Leather vs cloth

[2000runr]

I did search this topic this morning but didnt find anything regarding 3rd gens. My cloth seats are in very good shape, but Im considering having them outfitted with leather, as well as the door inserts. Hoping to get some cool piping done as well. Any opinions or anyone that has changed from cloth to leather?

 

[piperoo]

I would love to have leather in mine too....wish I could just find someone to swap seats out with me!!

I did see a thread a few days back that I searched for on Ocolee leather seating...looked very cool

 

[cdn87]

There is an option to have custom leather seats in any color combo and style through a company called katzkin. I have never used them but have seen a few interiors done by them and they looked oem quality and fitment.

here is a link to their website:
katzkin.com

Click on products at the top, then click search for your interior. Match up your vehicle with your model year and go from there. Hope this helps!

 

[2000runr]

thats funny, i actually just got off the phone with katzkin and was going to post about them, but you have done it for me already. the installer here in town that my detail shop uses recommended katzkin. they are awesome seats. would prob do black sides with desert middles, middles in perforated leather. all in this runs about $1500 for front and back and door inserts/armrests. gonna have to sleep on this one...

 

[piperoo]

That "Bandit Package" looks very cool!! Black outside with brown middle!

 

[Foco4Runner]

My Runner luckily came with Leather installed already when I bought it! Definately go with leather if you have the money it looks a lot better then cloth in my opinion.

 

[runrunner]

I'm split on the leather vs cloth. Leather does look nicer, but its more maint to keep it that way. Conditioning leather seats is tedious and boring. Once leather starts to wear, tear, and crack it looks like crap. Plus it makes your BH pucker up in the winter when its cold :wink2:

If your cloth seats are in good shape I would stick with them and spend the money on something else, like a custom rear bumper to match your front.

 

[JohnsD90]

Unless they are shot then don't invest in leather, they are sticky in the summer, freezing in the winter, and crack from the expansion and contraction. The downfall to cloth is they tend to be less stiff in 4runners.

 

[2000runr]

yeah once i got the final price installed i made a quick decision not to pursue this one. thankfully i have seats in very good condition still. on a side note, the appraiser who came over today had an '01 with 219k miles. still runnin great but body was quite rusty. hate to see when folks dont take care of these cosmetically.

 

[98_4runnerSR5]

yeah once i got the final price installed i made a quick decision not to pursue this one. thankfully i have seats in very good condition still. on a side note, the appraiser who came over today had an '01 with 219k miles. still runnin great but body was quite rusty. hate to see when folks dont take care of these cosmetically.

Glad to see you decided not to go with it! In my opinion, not worth $1500 at all... I would rather put that money towards other things on the 4runner! Still gotta check out your rig someone man! My buddies 2010 4runner is gonna be up at Hellbent Friday getting the Toytec Ultimate lift put on.

 

[Donovansolis]

My Runner luckily came with Leather installed already when I bought it! Definately go with leather if you have the money it looks a lot better then cloth in my opinion.

couldn't have said it any better....! although my driver bottom has a significant tear on the bottom.. seems common for 3rd gens..

but my back seats are close to perfect..

 

[cordrayj1]

I got leather in mine. wouldn't have it any other way.

 

[WrexHAmm]

Cloth all the way! The leather cracks and breaks. Here in CO where you live 2feet from the sun it gets damn hot being exposed. I would rather not be taking my chances with that.

But each person feels different. Unless you need a new interior I would spend the money on other things.

 

[96743runner]

I like the look and feel of leather but it is just too much of a hassle to keep in good condition. IMO cloth is more durable and that's the only reason why I'd choose cloth over leather.

 

[piperoo]

How are you guys cleaning your cloth seats? What is the T4R secret!?

 

[kball]

resolve carpet cleaner works pretty good.

 

[topdown4runner]

How are you guys cleaning your cloth seats? What is the T4R secret!?

Secret? Made in Japan, not Detroit.


That being said, Woolite upholstry cleaner for the seats, Woolite carpet cleaner for the carpets.

For real stubborn coffee, coke, etc... stains, I use Petzyme. It is made for cleaning cat spray, and other bodily fluids out of carpet, etc... Works wonders. I have not found an organic stain this stuff can't remove.
You can get it at pet specialty stores like Pet Supermarket, PetCo, etc...
I buy it by the gallon. ( 4 cats, and 6 vehicles )

 

[JoesTheShow]

My cloth seats were pretty much ruined by the previous owner, but luckily my dad is a professional upholster so were going to come up with something custom. Not sure if we wanna do cloth or leather yet.