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How to clean Alcantara?

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Old 02-19-2008, 12:58 PM
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SpeedGeek
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Default How to clean Alcantara?

After 2 years and 15k miles, my Alcantara wheel and gear lever are looking (and feeling) decidedly tired and grimy. Any hints on how best to clean them up again? TIA.
Old 02-19-2008, 02:13 PM
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kailuadog
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The dealers manual recommends to rub with a damp cloth. But I'm having the same problem here is in Hawaii. It is the heat & humidity.

Maybe it is time for a leather upgrade?
Old 02-19-2008, 03:05 PM
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OldGuy
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Thats why i traded my shifter for carbon. I dont understand the alcantara on the wheel and high wear areas. Its great for the roof liner.
Old 02-19-2008, 03:34 PM
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SrfCity
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Some info on their website, Alcantara.com
Old 02-19-2008, 11:20 PM
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I just had Porsche replace my alcantara gear lever (even though it had the carbon fiber inserts) because the grip was completely worn out. That's after 25,000 km (about 15,600 miles) and less than ten months!

I wanted the leather one, but they contend it is not available for the GT3, so I got the turbo manual short shifter. Will post pics in another thread as soon as I get the car back from the workshop...
Old 02-20-2008, 05:55 AM
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SpeedGeek
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Originally Posted by SrfCity
Some info on their website, Alcantara.com
Thanks, I'll try some of their suggestions.


I don't like the Alcantara wheel at all. Supposedly it offers better grip than leather, but I find the opposite. Maybe with driving gloves it grips more, but I find with my bare hands I have to grip the wheel harder than I do with leather to prevent slipping.
Old 02-20-2008, 07:12 AM
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The gratuitous use of Alcantara was the reason I didn't get the so-called "full-leather" option. I was relieved to be able to order the leather covered wheel and would have ordered leather shifter and e-brake boots had they been available.

I just don't get the popularity of Alcantara. I agree with OG that it's great for the roof liner. That's about all I can stand of it.
Old 02-20-2008, 09:29 AM
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Chris C.
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Personally I like the use of Alcantra for the sport seat inserts - makes em grippy. I opted for the leather wheel though knowing oils would ultimately stain that piece - will have to deal with the shifter boot at some point when it becomes gnarly.
Old 02-20-2008, 10:12 AM
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i love Alcantra.
look sporty and feel warm.



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