Headrests and center armrest are included, but I would confirm that with the seller before purchasing it.

 

I think the job looks great, happy you lucked out and saved a ton of money! The dealer wanted $3000 per seat, really??

 

I will do a quick DIY when I do mine.

A few questions though

1. How big is the heating element? I understand from your post that it is attached to the leather. So I would have to cut around the heat element with the leather still glued to the heat element? Do I remove the leather at all from the heat element at any time or do I cut as much off getting as close to the heating element then replace then glue it back to the the leather.

2. Are there holes for the hog rings? (does the replacement look structurally like the original... will the tie down locations be the same?)

3. Was it challenging to get the seat to hold tight? (smooth)

Thanks

 

I ordered a set for my car, pending their delivery, will update on the whole process once received.

 

Nice job. those new seats look great.

 

Nice job. Thanks for sharing! It will be quite a while before I will need to address recovering the seats but I will likely follow your lead when the time comes.

 

Thank you all.
Chicotrini: 1.The heating element is big, basically the whole surface of the bottom part and back part of the seat .It comes in one piece.It is attached to the leather only at the edge( all around the edges). Once you will take the seat out you will see how is attached.
2. There are no holes for the hog rings , but you can easily make them with a scissor.The replacement looks pretty close to the original except no holes.
3. It was challenging for me because I used a regular plier and the old hog rings. I am sure will be much easier if you have a hog plier and new hog rings.

 

Thanks for the reply.
When you removed the heating mechanism you simply glued it down to the foam with 3m spray?

Also does the SC430 seats utilize metal rods or plastic for the hog rings to attach to the leather?

Did you to use heating gun anytime in the process?

Was it easy to get a smooth tight fit?

thanks again.

 

Was there an answer to the center armrest? Today the kit is around 1000...

 

There is an EBay seller that lists leather seats for the SC430. The auction price starts at $269 plus $39 shipping and includes the center armrest cover. I believe these are the seats used by the OP, "adi".

The last auction for these seats ended 12 / 5 / 2012 at 18:20 PST. Currently they have none listed but that could change as they have been listing them regularly for the last few months ( I have been watching them but haven't pulled the trigger yet ). Here is a link to their EBay store : http://stores.ebay.com/seatsshop

 

Private message me

 

The covers look great. I just had my front seats reconditioned by a local leather repair shop and they turned out well. Cost $300 for both seats..I am not mechanical so removing the seats is not an option for me.

 

Thats a great price. How did they recondition them . Did the dye them or replace sectiions

 

Probably sprayed them.

 

I am not sure of the process the gentleman utilized, however he was referred by the local Lexus dealer . Here is is website. I am very happy with the results, finish product appears the same as the original leather. http://www.leatherrescueinc.com/