New (to me) car

[Yinzer]

I just bough a 1988 Lincoln Towncar, and since I'm not blessed with a garage I'd like to know what I can buy to protect the leather on the outside from sun and wind. Can I do it myself or should I just take it to the detail shop? Also, is there any way to protect the interior leather from cracking and going limp (besides not sitting in it)? All pointers will be greatly appreciated. Thanx!

[DrWu]

A car with leather on the outside!!?? ...seriously?...where? Maybe a shop that sells riding tack or a saddlers would have specialist stuff. Alternatively Halfords etc sell bog standard car leather care products.

[hectic]

Surely you can get weather protective car covers

[tomd]

Lincoln's are american, leather softtop. Here's one.

[Ouisch]

I've driven Lincolns for the past 12 years, and have never had to do anything special to preserve the vinyl top (I believe the portion on the roof is vinyl, not leather), and I live in an area that goes from extreme heat in the summer, to cold and snow in the winter. The interior leather should probably be conditioned every once in a while, you can buy a variety of products designed for this purpose at any auto supply store.

[Kev_UK]

Hi Yinzer, congratulations on buying an american car (I've been driving them for almost 3 years now). Do you plan to do wedding car hire? Regarding the leather seats, the extreme temperatures in USA can dry out the leather (and vinyl roof) and cause cracking but in UK this is not a big problem. Firstly, the interior.. you can stop the leather drying out and clean it by using saddle soap (any place that sells stuff for thee horserider wil have it). works great on motorcycle leather jackets (I first used it over 25 years ago). The vinyl roof can be treated with a vinyl treatment.. maybe furniture shops will have it. You can always ask ebay members or limo hire places what they use. Parts shouldn't be a problem for the car either.

[Yinzer]

Actually it's just for personal use but I sure am a fanatic. Thanks for the suggestions everybody!