Hi, hoping someone can help me out here. I'm planning on cleaning up the seats and getting that looking nice. I'd like to get these small rips repaired first to prevent them from getting bigger and I was hoping I could get it done myself rather than paying a shop to do it. I guess it will all depend on how hard this turns out to be.

Here is a picture of the rips.

Thanks for the help.

 

I would start by at least having a local auto upholstery repair shop look at it and give you an estimate.
On my 4Runner I was surprised at how reasonable a professional repair was. Also if you try to repair it yourself and it does not work (or look good) a shop may not be able to repair it and may have to replace the section of material, may cost more in the long run

 

That's a very good point. I will take it to them as well to just get an idea of effort. My thought was that it might be too small of a job (in my mind at least) and I might just get hit with a minimum.

Either way, I won't know until I actually ask so, again, good point.

Thanks

 

This is why I prefer the fake NuLuxe, just holds up better.

I wouldn't attempt to fix yourself. Take it to an upholestery shop and get a quote. I also believe you can buy new covers. I'd personally get a quote to just replace instead of just repair, those look rough.

A long time ago, I bought one of those DIY kits that is supposed to fill in things like this, was an absolute joke. Don't recommend.

 

DIY kits are basically vinyl. I had a tear at the seam between the front and center panel, bottom cushion for my LX. Cost $300 to replace the panel. Upholster did a fantastic job and replaced the padding under that panel. Now I wish I had just bought all new leather for up front or replaced more panels since the new foam and soft leather made that seat much more comfy.

 

I have had very good experience with products from Seat Doctors - Auto Interior First Aid.

Used a bottle of their Cashmere color seat dye to repair re-dye some discoloration and wear areas on my LS430 drivers seat and it ended up looking fantastic. Perfect color match.