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Ult-Jim
Original Poster
267 posts
59 months
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I know it has probably been asked before, but why did you choose one or the other when building your car and if purchased second hand did it swathe your decision on which car to buy?
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Steve_D
8,643 posts
127 months
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I used Alcantara but it does fade and I have not found any products to treat it.
Leather will fade less but there are many froducts available to both restore colour or change it.
I do like the feel of the Alcantara.
Steve
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Storer
1,984 posts
84 months
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I chose leather as I prefere the look and it lasts longer and is easier to keep looking good. It is a more expensive option especially if you don't use the Factory kit. Mine was about £4k excluding the carpets using 3 hides and an expert to make and fit it. My carpets are synthetic (nylon I think) as they will get wet and I don't want them to smell. Velcro used to fit them so easily removed if necessary. Paul 
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Ult-Jim
Original Poster
267 posts
59 months
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Thanks Paul for your post with experience and what it really costs to go your own route. One to remember for any future builder. Really helpful. I personally prefer leather, so I ask how difficult it is to replace a Alcantara interior for a leather one? I guess the front windscreen may have to come out and removing the alcantara may be messy?
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Citrus7
783 posts
50 months
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Personally going for leather. Local trimmer has quoted £500 for dash, £500 for headlining incl roll cage and £500 for carpets, side panels and rear bulkhead. He's insisted on cockpit being off the car to do the dash and headlining, to ensure a decent finish.
Dave
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deadscoob
1,042 posts
129 months
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Are there any U/V blocking sprays that can be sprayed on the alcantara to help keep the colour for longer?
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AlexCim
73 posts
23 months
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deadscoob said: Are there any U/V blocking sprays that can be sprayed on the alcantara to help keep the colour for longer? black spray paint  probably water based would work best
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Verde
391 posts
57 months
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I'm a big fan of Alcantara (my dining room chairs and living room couch are done with the stuff) but I wouldn't choose it for the interior of the Ultima. Ideally (for me), the side bolsters of the seats would be done in leather and the seat bottom and center backrest would be done in Alcantara to hold you in the seat better while the bolsters in leather resists wear. The dash in Alcantara would (again, for me) look tacky and unfinished. Leather is a lot better. I would of course get an Alcantara wheel and shift knob (which I have yet to do on my car). I have a GT3 Porsche wheel on my 997 (the Alcantara one with the center yellow stripe) as well as the shift knob and I love it.
I actually plan to have the seats re-upholstered on the Ultima as the padding is completely gone and my spine hits the metal base. That's the next job to get done.
GL,
V
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DHGTR
1,027 posts
112 months
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Leather for seats as you stand on them to get in the car. I do use a nice little cut down black towel that i place on the seats to get in and out but they still pick up some dirt.
Dave
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designz
5 posts
1 month
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Ult-Jim
Original Poster
267 posts
59 months
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It must be a rainy day in the UK today, dragging up old posts!  I went for a car with leather in the end and am very pleased. I have used Autoglyn's leather care balm to care and nourish the leather. When not in use or when working on the car I keep the seats & dash covered with a cloth sheet to prevent the build up of dust and dirt building up in the stitching & corners of the seats.
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k wright
959 posts
128 months
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Painted mine black. No regrets.
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GTRMikie
630 posts
117 months
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When I built my car, the factory did a fabric seat covering as well as leather and alcontara. I chose the fabric. I once owned a Cosworth with leather Recaros. If the car was left in the sun for any length of time, it would be almost impossible to sit in the seats (especially if wearing shorts!) until they had cooled down. Fabric covered seats do not get hot. My seats are now 13 years old and still look as good as new. (But I don't stand on the seats when I get into the car!)
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