leather vs. vinyl

[Rickey]

So guys, Going to replace the seat covers on my 2000 convertible. Question is leather or vinyl? I know there are pros and cons of each but would like some feedback, especially from someone who owns a convertible and has used vinyl. Thanks

 

[LLC5]

I had a 1968 Camaro convertible for over 14 years that had the OEM black vinyl seats in it and they lasted forever, never had a problem BUT they did get very hot in the sun with the top down as leather does also, but I think that the vinyl was hotter than the leather I now have in my C5 after sitting in the sun. As far as installing vinyl seat facing in a C5 that came OEM with leather, not sure I would do it, simply for resale value. I think any potential buyer when you go to sell your C5 vert is going to expect leather faced seats, so not only will vinyl potentially lower the resale value but it may also lower the number of potential buyers, which is very important in selling any vehicle. Personally I don't like vinyl or leather very much at all as I sweat and slide too easily in them, I prefer a high grade cloth because it breathes and grips much better than the other two. But if cloth seats were not OEM from the factory, I probably wouldn't change them out (but I have considered it) just for resale reasons. Just my opinion, good luck with either of your choices.

 

[Toms007]

I understand the reasoning for considering vinyl seats.....but there is no way I would do it. LLC5 covered most of them. Stick with the leather.

 

[BoDuke]

I agree with sticking with the leather. However, a few points of interest to consider.

The 3rd row in the Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon, and Yukon XL is vinyl even thought the first and second row are leather, and you can't even tell the difference by looking at them or by touch. Technology has really come a long way. Personally, I would stick with the leather just to have the real deal, and I think it's a bit 'cooler' in the sun than vinyl.

I'd spend the extra $$ for the leather over vinyl though in that aspect, as I wouldn't want a Vette with vinyl...might as well be a Chevette. (in the bestest Foghorn Leghorn impersonation...."...That's a Vette son...I say a Vette...as in COR..." :cool

Personally, I'm disappointed with the leather in my 04 vert compared to the leather in my 04 Suburban. The 'Burban is soft, smooth, plush, and just plain comfy. The Vette seat itself is comfy, but the leather must be a different type cause it just doesn't have the same lush feel. If I ever had to redo the seats in the Vette, I will do 1 of 2 things...

1. Redo the seats with the same type of leather that's in my Suburban...

2. Redo the seats with the same type of leather that's in my Suburban, then install the centers with the same micro-fiber inserts that Chevy puts in the 2010 Malibu LTZ. It would be cool in the summer, warm in the winter, and I'd prolly add heating elements in the seat and back rest. I don't even like driving this thing when it's under 50 degrees...to cold! The Burban on the other hand, I dont even turn the heated seats on unless its below 30 degrees out, its just a warmer leather to begin with.

That's my thought's, ideas, opinion, and 2 cents worth. You can keep the change!

 

[BoDuke]

...Oh, and by the way, Welcome the the CAC party! You're gonna love it here! A ton of information, tons of links to information you didn't know you needed, and sarcasm is usually free otfl (although extremely rare)

When it comes to Vette's, there's no better place to be!

 

[Nut]

So guys, Going to replace the seat covers on my 2000 convertible. Question is leather or vinyl? I know there are pros and cons of each but would like some feedback, especially from someone who owns a convertible and has used vinyl. Thanks

I made the horrible mistake on my C3 and replaced the leather with vinyl material. Let's just say; "leather breathes....vinyl does NOT." I could not ride on any given day with the temps above 60 that my back and pants were damp at best to soaked at worst in an hour AC or no AC. I'll never change from leather again.

.......... nut

 

[Rickey]

Thanks everyone for the info. I was kind of leaning toward leather and so I guess this seals the deal. Besides my wife said, "hey how often do you replace seat covers, why not get the best." Now if I could only find those headrest logos that C5creations used to carry. Bought them aT Carisle one year and put them one and was hoping to get them sewed on the new seat covers. Anyways, I'm sure I will be happy with the leather. After all , that's the way it was built.