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Leather/vinyl for Fabric Door Panel Inserts

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by GoldPianoGarden, Nov 23, 2010.

  1. GoldPianoGarden

    GoldPianoGarden Bling Meister

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    I was sure it's on the forum somewhere, but have been unable to find it.... I want the fabric on the doors covered. I have 2 little chihuahuas that would LOVE to ride in my Prius, but I don't let them cause they'd ruin that fabric in one trip... Their little toenails would tear it in no time. SO, is there an aftermarket place where I can get the leather to cover them so that they are more durable? My dealer wants $365 to do it, so I figured it surely costs less somewhere else.. Thanks!
     
  2. xs650

    xs650 Senior Member

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    Try local automotive upholstery shops. You should be able to beat the dealer price by a bunch. Should be under 2 hours labor for a pro and about $20 worth of vinyl.
     
  3. GoldPianoGarden

    GoldPianoGarden Bling Meister

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    I thought Katzkin, or someone like that, made a kit for the doors already that I could just install myself.... Did I imagine reading that somewhere?
     
  4. xs650

    xs650 Senior Member

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    The Katzkin door panel upholstery is one piece of vinyl cut a bit oversize to it each of the 4 door panels. The instructions say to glue it over the stock fabric.

    If you find the vinyl or leather you like, there is no disadvantage to buying it in bulk and gluing it on the door panels yourself.

    I believe you need to drill out some melted plastic "rivets" to get the fabric covered panel loose from the main door panel so you can wrap the vinyl around the edges. Then you need to refasten the panel to the main door panel. When I get around to doing it, I will post some pictures. One 36 inch x 52 inch fabric yard should do the job...at least the Katzkin pieces will fit on one yard that width.
     
  5. GoldPianoGarden

    GoldPianoGarden Bling Meister

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    Have u gotten around to doing the door panels in the leather yet?
     
  6. BocaChaser

    BocaChaser New Member

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    the katzkin door panels comes with the full interior kit......it is not an easy install at all, I would only attempt it if you already have previous experience with upholstery.

    your best bet would be to go to a local car upholstery place
     
  7. J5A

    J5A Active Member

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    My sister's dobie mix has already punctured holes all over the back door material of her GII. I am really surprised & disappointed how "fragile" the material is. I haven't given my boston a ride in the GIII because of it. :(
     
  8. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    Maybe I'm not getting it, but why would they ruin only the door panel inserts and not the rest of the cloth seats?
     
  9. GoldPianoGarden

    GoldPianoGarden Bling Meister

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    Based on previous experience in my other car with my 2 little chihuahuas, I would understand it. Mine spent 99% of the time on my lap at the window. 2 feet up on the top ledge of the door, and the other 2 on my leg. If I went around a corner too fast, or had to stop quickly, they came sliding down the door with their sharp little toenails. I have NOT let them ride in my 2010 Prius once due to the door panel situation. #1, the cloth needs covered with a thick leather/pleather; #2, the armrest and the silver part where the window and doorlock controls are need covered, also. The silver part would be scratched like crazy after just one or two trips to town. I hate not being able to bring them with me, since they are accustomed to it; however, the door panel/armrest area would surely be damaged afterward.. STILL looking for a place that covers those things.
     
  10. BocaChaser

    BocaChaser New Member

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    late reply.....here is a pic of the Katzkin kit with the doors done in black

    [ame]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm71/BocaChaser/Prius/Prius10.jpg?t=1310824537[/ame]
     
  11. GoldPianoGarden

    GoldPianoGarden Bling Meister

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    So, did you do the doors in black just as a contrasting color? or to match the black trim and stuff on the doors already? I contemplated doing the black, but I have the tan leather, so did the matching door inserts...