prefer? How reasonable is it to have leather in the Southern California sun? Does the sun just eat it up alive?


Thanks!




Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

FM Former Member
I'm in the process of configuring my first VS speedster, but have trouble deciding on whether or not to get leather or pleather (fake leather). The difference in cost is not as much of an issue for me as much as the overall aesthetic longevity of the interior.

Pleather seems to look pretty good when new, but like leather seems to age in its own way as well. I looked at some older speedsters (e.g. 4-5 years old) and the pleather lost it's leather like appeal and appeared more plasticy. Leather I guess becomes hard and eventually cracks, but also can be treated and has a nice vintage appeal with age. (For what it's worth, I'm considering Tan colored seats)

What does the Speedster community prefer? How reasonable is it to have leather in the Southern California sun? Does the sun just eat it up alive?


Thanks!




Terry NuckelsTerry Nuckels'04 JPS Speedster NorCal
When I ordered my JPS a couple years ago I had to have leather. Now, after having a 'leak' issue I wish I had gone with vinyl. I wouldn't have a two-toned passenger seat if I had vinyl. Unless you have an Inntermeccanica with roll up windows you will have leaks. Oh well, at least I didn't get the German square weave wool carpet.
D DavesD
Erik, I second Theron's recommendation - about 5 years ago, I bought a new seat for my Harley - I ordered leather, but they mistakenly sent me a synthetic covered seat. I ended up keeping it, and am totally impressed by how authentic it looks, and how well it's held up - it still looks brand new after 5 years and 8,000 miles.
Whatever material Harley uses is top notch.
If you decide to go with an imitation leather, I'd highly advise you to see if you can find the same material.
WideRidezzzWideRidezzz
When I had my VS seats redone (needed to make some butt & lumbar add-justments) I opted to stay with the vinyl. No worries.

Regarding the inevitable leaks, you might discuss with Juan Carlos, Julio or whoever over there at Vintage not to glue down the floor carpet. It's a bitch when it's wet and you don't have the option of taking it out to dry it up.

There's a reason these are called 'tubzzz'
O ollieskins
When I bought my vintage speedster (sight unseen) off ebay, I didn't even know if it was leather or pleather, in fact, I don't even think I asked the guy selling it. Anyway, it is pleather & I am glad it is. People think it's leather, but I not overly concerned about getting it wet. It feels & looks great, plus it's durable. My seats are tan by the way!
HossHoss
I think the choices with VS are leather or vinyl. I'm assuming that "pleather" is a product name and not a generic name, correct? I saw a leather like product at a street rod show in Knoxville last year and it was really nice. I don't remember what it was called, but it caught the attention of my Allard-driving buddy. Mine too.

The representative claimed that although the product looks like leather, even smells a bit like it, it can withstand many more wear cycles than real leather can. Apparently they had used a machine which simulates your butt sliding in and out of the car and run it for thousands of cycles and record the results. It sounded like a good idea to me.
Hoss
Post Content
Remove This Ad

Membership Required

We're sorry. You must be signed in to continue. Sign In or Register
×
Are you sure you want to remove from your Block List?
×
Loading...
×
When you block a person, they can no longer invite you to a private message or post to your profile wall. Replies and comments they make will be collapsed/hidden by default. Finally, you'll never receive email notifications about content they create or likes they designate for your content.
Note: if you proceed, you will no longer be following .
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×

Access to this requires a premium membership.

Supporting Member

Please help keep us running!

Supporting members have donated about $4.00 a month ($49.00 US per year) paid annually.

  • Priority support
  • Removal of inter-page (between thread) advertisements.
  • Access to Build Manuals
  • Access to Knowledge Base
  • Access to Supporting Members events.
  • Access to Leveraged Group Buying from site Merchants.

AUTO RENEW: You membership will auto-renew after 12 months. If you prefer not to auto-renew, you can cancel your premium membership at any time and it will remain in effect until the end of the 12 months. To cancel, sign in at SpeedsterOwners.com and navigate to: (Your User Name)  > Premium Membership.

PLEASE NOTE: Your credit card will receive a charge from CROWDSTACK PAY, the payment processor, not SpeedsterOwners.com.

$49.00 per 12 Months (plus tax if applicable)
×