HomerTaco's DIY: Leather Interior

A steamer will help w any wrinkles. The wrinkles come out over time as well. I'm going on 3 months and I can tell little by little the one area that bothered me, rear part of lower seat corners, is getting more and more smoothed out.

 

Thanks. Other than the tools shown and listed in the beginning is there any other items recommended to make the installation easier better?

 

Hi nick,
Yes, if ur willing to spend the cash get a good set of ring cutters like the ones I photo'd in my thread. They are compound action and made things much easier compared to the regular cutters I was using before. (In addition to the other tools listed which isn't much)

The ones I got from Home Depot are made by dewalt.
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/te...ather-installation-pix-heavy.html#post5840885

 

I never even cut the old hog rings... There is a method of grabbing them with a set of needlenose pliers and twisting and pulling just right and they come right off...

 

Sub'd for future referance. Great tutorial!! Thanks much!

 

After reading your detailed post, I now have to have leather seats. I have done the armrests and need seats. The only question I have and I might have missed it in your post, where did you get the leather covers from? I really like it with the TRD logo embroidered.
Thanks again,
Doug

 

I purchased my kit from CST clearance list, but the best source for a kit here would be Jhuey...
Check out this thread:
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/group-buys/140277-katzkin-leather-seat-group-buy.html

 

Thank you

 

You're welcome!

 

Hey guys,

I've posted on another topic asking advice on the front headrest install. I received two options: use a shop vac to suck all the air out or a steamer. I'll try the steamer route first cuz those front headrests are INSANE.

NOW, next issue. I finished the back seats without much issue and they look pretty sweet. Problem is, the seat belt clip/retainer is being a bitch to go back on. Can someone #1, remind me what direction it goes on and #2, how the HELL does it clip on? The plastic sewn on the under side of the hole is far more flimsy than the stock piece, so I get zero purchase with the clip. ADVICE??

I have attached pics to visually explain.

 

wont let me post more than one pic at a time

 

Inner plastic

 

Shit.

My 07 had a different setup than that for the seat belt retainer.

PM Jhuey. He might be able to help you out.

 

Great stuff man, but after reading that install, I'll be driving somewhere to have installed. No way in hell do I want to try to do that

 

Just a quick follow-up on the leather/heat seat install on my 2011 Double Cab TRD … Done!

For those who have also performed this upgrade, I feel your pain … Particularly in the fingers!!

Without “HomerTaco’s” pictorial guide I don’t believe this is something I would have even attempted …And I’ve done a ton of do-it-yourself projects.

Kept the budget as low as possible, $400.00 for the kit (shop around, they’re out there), $90.00 for the carbon seat heater kit (EBay, came with direct replacement Toyota switches) and 2-solid days of labor.

All told, right around $500.00 … saved approx. $500.00 in doing the install myself.

Went with standard light gray leather, no fancy stitching or2-tone. Kit also came with the leather door insert material (what a tedious pain in the a** job that was)

Actually worst part of entire project was getting the headrests closure seam strap secured … And having total (5) to do was a real headtrip. You will also need to use the “bag and wet & dry vacuum” trick to even get the covers over the front seat headrests.

Bottom line for me ….

1) Get a good pair of bull nose wire cutters to cutthe hog rings off.

2) Get a good solid desk height work bench to work on the seats; this will save your back.

3) Get an ample supply of nylon wire ties,invaluable in some areas where the seat kit lacks.

4) I used the “X” cut method instead of removing the head rest seat posts, front seats nearly impossible to remove inserts.

5) Take your time, there’s a lot of sharp sheetmetal that’s under the seat foam.

6) Read this post and others regarding leather and heater install best to know what you’re getting into before ever getting there.

7) Have lots of beer and good music on tap!!!!

Good luck to all who take on this project …. It’s certainly worth tackling.

 

Looking great!
Good tips as well.

 

NICE JOB DCD!
hands down the mod you will enjoy the most. i wouldnt have my truck any other way.

 

Would have to agree ... Having a cloth interior in any truck that one uses for work and or recreation makes little sense to me.
Though the factory covers were comfortable, keeping them clean (especially those arm rests!) was getting to be a full time job!
The heated seat pads will also be a "warm welcome" during the cold winter months as well.

 

HOMER!!!! You rock brother. Finally finished my front passenger seat and back seats. Wow the front seats are a PITA!!!!!! Worth it though....one more to go

 

Amazing write-up Homer. Can't wait to get back home and do this!