While not strictly a Y-Block issue, I will need to replace my seat upholstery soon (stitching has pulled/broken out of vinyl on drivers' side seat bottom where two colors meet), and wonder if leather might be more durable/comfortable enough to justify the added expense? Has anyone out there had experience with using leather in a convertible?



I understand modern vinyl "double stretched" material may suffer more from sun exposure than the stuff used back in the 50s (?). Since I leave the top off the Bird all summer long, and am no "lightweight", 70K miles was all the wear I could get from my 12 year old replacement seat cover. I have also had problems with permanent dye staining of the white vinyl due to "sweat-through", when wearing dark colored imported clothes in hot weather. Would leather resist staining or clean-up better? If properly treated/maintained, would leather resist cracking/stitch break-out better than cheap vinyl? How about sun fading? Would leather be more resistant to puncture damage?



I assume leather may breathe better, thereby possibly avoiding much of the sweat-staining problem? I would gladly pay extra for any improved comfort/durability, especially if extended reupholstering intervals (and resulting reduced labor costs) were an added benefit that might help to offset the high initial expense.



As everyone seems to have a different opinion on this subject, I would really welcome all recommendations based on actual experience.








6 VOLTS/POS. GRD. NW INDIANA