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Link to a "How to" install Katzkin Leather in G2 Prius

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by fastring, Apr 30, 2011.

  1. fastring

    fastring Junior Member

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    I have searched and havent found the "how to install katzkin leather" write up. I thought I had read such a post before, but now I'm coming up short.
     
    #1 fastring, Apr 30, 2011
  2. xs650

    xs650 Senior Member

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    It's not exactly what you are looking for, but Katzkin has a generic installation CD that is useful. I suspect you could get one free or cheap if you told them you were interested in installing their upholstery.

    The CD shows 2 or 3 methods for each area of the upholstery (seat back, cushion, door panels, etc) and you pick the one that is closest to your cars construction. It will give you some idea of the difficulty of the job, although they make it look easier than it is for a non-pro like me.

    I found it very useful when I installed mine. The Toyota shop manual pages for the seats are also useful in helping you get them out of the car and take the original upholstery off.

    It's a big job with lots of opportunities to screw up expensive parts. The $400 or so some people have paid to have their's installed seems reasonable after having installed my own.
     
    #2 xs650, Apr 30, 2011
  3. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

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    $400 is a good deal. Figure 8 hours of labor for even the most skilled installers. I don't know how sartorially adventurous the OP is but Katzkin installation isn't a very common DIY project.
     
    #3 macmaster05, Apr 30, 2011
  4. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    See the link in my signature. That thread should have all the info you need.
     
    #4 usbseawolf2000, Apr 30, 2011
  5. xs650

    xs650 Senior Member

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    That thread looks good to me. It has enough cautions and warnings about what a big job it is to make people think, then goes on with useful instructions.:cool:
     
    #5 xs650, Apr 30, 2011
  6. rustystew

    rustystew New Member

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    That bartlett leather link was the one I thought of for the original posters question as well.
     
    #6 rustystew, Apr 30, 2011
  7. fastring

    fastring Junior Member

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    Great, thanks, good link. I'll give it a shot. I won a set on ebay yesterday ($255 + $37 shipping). I drive alot (33k/yr on prius avg) in the prius and have had other cars that I wish I would have went with leather but didnt as it was too $$$. For $200-500 in parts, its worth it if I can do the install myself. This will be the test. I'm very hands on with cars with engine conversions, welding, etc. I drive solo, so I'll start with the back seats (they are always down) and then passenger seat and driver seat last. Its ok if it takes awhile.

    I'll post status once the leather arrives and I start tearing into it. Cheers,
     
    #7 fastring, May 1, 2011
  8. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

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    $255?! That is freakishly cheap. Sheesh, I'd just pay the $400 to have someone do it and save yourself the elbow grease.
     
    #8 macmaster05, May 1, 2011
  9. fastring

    fastring Junior Member

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    I had been monitoring ebay for awhile, looking for a good deal. I was surprised that I got that auction at that price, I thought it would climb to at least 400 like others I've bid on.

    Its not the $ as much as the knowledge for the install. Whatever I learn I'll apply to other cars. The lesson learned may be that its worth the $ to have someone else do it, but I'll be that much smarter on the process. The satisfaction of doing it myself is worth the attempt.
     
    #9 fastring, May 1, 2011
  10. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

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    :). I like your 'tude. Good luck mang!
     
    #10 macmaster05, May 1, 2011
  11. whatdidido1288

    whatdidido1288 New Member

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    I got the same deal on eBay from pickleman... I chose a buy-it-now for $350 and got free seat heaters, so it was a great deal definitely.

    Have you gotten it installed yet? I've installed the back seat entirely and have the cover off the front seat. Anyone have tips on how to install the leather on the front seat? It doesn't have a back that velcros down like the back seat does, so I'm afraid of doing it inside out and flipping it around like normal, because I dont think it'll flip. Anyone have any suggestions on how to get the front seat done properly?

    If anyone has questions about the back seats or the rear armrest, feel free to give me a shout!

    Thanks everyone,

    Scott
     
    #11 whatdidido1288, May 8, 2011
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