Heated Seat Question

This question could go in multiple threads but I’ll choose the technical question one.

Looking at buying leather seat covers for my truck. I currently have cloth and an aftermarket heated seat kit.

Anyone have experience with the heat going through both the cloth and leather? Is it still enough to know it’s there? Or should I put new elements on top of the cloth and under the leather? Elements shouldn’t be an issue to get. The connectors are under the seat so I just need to make sure the wiring is the same for the elements.

Pic of the switches and then the seat when I was doing this PITA project.

 

I installed heaters when installed my Katzkin leather, both bottom & back. Had to wire everything, including dash switches.

I recommend installing between foam and fabric. Putting them between fabric and cover and I could see them moving around and bunching up. Sandwiching between foam and fabric will keep them in place.

If you just do the bottom heaters, could be done without dismantling entire seat. Will need hog ring pliers and some rings. It's really not that difficult. Took about 4 hours for first seat with learning curve. Second one about 2. That includes removing old fabric, installing heaters and leather.

But regardless your approach, I don't think heat transfer would be an issue. I have noticable heat in 3 minutes on setting 5 (highest), and will start cooking me in 8 minutes, when I have to turn it down to 3. I'll add that I usually don't wear my coat while driving, so I feel the effects more rapidly.

 

D'oh.....its been a long day......I just noticed you have them already on the foam.

Run with your plan. If anything it might take a few extra minutes to feel heat going thru both layers.

 

I get that. We just got a 9 week old puppy on Saturday so things have been chaotic here.

Thanks for the advice. After I posted my question I looked around and saw I can get the elements for around $20, so I might just get them and plug them into the existing. It might be nice to have more heated area. I don’t think I’d have to trim them much to fit the cloth, like when I put them on under. Maybe a little Velcro or something to keep them in place and it might be good to go.