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Do I need to protect my leather interior from the weather?

18K views 48 replies 23 participants last post by  panthermark 
#1 ·
I have a '13 JKU Moab, hardtop and black leather interior. This summer I want to spend as much time as possible with the top off. I'm planning on buying a Harken hoist to attach in my garage and driving the Jeep to work (which is less than 3 miles away). At work, I will be parking in an unprotected parking lot.

Concerns:

Do I need to be concerned about my leather cracking and/or fading in the Kansas sun?

What's the best way to keep my Jeep dry in case of light unexpected showers? We generally see huge thunderheads rolling in from 100 miles away if we are going to get a down poor, but occasionally, we'll have some smaller sprinkles and I'd like to avoid puddles as much as possible.

Thanks for ideas and suggestions!
 
#39 ·
Convertibles usually have leather interiors. Even cheap ones. It's actually a better material for the seats in a convertible. Mostly because it's easier to clean bird crap off of though.

Why don't you guys keep your top with you? That's what soft tops are for.
 
#41 ·
If you are planning on running with the top off a lot (I'd still suggest somthing like a spiderwebshade to keep the UV exposure lower) personally, I would purchase some inexpensive seat covers. No matter what you put on the leather, the UV will take it's toll on it. Remember, leather is an organic substance and will dryrot.
 
#47 ·
Since this thread'a poped back up I thought I'd update...

I hated the bikini top - sold it and bought a 2013 premium soft top on Craig's list. Love it. Honestly it sits folded down on my duster 75% of the time, but its there for the rain or quick use if I need to be out of the wind/elements.

I also bought a red spiderweb shade. Love it too! My black leather seats are never too hot to sit on with it. Much cooler on hot Texas summer days.

This summer my jeeps probably been topless a total of 3 months time out of the last 4 months. After 2 summers of that I see no adverse wear or fading on my leather/vinyl seats. I'm still using 303 with an occasional lexol leather cleaner and treatment.

I'm still sold on the "leather" seats being the best option for guys/gals who plan to run topless as much as possible.
 
#49 ·
It has been great...
I'm guessing the Spiderwebshade will add years to the life of the leather/pleather because the interior never really sits in the directsun (not any more than what would happen with windows).

I've only conditioned my interior once since I had the Jeep. Then again, I've only washed it twice.
 
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