[RoyG]

I realize no one has had their car all that long (and those who have their car are probably being very dirt-averse), but I plan (hope) to get a Charger with the red Alcantara seat inserts. I am concerned about their appearance after a while. Even with good caution (no food or drink etc...), it seems like daily wear and un-noticed butt-dirt might end up blackening the material after a while.

Anyone with experience with this material? Did anyone apply any protective treatment (e.g. dealer applied treatment or hose-treament of something like ScotchGuard)? I read around the internet and these ideas seem to be generally rejected by most (thought not all); but there seems to be a ton of experience on this forum so would love to hear what you all think.

I have also seen that there is some manufacturer advice on actual cleaning - though again would love to hear if there is any practical experience here.

Thanks for any advice!

 

[Smoothgangsta]

I believe the general consensus is to use a micro fibre cloth that is lightly damp with water and dab or wipe the area gently to do general cleaning first, always use the least aggressive method first, but for soiled areas there are specific Alcantara/Suede/Synthetic Suede cleaners to use.

For cleaning and protecting I would use something like Chemical Guys which is well known in many detailing circles, I also use their products on our vehicles -

 

[630]

I realize no one has had their car all that long (and those who have their car are probably being very dirt-averse), but I plan (hope) to get a Charger with the red Alcantara seat inserts. I am concerned about their appearance after a while. Even with good caution (no food or drink etc...), it seems like daily wear and un-noticed butt-dirt might end up blackening the material after a while.

Anyone with experience with this material? Did anyone apply any protective treatment (e.g. dealer applied treatment or hose-treament of something like ScotchGuard)? I read around the internet and these ideas seem to be generally rejected by most (thought not all); but there seems to be a ton of experience on this forum so would love to hear what you all think.

I have also seen that there is some manufacturer advice on actual cleaning - though again would love to hear if there is any practical experience here.

Thanks for any advice!

I had mine protected by dealer and is guaranteed for 6 years from stains and tears. I know I said no drinks, but I put a coffee cup in the side door (I know, I saw the little sign later that said no open containers, just bottles with lids). The coffee splattered on my door, I FREAKED!! I waited till it dried and wiped right off with no issues. I would NOT get red and black without treating it. The red will stain and possibly fade without treatment. I got a good deal, you can probably check around. The dealer works for me because I know the warranty is covered through them.

 

[TURNERZ]

I was looking at the red seats with red seat belts... but hadn't really thought through the wear and tear. My grey inserts (06 SRT8) have taken a beating overtime that the black leather weathered the same use much better.

Thanks for starting this topic.

 

[RoyG]

I had mine protected by dealer and is guaranteed for 6 years from stains and tears. I know I said no drinks, but I put a coffee cup in the side door (I know, I saw the little sign later that said no open containers, just bottles with lids). The coffee splattered on my door, I FREAKED!! I waited till it dried and wiped right off with no issues. I would NOT get red and black without treating it. The red will stain and possibly fade without treatment. I got a good deal, you can probably check around. The dealer works for me because I know the warranty is covered through them.

Thanks Tammy. I am glad that incident had a happy ending. (No, that was not meant to be pun on your other mishap - not at all!).

The dealer I hope to purchase through has offered (for a cost, or course) something called Perma Plate. Do you know what brand of treatment your baby received? This one offers a 7 year warranty but the company has a few BBB reports for failure to honor, and of course other "experts" all over the internets spouting off about how non-useful it is.

Thanks again!

 

[1FSTCAT]

Tinted windows will reduce any potential fading issues and of course the time honored Scotch guarding is always a blessing and super easy to apply....and finally, enjoy it and know that you have a warranty and should you get to the point were you think they are "worn" out...replace them...Katzkin, OEM, aftermarket shop, etc.

 

[RoyG]

Tinted windows will reduce any potential fading issues and of course the time honored Scotch guarding is always a blessing and super easy to apply....and finally, enjoy it and know that you have a warranty and should you get to the point were you think they are "worn" out...replace them...Katzkin, OEM, aftermarket shop, etc.

This is all great advice Zixxer; thanks! (I was debating the Scotchguard thing as well).

But - yes - my intent is to thoroughly enjoy it! I am one of those who are in-between: use good car-care and cleanliness habits but not to the point that I won't enjoy every minute. I can't afford a large stable like many here have so the Hellcat will be my daily driver. Besides - from what I read - every minute NOT spent in the Hellcat is a minute of life wasted. (OK, not that extreme - but close!).

 

[bfusion]

This is exactly why I wanted plain leather, Laguna in this case. If I get Alacantra, I will put the clear plastic on it like grandma's couch.

 

[630]

Tinted windows will reduce any potential fading issues and of course the time honored Scotch guarding is always a blessing and super easy to apply....and finally, enjoy it and know that you have a warranty and should you get to the point were you think they are "worn" out...replace them...Katzkin, OEM, aftermarket shop, etc.

Zurich Shield

 

[Smoothgangsta]

Zurich Shield View attachment 2018 View attachment 2019

The question is -
What did that interior protection package cost?

 

[630]

The question is -
What did that interior protection package cost?

For the Interior treatment, exterior clay bar treatment and protective coating it was $495.00 and guaranteed for 6 years and I can bring it back anytime within that period and have it redone. I felt it wasn't too much more than a really good detail that doesn't carry a 6 year warranty.

 

[Hubbs]

Not that you care, but I plan to use the hell outta my Hellcat. I have two little ones that will be riding in car seats in the back. They will have snacks and sippies that will dribble and occasionally spill. The wife and I will also be guilty of eating and drinking in there. We'll be careful of course, but messes are going to happen.

My plan is to Scotchguard all the suede right away. Hopefully that will be enough to prevent stains.

 

[LelandJim]

My dealer does not offer paint or interior coverage and says Ziebart does. Anyone have experience there ?

 

[Rob K]

I realize no one has had their car all that long (and those who have their car are probably being very dirt-averse), but I plan (hope) to get a Charger with the red Alcantara seat inserts. I am concerned about their appearance after a while. Even with good caution (no food or drink etc...), it seems like daily wear and un-noticed butt-dirt might end up blackening the material after a while.

Anyone with experience with this material? Did anyone apply any protective treatment (e.g. dealer applied treatment or hose-treament of something like ScotchGuard)? I read around the internet and these ideas seem to be generally rejected by most (thought not all); but there seems to be a ton of experience on this forum so would love to hear what you all think.

I have also seen that there is some manufacturer advice on actual cleaning - though again would love to hear if there is any practical experience here.

Thanks for any advice!

Hey Roy...I know you're close to me. I have a freind who is in the carpet cleaning business. He's the best around and has more knowledge about treating and cleaning carpets and upholstery than any human should! I just reached out to him and he says he's all over it... I'm going to chat with him today or tomorrow. Happy to share any info.

Reading your post got me concerned as well. I have a 2 & 4 year old that WILL absolutely spill a lot. I'm not TOO concerned with stains in the backseat, but this will also be MY daily driver and I'm sure i'll spill something as well. This is my first non-leased car in awhile and will probably end up giving it to my 4 year old when she's 17 so I'd like to keep it nice for the long haul.

 

[RoyG]

Wow - lucky daughter! The only thing I was going to inherit was my sister's Volare (who remembers that piece of #$*& ? ) - incented me to get a job to buy my Capri.

But - cool - let us know what you hear!

 

[Rob K]

Haha...I got to share a 76 Impala Station wagon with my Mom!

 

[630]

Hey Roy...I know you're close to me. I have a freind who is in the carpet cleaning business. He's the best around and has more knowledge about treating and cleaning carpets and upholstery than any human should! I just reached out to him and he says he's all over it... I'm going to chat with him today or tomorrow. Happy to share any info.

Reading your post got me concerned as well. I have a 2 & 4 year old that WILL absolutely spill a lot. I'm not TOO concerned with stains in the backseat, but this will also be MY daily driver and I'm sure i'll spill something as well. This is my first non-leased car in awhile and will probably end up giving it to my 4 year old when she's 17 so I'd like to keep it nice for the long haul.

WOW!!!! Wait a minute...You are going to give your 17 year old 707 hp? HOLY SHIZZY, I am thinking by then the max you will be able to get is 300! But most will be electric and the sheer force of the Hellcat will blow them off the road...I was definitely glad I got the protectant. I was stupid in the first week and put a coffee cup in the door cup holder and then shut the door...duh, coffee splashed on the fabric in the door. I let it dry and it wiped right off, no stain or any evidence...I could see these seats staining easy without it.

 

[Rob K]

WOW!!!! Wait a minute...You are going to give your 17 year old 707 hp? HOLY SHIZZY, I am thinking by then the max you will be able to get is 300! But most will be electric and the sheer force of the Hellcat will blow them off the road...I was definitely glad I got the protectant. I was stupid in the first week and put a coffee cup in the door cup holder and then shut the door...duh, coffee splashed on the fabric in the door. I let it dry and it wiped right off, no stain or any evidence...I could see these seats staining easy without it.

Well, we'll see. That's a good 13 years from now. But I'm sure it'll be a great car for a kid to have. No Red key for her of course!

 

[DodgeMan]

Some good info in here....

 

[hellcat1]

Rob, what ever happened to the protection for the seats