Another Black Interior Thread
Another Black Interior Thread
Thought I'd share my interior swap project that I finished earlier this year. The old-man-tan interior with the old-man-tan exterior was killing me! No contrast, no flair and I wasn't feeling the wood. Sad too because my peanut butter interior was mint after I got done with it.
There was no way SEM was gonna touch my interior panels so I either had to purchase an entire black interior or buy a black interior car and swap. I chose the latter. I found a blue/silver on black car with a really clean interior and bought it instantly with the sole purchase of swapping. Best part was the the previous owner just threw in a set of leatherseats.com perforated skins! I sold the car shortly after I swapped so the cost of the interior swap to me.......$0 dollars!
Not content with the stock black interior, I did make a few upgrades. These include:
1) piano black on the wood trim and center console
2) full alcantara headliner (the real $100/yard alcantara from Gulf Fabrics)
3) Nardi Deep Corn with NRG chode quick release
4) Pioneer AVIC F90BT w/ volume control **** delete
5) rear deck recover in black carpet
6) speaker grill rewrap
7) many replacement panels from various outlets on CL
Here is the outcome. Big ups to Big C for the photos.
There was no way SEM was gonna touch my interior panels so I either had to purchase an entire black interior or buy a black interior car and swap. I chose the latter. I found a blue/silver on black car with a really clean interior and bought it instantly with the sole purchase of swapping. Best part was the the previous owner just threw in a set of leatherseats.com perforated skins! I sold the car shortly after I swapped so the cost of the interior swap to me.......$0 dollars!
Not content with the stock black interior, I did make a few upgrades. These include:
1) piano black on the wood trim and center console
2) full alcantara headliner (the real $100/yard alcantara from Gulf Fabrics)
3) Nardi Deep Corn with NRG chode quick release
4) Pioneer AVIC F90BT w/ volume control **** delete
5) rear deck recover in black carpet
6) speaker grill rewrap
7) many replacement panels from various outlets on CL
Here is the outcome. Big ups to Big C for the photos.
Last edited by shern; Nov 3, 2010 at 02:27 PM.
Trending Topics
Lead Lap
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 680
Likes: 0
From: CA
Awesome job Stern!! Love the REAL black leather interior! I've been wanting to do the same for my headliner, this really inspired me to do so!!
Did the previous owner swap his steering wheel? I did a 1997 black interior swap into my SC and I didnt have that steering wheel, I did however had to deal with passenger side airbag that is a bit different tho.
BTW this ain't "another" black interior thread, when I saw this title I thought it was going to be another crappy SEM "swap".
Did the previous owner swap his steering wheel? I did a 1997 black interior swap into my SC and I didnt have that steering wheel, I did however had to deal with passenger side airbag that is a bit different tho.
BTW this ain't "another" black interior thread, when I saw this title I thought it was going to be another crappy SEM "swap".
Last edited by ClearP; Nov 3, 2010 at 03:00 PM.
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers
Joe Kucinski
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation
Joe Kucinski
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?
Brett Foote
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler
Michael S. Palmer
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!
Brett Foote
Awesome job Stern!! Love the REAL black leather interior! I've been wanting to do the same for my headliner, this really inspired me to do so!!
Did the previous owner swap his steering wheel? I did a 1997 black interior swap into my SC and I didnt have that steering wheel, I did however had to deal with passenger side airbag that is a bit different tho.
Did the previous owner swap his steering wheel? I did a 1997 black interior swap into my SC and I didnt have that steering wheel, I did however had to deal with passenger side airbag that is a bit different tho.
If doing suede (especially alcantara), be careful. It's not easy to work with on the curves due to its limited stretch ability. I did mine myself and didn't get it perfect. I'd recommend stitching the curves around the visors.
The 3 spoke black wheel was from a GS but that got tossed (sold).
Lead Lap
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 680
Likes: 0
From: CA
I think to work with fabric, steam is best, with leather, heat is best, I'll tackle this and let you know! How much fabric did you need for the headliner and visors? I have my homelink that I want to put in when I pull apart the visor!
You'll need 2 yards for headliner, sunroof cover and visors. Gulf Fabric will only sell full yards. I asked for another half yard for rear deck but they wouldn't do it.
http://www.gulffabrics.com/
