Reupholster or Replace?

Hey Everyone:

My driver's side seat is shot. It was pretty bad off when I first got the truck but the metal is coming through and it's pretty darn uncomfortable to sit on. I have tried looking for a used replacement, and I've attempted to find other alternatives, but I'm unclear about what exactly I need, and I'm wary of buying something that could put my life in danger.

I have 2002 Tacoma Prerunner 3.4 6.

Would you just have the seat reupholstered or would you just get one of those cheap sets with "PVC Leather?"

If you recommend reupholstery, what should I expect to pay? I'm in Fort Wayne Indiana. I had lots of options back in California, and PLENTY I'd trust, but I don't even hardly know anyone here, much less trust anyone.

Thanks all for your help!

 

I’d call an upholstery shop and get an estimate. In my limited experience it seems like getting it professionally redone isn’t as expensive as you might expect. Maybe a couple hundred bucks, but they’ll also fix any springs, replace foam padding, and the upholstery. It’ll be like a new seat.

Often when you start looking for another seat it’ll need reupholstered anyway

 

imo tacoma seats aren't worth re-upholstering. i love my truck but the seats have always sucked. i finally plan to replace them with some corbreau stock looking seats this year.

 

I have the same issue with my drivers side seat. Anyone have any hook ups with auto upholstery in the so cal area?

 

I got mine done in Santa Rosa area

 

It depends where your from if you are from the west coast i know reupholstering there is relatively cheap. Not like the north east new england area omg they chrage so much to reupholster. If you seats feel comfortable and just need cosmetic tou should reupholster but if you seat are damaged like spring etc you should get a replacement in my opinion

 

I use one of these, got it from Amazon

 

I had my bottom seat reupholstered with factory material. The shop added foam on the sides and main cushion for a much firmer feel. They searched long and hard but eventually found the original material which was a bit costly. I paid around $250. Not cheap but worked well with my OCD.

 

My OCD also got the best of me so I had the drivers seat reupholstered and had the foam worked on.

The foam was so messed up on the right side that I had to get it replaced. It was replaced with ordinary-factory style foam and the upholsterer recommended that I kept the seat as original as possible, rather than replacing more foam material. Besides the fact that it would be far more expensive to replace the entire foam assembly, the upholsterer was correct, I did not need to replace the entire foam. The foam started deteriorating and was hurting my back. After the fix; the opposite, my back feels great as can be and I do not roll around in the seats anymore.
This is the drivers seat completely assembled. The seat trim, fabric, foam, the 'bead', and threads all were replaced. It cost a pretty penny but definitely nice. Although it's not a brand new seat, it's way better than before. My upholsterer has a knack for keeping things original and closest to stock as possible, and I think he did great. He has also done great work on my fathers 96 Impala SS interior front and rear seats If you guys are interested in pics I can dig through my fathers pictures.

Hope this helps!