| alpinelegacy | 09-24-2004 01:01 PM |
leather interior conversion
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Hey guys,
I have an '01 Legacy Sedan, pretty much entry level. I want the leather interior, so what would my best options be?
I live in the Pacific NW and the Outback/Legacy wagon's are practically the flagship cars of our area. So I've thought about finding a wrecking yard and hunting down a wrecked GT/GT LTD sedan. Is this a realistic idea or am I barking up the wrong tree?
I have an '01 Legacy Sedan, pretty much entry level. I want the leather interior, so what would my best options be?
I live in the Pacific NW and the Outback/Legacy wagon's are practically the flagship cars of our area. So I've thought about finding a wrecking yard and hunting down a wrecked GT/GT LTD sedan. Is this a realistic idea or am I barking up the wrong tree?
| Hank3 | 09-24-2004 01:20 PM |
Is an aftermarket leather kit out of your budget? There's a reputable vendor on here that sells the kits for ~$600 :)
| alpinelegacy | 09-24-2004 02:04 PM |
Would you know perchance which vendor that might be?
I'd like to stay with stock Subaru interior accessories and seats, but if there's someone out there who could provide a lightweight leather alternative for under $600 (covering everything: driver seat, front passenger and backseats) I would be most interested.
I'd like to stay with stock Subaru interior accessories and seats, but if there's someone out there who could provide a lightweight leather alternative for under $600 (covering everything: driver seat, front passenger and backseats) I would be most interested.
| krazedant | 09-24-2004 02:08 PM |
I got mine from [url]www.leatherseats.com[/url].
| Hank3 | 09-24-2004 02:16 PM |
Here's the Group Buy Thread:
[url]http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=553194[/url]
[url]http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=553194[/url]
| alpinelegacy | 09-24-2004 02:21 PM |
I checked out leatherseats.com and that group buy, but I'm not looking for an aftermarket kit that simply reupholsters the seats with leather. I'd like to avoid ther hassle of reupholstering the seats myself and just swap them out entirely, possibly with a lightweight solution. I've checked some big-name sites our such as Sparco and Momo, but they're way out of my range and don't offer anything for a back seat.
| 1illusion | 09-24-2004 02:24 PM |
[url]http://www.katzkin.com/[/url] is great. I've helped install on 4 different cars. They are even made to work if you have side air bags which most atermarket leather don't. Katzkin is the most reputable aftermarket interior supplier. They do very quality work and the interiors look GREAT
| alpinelegacy | 09-24-2004 02:36 PM |
I suppose if I could find someone who could help me install it, a leather kit might work but katzkin doesn't have any installers in my area. I e-mailed their info e-mail address and I'm awaiting a response.
| 1illusion | 09-24-2004 07:47 PM |
[QUOTE=alpinelegacy]I suppose if I could find someone who could help me install it, a leather kit might work but katzkin doesn't have any installers in my area. I e-mailed their info e-mail address and I'm awaiting a response.[/QUOTE]
The self install kit for $99 comes with an instructional movie on a CD and it works wonders. It's not hard at all to install just time consuming. Just do one seat at a time. Take it out of your car bring it in the house and take your time.
The self install kit for $99 comes with an instructional movie on a CD and it works wonders. It's not hard at all to install just time consuming. Just do one seat at a time. Take it out of your car bring it in the house and take your time.
| alpinelegacy | 09-24-2004 07:49 PM |
Does anyone know how close you can get to making it look like stock leather seats?
| 1illusion | 09-24-2004 07:57 PM |
The katzkins seats look as good or better than most stock seats. I compared my last install on an accord lx to a brand new passat(which is known for NICE leather) and the katzkin had better stitching, better quality of leather and was tighter than the passat. I don't recommend the gathered backs, it looks nice but you can feel it on your back and the wrinkles wear out fast. I installed my first katzkin in a friends 01 prelude about 6 months after I bought my 2001 accord V6 EX and the day I sold the accord his katzkin seats were in better shape than my accord's stock leather and his car had almost has 50K miles since the leather install while my accord only had 28k miles...
| 1illusion | 09-24-2004 08:37 PM |
here's a few other rexs to look at
[url]http://home.comcast.net/~jjunior887/id17.htm[/url]
[url]http://www.atd1.com/store/media/WRX_2tone_BlackMaize.jpg[/url]
[url]http://www.leatherseats.net/GALLERY/images/WRX3.jpg[/url]
This is an older katzkin, they get better and better all the time. Every one I've done has progressively gotten better and better. You can see good detail here though.
[url]http://www.scoobymods.com/forums/showthread.php?t=155&highlight=katzkin[/url]
here's one of the competitors version :rolleyes: looks good but not quite as good.
[url]http://www.atd1.com/store/media/WRX_2tone.jpg[/url]
This one is horrid from the same vendor as the previous one.
[url]http://www.igd4u.com/pics/badleather.jpg[/url]
another one, look at the ass of the drivers seat, that's not that nice
[url]http://members.aol.com/hifiwrx/seats3.jpg[/url]
[url]http://home.comcast.net/~jjunior887/id17.htm[/url]
[url]http://www.atd1.com/store/media/WRX_2tone_BlackMaize.jpg[/url]
[url]http://www.leatherseats.net/GALLERY/images/WRX3.jpg[/url]
This is an older katzkin, they get better and better all the time. Every one I've done has progressively gotten better and better. You can see good detail here though.
[url]http://www.scoobymods.com/forums/showthread.php?t=155&highlight=katzkin[/url]
here's one of the competitors version :rolleyes: looks good but not quite as good.
[url]http://www.atd1.com/store/media/WRX_2tone.jpg[/url]
This one is horrid from the same vendor as the previous one.
[url]http://www.igd4u.com/pics/badleather.jpg[/url]
another one, look at the ass of the drivers seat, that's not that nice
[url]http://members.aol.com/hifiwrx/seats3.jpg[/url]
| subiekid | 09-24-2004 09:04 PM |
search on ebay. I got my leather kit for 90 bucks shipped. I have a 95 and it looks great. and the smell is oh so nice.
| wrxinmn | 09-24-2004 11:07 PM |
i just got a new katzkin kit and am midway putting it on. dont bother with any $99 install kit. if you dont want $99, send it to me.
this thing is easy as crap to install, its just hard on your hands and fingers. trust me, if you have enough mechanical inclination to properly tie a fishing lure knot, you can do this.
all you do is take the seats out (very easy to find bolts) and look for the hog rings holding it on, clip them off, and put the new cover on.. putting hog rings where the old ones were.
this thing is easy as crap to install, its just hard on your hands and fingers. trust me, if you have enough mechanical inclination to properly tie a fishing lure knot, you can do this.
all you do is take the seats out (very easy to find bolts) and look for the hog rings holding it on, clip them off, and put the new cover on.. putting hog rings where the old ones were.
| krazedant | 09-24-2004 11:53 PM |
I agree. Install the leather yourself. It's really not as hard as you think. It just takes time and patience. It took me one weekend to install the front and the rears.
| Snowphun | 09-25-2004 12:02 AM |
[QUOTE=alpinelegacy]I'd like to avoid ther hassle of reupholstering the seats myself and just swap them out entirely, possibly with a lightweight solution. I've checked some big-name sites our such as Sparco and Momo, but they're way out of my range and don't offer anything for a back seat.[/QUOTE]
Sounds like you've run out of options. Aftermarket, leather and lightweight will be hard to find and very pricey. Either pay someone to install a Leatherseats.com kit if you don't want to do it, or find a wrecked high end Legacy. I've done two Leatherseats.com installs, not a big deal (but a good deal of time).
Sounds like you've run out of options. Aftermarket, leather and lightweight will be hard to find and very pricey. Either pay someone to install a Leatherseats.com kit if you don't want to do it, or find a wrecked high end Legacy. I've done two Leatherseats.com installs, not a big deal (but a good deal of time).
| Siper2 | 09-25-2004 03:54 PM |
[url]www.classicsofttrim.com[/url] is one of the premier suppliers of leather kits for new car dealerships. I had my RS done at their MA location, back in 2000.
Definitely check them out.
My current problem is that I swapped the front seats for GC WRX ones, and it's going to be a royal PITA getting leather on those. Nobody's got a pattern, so it'll have to be custom, which means expen$$$ive. :(
=S2=
Definitely check them out.
My current problem is that I swapped the front seats for GC WRX ones, and it's going to be a royal PITA getting leather on those. Nobody's got a pattern, so it'll have to be custom, which means expen$$$ive. :(
=S2=
| alpinelegacy | 09-28-2004 07:38 PM |
That's true...actually I just met a guy who drives an '04 WRX wagon who works at a body shop who said he'd be willing to help me out wiht one of these self-installation kits. :)
| DieselClown | 10-08-2004 02:55 PM |
im installing mine as we speak. second kit im doing and its very easym, just time consuming. u dont even need instructions, its very self explantory.
| Siper2 | 10-08-2004 03:32 PM |
Post pictures!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ahem. Thank you. :devil:
Ahem. Thank you. :devil:
| DieselClown | 10-08-2004 09:02 PM |
here're a few pics of the rears. I'm doing the fronts tomorow. Rears took me a total of about 5-6 hours alone, with maybe 2 hours of bsing and surfing the web. The install is VERY easy, just time consuming like I said, and make sure you have the right tools: needle pliers, hogring clipper, and bandages for your fingers.
[img]http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/wetoddimage.wtdr/i=wNTk1MjExNnM0MTNkZmQzMXk1NDE%3D[/img]
[img]http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/wetoddimage.wtdr/i=wNTk1MjEyNnM0MTNkZmQzMXk1NDE%3D[/img]
[img]http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/wetoddimage.wtdr/i=wNTk1MjExNnM0MTNkZmQzMXk1NDE%3D[/img]
[img]http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/wetoddimage.wtdr/i=wNTk1MjEyNnM0MTNkZmQzMXk1NDE%3D[/img]
| DieselClown | 10-08-2004 09:08 PM |
also the seude s actually darker, the flash makes it seem SOO much brighter than it is. I just noticed in the first pic that I may have tightened it too much above the armrest so ill fix that tomorrow.
| Siper2 | 10-09-2004 01:59 PM |
Very, very nice. :)
| 2k2 | 10-09-2004 05:39 PM |
Sorry there but your comparing seats that came from the same manufacturer in many of those pics.
The "competitor" seats which you must be saying are leatherseats.com are actually the same as katzkin seats. That is thier supplier. I got the leatherseats.com seats and they look great. The problem lies in peoples difficulty installing the front seats. They can be a huge hassle and if you dont do it right they wont look right. Also you are comparing different color combinations which are chosen by people and my not look the best.
Just a FYI, leatherseats.com=katzkin.
Bryan
[QUOTE=1illusion]here's a few other rexs to look at
[url]http://home.comcast.net/~jjunior887/id17.htm[/url]
[url]http://www.atd1.com/store/media/WRX_2tone_BlackMaize.jpg[/url]
[url]http://www.leatherseats.net/GALLERY/images/WRX3.jpg[/url]
This is an older katzkin, they get better and better all the time. Every one I've done has progressively gotten better and better. You can see good detail here though.
[url]http://www.scoobymods.com/forums/showthread.php?t=155&highlight=katzkin[/url]
here's one of the competitors version :rolleyes: looks good but not quite as good.
[url]http://www.atd1.com/store/media/WRX_2tone.jpg[/url]
This one is horrid from the same vendor as the previous one.
[url]http://www.igd4u.com/pics/badleather.jpg[/url]
another one, look at the ass of the drivers seat, that's not that nice
[url]http://members.aol.com/hifiwrx/seats3.jpg[/url][/QUOTE]
The "competitor" seats which you must be saying are leatherseats.com are actually the same as katzkin seats. That is thier supplier. I got the leatherseats.com seats and they look great. The problem lies in peoples difficulty installing the front seats. They can be a huge hassle and if you dont do it right they wont look right. Also you are comparing different color combinations which are chosen by people and my not look the best.
Just a FYI, leatherseats.com=katzkin.
Bryan
[QUOTE=1illusion]here's a few other rexs to look at
[url]http://home.comcast.net/~jjunior887/id17.htm[/url]
[url]http://www.atd1.com/store/media/WRX_2tone_BlackMaize.jpg[/url]
[url]http://www.leatherseats.net/GALLERY/images/WRX3.jpg[/url]
This is an older katzkin, they get better and better all the time. Every one I've done has progressively gotten better and better. You can see good detail here though.
[url]http://www.scoobymods.com/forums/showthread.php?t=155&highlight=katzkin[/url]
here's one of the competitors version :rolleyes: looks good but not quite as good.
[url]http://www.atd1.com/store/media/WRX_2tone.jpg[/url]
This one is horrid from the same vendor as the previous one.
[url]http://www.igd4u.com/pics/badleather.jpg[/url]
another one, look at the ass of the drivers seat, that's not that nice
[url]http://members.aol.com/hifiwrx/seats3.jpg[/url][/QUOTE]
| ChrisRC | 10-09-2004 06:22 PM |
I'm surprised people actually install these leather seats in WRXs. I love the fabric on my 2005 WRX's seats. I would imagine snowboarding and mountain biking could take quite the toll on leather seats. While I understand the desire for performance sport seats (JDM STi, Sparco, Cobra, etc.), what motivates people to purchase the leather interiors? Do they actually improve the comfort/grip of the seats? The Katzkin's covers look visually appealing, but I am having diffuclty understanding why people purchase them. Is it strictly for a sportier look and the "feel" of leather? Thanks for the info. :)
| 2k2 | 10-09-2004 06:32 PM |
my 02 seats were ugly
| DieselClown | 10-09-2004 07:50 PM |
damn i got ONLY the front passenger seat today and it took nearly 5 hand-blistering hours! the katzkin people messed up on this seat. In the 05 WRX, the back of the seat covers zipper half way to allow the hogrings to be installed or taken off, but on the katzkin leather covers, the rear does NOT zipper away and i took nearly an hour and a half squeezing both my hands inside the seat covers when they were on to clamp down the hogrings onto the cover, straightening bar, AND onto the seat itself. Picture sewing in the dark. But alas I finally did it. If they zipped half way as the stockers in the back, the i'd be able to apply the hogrings on without breaking my back. Other than that, I think they came out pretty nice! The slight waves (which are barely noticeable at best) in the seat will go away over time, just like my first katzkin seat covers. I'm so happy I chose the black leather/black suede combo. It looks factory, yet different, and it goes so well with the new classy 05 interior. I now feel like I'm in an audi or something. It made a HUGE difference cosmetically and with the suede, my butt is PLANTED in the seat very firmly, much better than the stock cloth fabric.
My interior obviously needs to be cleaned but that waits until the drivers seat is complete so pardon the messiness.
[img]http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/636000-636999/636801_19_full.jpg[/img]
[img]http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/636000-636999/636801_20_full.jpg[/img]
[img]http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/636000-636999/636801_18_full.jpg[/img]
My interior obviously needs to be cleaned but that waits until the drivers seat is complete so pardon the messiness.
[img]http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/636000-636999/636801_19_full.jpg[/img]
[img]http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/636000-636999/636801_20_full.jpg[/img]
[img]http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/636000-636999/636801_18_full.jpg[/img]
| DieselClown | 10-09-2004 07:51 PM |
AGAIN, the suede came out much brighter due to the flash but it looks very dark in person. anyway rest of the pics here.
[url]http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/636801/2[/url]
[url]http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/636801/2[/url]
| DieselClown | 10-09-2004 07:56 PM |
[QUOTE=ChrisRC]I'm surprised people actually install these leather seats in WRXs. I love the fabric on my 2005 WRX's seats. I would imagine snowboarding and mountain biking could take quite the toll on leather seats. While I understand the desire for performance sport seats (JDM STi, Sparco, Cobra, etc.), what motivates people to purchase the leather interiors? Do they actually improve the comfort/grip of the seats? The Katzkin's covers look visually appealing, but I am having diffuclty understanding why people purchase them. Is it strictly for a sportier look and the "feel" of leather? Thanks for the info. :)[/QUOTE]
you will be absolutely ECSTATIC after you install leather into your interior. Not only is the smell captivating, the look, feel, color, and richness all work together to bring your interior up a notch in class and appearance. Also, if you opt fo the seude inserts as I did, the grip is MUCH better than with the stock seats. You have the 05 interior so with the upgraded interior trim, the leather really enhances the aesthetics of the car.
you will be absolutely ECSTATIC after you install leather into your interior. Not only is the smell captivating, the look, feel, color, and richness all work together to bring your interior up a notch in class and appearance. Also, if you opt fo the seude inserts as I did, the grip is MUCH better than with the stock seats. You have the 05 interior so with the upgraded interior trim, the leather really enhances the aesthetics of the car.
| 2k2 | 10-09-2004 09:35 PM |
Diesel I have the SAME leather/black combo on my 02 WRX and they have always been that hard when you have to reach up in the seat to get those hog rings on. The best you can do is fold half of the cover up over the other half then attach it then fold the half back down.
Also try to use the old wiring if you can for that one if I remember. I did my back and front seats all in 1 long finger blistering day but I was soooo happy when I was done.
The Suede/leather is awesome. the only problem is after 2 and a half years theres part of my leather tha has been fading away on the outside sode bolster of the fron seats.
Also try to use the old wiring if you can for that one if I remember. I did my back and front seats all in 1 long finger blistering day but I was soooo happy when I was done.
The Suede/leather is awesome. the only problem is after 2 and a half years theres part of my leather tha has been fading away on the outside sode bolster of the fron seats.
| sirbryanclark | 10-10-2004 03:08 AM |
mmmmm leather yum
| ChrisRC | 10-10-2004 03:29 AM |
[QUOTE=DieselClown]you will be absolutely ECSTATIC after you install leather into your interior. Not only is the smell captivating, the look, feel, color, and richness all work together to bring your interior up a notch in class and appearance. Also, if you opt fo the seude inserts as I did, the grip is MUCH better than with the stock seats. You have the 05 interior so with the upgraded interior trim, the leather really enhances the aesthetics of the car.[/QUOTE]
Leather interiors can be a very nice addition to any car. :D If you don't mind me asking, how much did your seats covers cost? Do the suede inserts increase the price over all-leather covers? I must admit that they look phenomenal. I believe the Katzkins's website quoted somewhere around $1300 installed. I can guarantee I don't have the skills necessary to be "sewing in the dark," so I'd have to find and pay for a professional installer. Thanks. :banana:
Leather interiors can be a very nice addition to any car. :D If you don't mind me asking, how much did your seats covers cost? Do the suede inserts increase the price over all-leather covers? I must admit that they look phenomenal. I believe the Katzkins's website quoted somewhere around $1300 installed. I can guarantee I don't have the skills necessary to be "sewing in the dark," so I'd have to find and pay for a professional installer. Thanks. :banana:
| DieselClown | 10-10-2004 09:51 AM |
[QUOTE=ChrisRC]Leather interiors can be a very nice addition to any car. :D If you don't mind me asking, how much did your seats covers cost? Do the suede inserts increase the price over all-leather covers? I must admit that they look phenomenal. I believe the Katzkins's website quoted somewhere around $1300 installed. I can guarantee I don't have the skills necessary to be "sewing in the dark," so I'd have to find and pay for a professional installer. Thanks. :banana:[/QUOTE] my kit specifically was I believe 680 shipped but it's because I had the seude inserts ($85 more) and the hogring tool. I still this its a great deal and usualy a shop charges somwehere between 4-500 dollars to install so save that extra money and do it yourself. Believe me when I tell you that it really is THAT easy to do. Just time consuming. Let me know what you decide and good luck! Hope to see pics if you do them! :)
steve
steve
| ChrisRC | 10-10-2004 02:58 PM |
Steve,
I'd never fathomed putting leather covers into my WRX before a couple days ago, but your pictures are very persuasive. A few other mods are still higher on my WRX's priority list (good security system!), but the seats are now definitely on there somewhere. If I ever actually buy the covers, my wallet is placing the blame squarely on you. :D Thanks for the information; I give you credit for putting the covers on yourself. I'd say you're a braver man than I. Somehow I always break/mess up expensive projects. Don't forget to post some more pictures when it is complete. :disco:
I'd never fathomed putting leather covers into my WRX before a couple days ago, but your pictures are very persuasive. A few other mods are still higher on my WRX's priority list (good security system!), but the seats are now definitely on there somewhere. If I ever actually buy the covers, my wallet is placing the blame squarely on you. :D Thanks for the information; I give you credit for putting the covers on yourself. I'd say you're a braver man than I. Somehow I always break/mess up expensive projects. Don't forget to post some more pictures when it is complete. :disco:
| Siper2 | 10-11-2004 11:15 AM |
ChrisRC,
Contrary to popular belief, along with what DieselClown told you, leather is a hell of a lot easier to clean, than cloth. I'd much rather put dirty things onto leather.
Sure, it kind of sucks to see a mud smear on your seat, but with some good cleaner (like Lexol), all it takes is some scrubbing, and it's gone altogether. With cloth, it's much, much harder to get rid of ugly remains!
I'd like to do suede inserts for grippiness too, when I recover my seats, but I might only do small strips of it on the bolsters. Haven't decided yet.
=S2=
Contrary to popular belief, along with what DieselClown told you, leather is a hell of a lot easier to clean, than cloth. I'd much rather put dirty things onto leather.
Sure, it kind of sucks to see a mud smear on your seat, but with some good cleaner (like Lexol), all it takes is some scrubbing, and it's gone altogether. With cloth, it's much, much harder to get rid of ugly remains!
I'd like to do suede inserts for grippiness too, when I recover my seats, but I might only do small strips of it on the bolsters. Haven't decided yet.
=S2=
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