Katzkin Leather and Seat Heaters Install

HOE LEE CHIT!

OK. I'm definitely having the Pros do this.

 

Be not afraid! Not as bad as it looks! Just wanted to make sure I got the wiring where I wanted it. I think it "could" be done by just removing the Heat/AC controls now that I've been in there. Console will still have to come out

 

Is there a How-To somewhere here on TW of how to remove the center console?

 

I found one on YouTube....older Taco than mine, but the removal was the same...

https://youtu.be/BQI7oFzbups

 

So- my rear seats are now done! OEM (ie clazzio) grey leather (although these are mostly vinyl... only the outer seats have leather on the center and lumbar sections...
This was bother harder and easier than i expected... Once i figured out how to work the hog ring install then it goes really quick... total maybe 4 hours? Honestly the hardest part of this has been the headrests. I am waiting to tackle the fronts when my seat heater kit arrives...

 

Looks GREAT! Good job! Front headrests are tough...I think you can heat the leather to make it easier...look for posts on that....

 

Okay.....forgot to update after the eBay sale of my OEM cloth seatcovers.....

Total costs for project....
Katzkin Leather Seat covers purchased on eBay for $399 (free shipping).
Hog-ring Pliers and two boxes of hog-rings @$15.
Wire stripper, wire connectors, wire from O'Reilley Auto Parts @$20.
Heated seat pads (driver and passenger) with factory switches $89 (free shipping).
So all total, I was in $523.

Sold the old covers on eBay for $162 (buyer paid shipping), so my net for this project was only $361 (plus about 10 hours work)!!

Can't beat that!

 

Could you tell me which hog ring and pliers you purchased?

 

I bought these from Harbor Freight for $8.99...




Message me an address and I'll mail them to you....don't think I'll need them again any time soon.

 

Those look just like the ones i got at harbor freight for the same price IIRC

 

You're right! Just updated my post!

 

Much appreciated sir! I will pm you in a bit

 

Done! Thanks to @davidcliett for the great write up, donating his hog ring pliers to the cause & for the word of encouragement to tackle this project. Thank you my friend!

 

Is the wiring for the switches already is place. i.e., is it "Plug & Play" or did you have to run the wiring yourself?

 

Had to run the wiring. Hot to battery, IGN On (for relay) and illumination to the in-cabin fuse box via Add-A-Fuse.

 

so i got a question... i have the oem seat covers and they are in good shape, although a bit dirty... is it even worth to clean them in hopes of selling them?? or are they trash

 

Run them through the washer. Let them air dry. Then put then on ebay. They run for all sorts of money on eBay. Mine were torn, mismatched & stained. I think I could only salvage the driver side front/rear.

 

Definitely list them on eBay. Mine were in good shape, but driver's seat had a small hole in it and they sold for $162. Just take good pics so the buyer sees clearly what they're buying.

 

My 2011 trd sport has factory heated seats. Trying to figure out the wiring diagram to change the switches from the round ones in the shifter bexel to the small square toggle type from under hvac. I have a black wire- assuming ground, a red wire- assuming ign/acc.
The two im really unsure about are a red with yellow stripe and a red with blue stripe. Anyone know what they are for sure?

 

I used quality zip ties in place of hog rings a few years ago. No issues.