ancdmd

My leather seat is ripped and I'd like to replace the leather on both the driver's and passenger's seat. I can't find any replacement leather kits anywhere. For some reason all the manufacturers avoid the LS430, but make kits for other Lexus models. Any idea why?

poplinux

The leather seat is very expensive, I guess. So many people could not replace It.

ceedub53

Why don't you take it to an auto upholstery shop. They can probably match the leather and repair it better than you might think.

KING

iTrader: (1)

+1

If you find a good upholstery shop they can pretty much make it look like new depending on the case.

ancdmd

I can take it to an upholstery shop and have the seat recovered but it would cost around $750 x 2 seats = $1500. Ready-made kits are available for what seems like every Lexus except the LS430, and they're priced a lot less. LS400 guys frequently recover their worn seats at a much more affordable price than we can. If a kit was available for well under $1000 for both front seats I'd get it and recover them myself. Just don't understand why the LS430 is so different from other cars that the aftermarket industry doesn't make kits for us.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Probably has to do with the perforated leather and lack of a market. Not many people on the 430 forum have issues with leather. I don't think it is common. I would get multiple quotes and maybe see if any used car dealers in your area to recommend someone. You could probably have the seats removed and refurbished. The sand the leather, re-paint it, and clear coat it.

ancdmd

My seat is actually ripped. Same thing happened to my brother's '01. The perforated leather must rip easier than non-perforated leather because of the perforations.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Ripped leather can be repaired. It may not quite be like new but it also could save you a ton of money.

KawiLex

3 words..

sheepskin seat covers

beneteau

A good auto upholstery shop can replace particular panels in the seat cover. I had a seat panel replaced in a Corolla a few years ago and you'd never know it had been replaced. I think it cost me around $150.00. They can match the material/color and order it. Since there is a minimum yardage the shop can order, you may be charged for all of the material. Still beats $750.00 to replace the entire cover.

BigBruiser

+2
I had a panel on mine repaired some time ago at an upholstery shop in Atlanta, Ga and was pleased with the work. Even with the age of the leather the shop did a perfect match. Lots less expensive than a new seat and when they use the right thickness/quality it rocks.

Esjay

What shop was it in Atlanta used for your seats? I'm really close to Atlanta, and surely need some repair on a couple of seat panels.

weldthedif

www.lseat.com

I've used their kits on another vehicle years ago. It is is very labor intensive, but worth it.

Esjay

Thanks! However, I had a friend try them last year. Let's just say after paying $350, waiting 4+ months AND him sending them his original seat covers he had to file a complaint with the BBB (with many other complaints). I'm not saying don't use them, but I will surely NOT be using them.