Install new leather seats
Pole Position
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,365
Likes: 29
From: Florida
This is after I realized it was installed wrong. I tore it apart again and reinstalled it paying closer attention to where the seat should be sitting. (I needed to pull it down more.) The wrinkles are essentially caused by the cover being too high. Your seat has a wedgie, if you will. LOL 
It's perfect now on the second attempt.
It's perfect now on the second attempt.
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 179
Likes: 1
From: Colorado
Back seat
As I was installing the back bottom section, I noticed that the "Gathered section" was about one inch short compared to the Factory cushion. Measure yours. I was still able to attach it.
Also, the only section that is leather on the bottom is the "Gathered section". The rest of the material is Vinyl. I thought that the sections that we TOUCH would be leather, like the bucket seat.
Also, the only section that is leather on the bottom is the "Gathered section". The rest of the material is Vinyl. I thought that the sections that we TOUCH would be leather, like the bucket seat.
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 179
Likes: 1
From: Colorado
Installation
I am an amateur installing these seats, but I am saving money, too.
After installing the back section of the passenger seat, I quickly found out that I had reversed the heating pad. So I had to disassemble it.
I've wasted plenty of hog rings. In fact I will have to buy more to finish.
This installation has been an adventure and its fun. Cutting holes in new seats takes some guts.
I can live with a few wrinkles on the edge of the seat. If they are still there next year, then a redo will be in order.
If you got the Factory inserts, they are supposed to be wrinkled.
After installing the back section of the passenger seat, I quickly found out that I had reversed the heating pad. So I had to disassemble it.
I've wasted plenty of hog rings. In fact I will have to buy more to finish.
This installation has been an adventure and its fun. Cutting holes in new seats takes some guts.
I can live with a few wrinkles on the edge of the seat. If they are still there next year, then a redo will be in order.
If you got the Factory inserts, they are supposed to be wrinkled.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 533
Likes: 7
From: California
Re: Back seat
Originally posted by DA51
As I was installing the back bottom section, I noticed that the "Gathered section" was about one inch short compared to the Factory cushion. Measure yours. I was still able to attach it.
Also, the only section that is leather on the bottom is the "Gathered section". The rest of the material is Vinyl. I thought that the sections that we TOUCH would be leather, like the bucket seat.
As I was installing the back bottom section, I noticed that the "Gathered section" was about one inch short compared to the Factory cushion. Measure yours. I was still able to attach it.
Also, the only section that is leather on the bottom is the "Gathered section". The rest of the material is Vinyl. I thought that the sections that we TOUCH would be leather, like the bucket seat.
It is my understanding that the CFI seats without any options uses leather and vinyl in the same locations as OE. Am I wrong?
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 179
Likes: 1
From: Colorado
Hog rings replacements
I made a few mistakes, had to redo a couple of times; so I ran out of fastners. These things are not readily available.
I used a small fence staple. I straigthened it out and bented the corners. I used some actual Pig Rings #1 on the back seat.
I bought the staples for $.88 at Lowes.
The Pig Rings were $2.99 at ACE Hardware
I used a small fence staple. I straigthened it out and bented the corners. I used some actual Pig Rings #1 on the back seat.
I bought the staples for $.88 at Lowes.
The Pig Rings were $2.99 at ACE Hardware
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Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,291
Likes: 0
From: California
CleanSC, I am in the process of installing my leather seats, and the rear's seem to have a wrinkle just like how you did it when you first installed yuor seats, any ideas on what to do with them?
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 179
Likes: 1
From: Colorado
Wrinkles
After 10 months, the outside edges of the front seats have smoothered out. And the back seat looks fine, too. Don't beat yourself up trying to be perfect. Your butt and back will get most of the wrinkles out.
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 179
Likes: 1
From: Colorado
Wrinkles
If you need any help, email me. I have lots of photos of my install. Doing the seats and having the Cluster Lights upgraded, has done wonders restoring the old ride.
The LCAs re next.
The LCAs re next.
Last edited by DA51; Jul 20, 2005 at 07:51 PM. Reason: add photo
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 416
Likes: 20
From: VA
Originally Posted by CleanSC
There's nothing wrong with the leather seat kit from leatherseats.com.
Your problem is the installation. My first attempt at installing the kit came out just like yours. It took me some time to realize that it came out wrong. I tore it apart again and reinstalled it correctly.
Here's my first (incorrect attempt at the passenger seat).
Your problem is the installation. My first attempt at installing the kit came out just like yours. It took me some time to realize that it came out wrong. I tore it apart again and reinstalled it correctly.
Here's my first (incorrect attempt at the passenger seat).