Anybody else notice, when driving around in the cabrio, that the seats get a leetle hot and then comes the sweaty backs!
Anyone using a sheepskin seat cover?
Which ones?
Are they working for you?
Carl

 

I've got two words for you -- Wet Okole

 

What kind of seats do you have? I haven't had the "sweaty back" problem too badly with my Dark Blue leather, which kind of surprises me, since it's probably the darkest colour they have besides black.

If you decide to go with sheepskin covers, make sure they're designed to work with the airbags in the seats.

 

I have the sheepskin covers & like them, but I've heard lots about Wet Okole too. The sheepskins do not hinder the airbag at all. The ones I have go over the top of the seat, under the headrest, down the middle and wrap around the front. They cover about 80-90% of the seat.

 

Try using Leather CPR on your seats. It is a great leather cleaner and conditioner and makes the seats a little slick (not oily though). I feel that this helps with the sweat problem. You can get it at bed bath & beyond.

 

I concur with the remarks about sheepskins,i always have had them on all of my cars.Q

 

After a test drive in August in a car with vinyl seats, we ordered our car with cloth seats.... Ahhhh.

 

I can honestly say that the only thing I don't like about my MINI is my seats. If I would've ordered my car, I would've gotten leather seats, but I got leatherette instead. They are horrible! I called my dealer to ask if I could buy the OEM leather seats and he said no. I looked into getting Sparco seats, but then i'd have to lose my side airbags. I don't know what to do? I can't trade MrsBean in!!!! And I don't like the idea of seat covers. They look so "aftermarket" you know what I mean????

 

Option 1: Wet Okoles. You hate seat covers, I get it. But this is your best option. I have leather, but don't like the way it's wearing and may get Okoles anyway.

Option 2: Go to your local auto salvage, have them find you a totaled MINI with non-deployed airbags, with either cloth or leather interior.

Option 3: Find a local custom auto upholstery shop and get them to show you what they can do to recover your seats with the leather or fabric of your choice. Your local club should have someone who knows someone... or ask local dealerships who they use for custom upholstery...

 

Option 4: shave your back.

Option 5: drive shirtless (hey, I'm in NASCAR country) -- can be a little sticky on leather / leatherette especially if done in conjunction with Option 4.

 

LOL!!!!! well, i'm female and i don't "think" i have any hair on my back and i'm not sure if the Colorado State Patrol would like me driving shirtless (or my husband, for that matter) LOLOLOL !!!!

 

these are some great ideas! thank you!!!

 

How was I supposed to know that MRSBean?

 

HEE HEE, no worries at all it's all in good fun. I loved the Nascar comment too Thanks for all the suggestions!!

 

Thanks to everybody chirping, er, chipping in.
I too have the leathertte seats. Since we bought the car from the dealer stock, we didn't have the option of ordering the leather.

But waaaay back in 1983, I ordered a BMW that had leatherette and I covered those seats with sheepskin. I remember that everytime I sat down in those seats, my back and butt went "ahhhhhhh". Cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Now that's what I'm talkin' about!

So I've been looking online for some retailers but don't know about the reliability of these suppliers nor the fit.

One of you guys said he got the covers form his dealer. Is that my best alternative?

Thanks,
Carl

 

"2blave"... Must be a Princess Bride fan. Coverking also sells custom fit neoprene seat covers. They look pretty nice. I was thinking about getting some to cover my leatherette seats also. They are a bit cheaper than the Wet Okoles.

Here's a link with a good picture of them for a Mini... http://www.mossmini.com/Shop/ViewPro...eIndexID=54485

Anyone else out there have experience with the Coverking covers?

 

I use the wood beaded seat liner on Ebay

 

+1

And wear sunscreen!

 

I've got leather seats and I find my back sticking to them as well. Was considering one of the beaded deals, to get some airflow between myself and the seat, but I'm pretty sure Ill hate how it looks.

Do the neoprene covers really help that much?

 

I have driven convertibles since '87, all leather - would NEVER consider cloth.

Wooden bead seat covers is the best way to go if you need to resolve the sweat factor. They are cheap, comfortable and work great.

 

But if you are wearing shorts, when you get up doesn't your backside look like a waffle

 

LOL. I 'spose. I only use beads on the back and not on the bottom.

My volvo had a nice option, air-conditioned seats....too bad my convertible Volvo didn't have them !! I guess that should be the recommendation to Mini !

 

Gotta question for the leather folks... why order leather and then cover it up? Seems counterproductive to me. I've owned convertibles with leather, vynil, cloth, and leather/cloth (currently on my MINI) and I have to say cloth is by far the easiest upkeep and comfortable of all of them.

Vinyl was by far the worst choice, they get hot fast and cause the most sweating. Leather is better, especially if treated, but it still gets hot and sweaty. It also takes a lot of time to care for properly, and will still eventually crease with time. Cloth is very easy to take care of, especially the MINI's dense weave. The only issue is wear on the entry side bolster, but again, depending on fabric that's not really an issue. I've had a vertible that I sold at 206k miles and the cloth seats still looked new.

Help me understand, what is the reason to pick leather in a convertible?

 

For me the reason to pick leather or even leatherette is for looks. While I agree 100% cloth is sooo much more functional in a cabrio & I kinda wish I had it on these 98°/98% humidity Alabama days, I find the look of cloth to be cheap. I have wondered if this new checkered looking cloth looks a bit more upscale but the cloth seats I have seen in MINIS thus far just wasn't for me

One day I am going to spring for the wet oakles but I worry about Petey the puppy's rough pawpads messing them up because man his pads feel like sandpaper. Maybe I need to get him to start moisturizing

 

A MINI convertible with 206k? I think that might be the record around here.

For me, I got the leather for the look/feel, and I haven't been bothered by the "sweaty back" syndrome. I get it all the time with the vinyl seats in other cars, though.