Katzkin seat cover install

Discussion in 'Prius v Accessories and Modifications' started by Led, Dec 20, 2022.

  1. Led

    Led New Member

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    2012 Prius v wagon
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    Well, I was successful at installing a set of katzkin seat covers. It was a STEEP learning curve and a very physical task.

    Tips:

    Take lots of pictures as you disassemble the seats. You will forget how they go back together.
    Only remove and work on one seat at a time.
    Start with the driver rear seat, it’s the easiest in a Prius V (smallest).
    Budget 40 hours for a first timer. I’m not kidding, it took me 30 hours for the seat covers and I still need to do the door inserts.

    Tools:

    Hog ring pliers, these are a must have. You will crimp hundreds of hog rings during installation.
    Hog rings themselves, 1/2 and 3/4 inch were the best sizes to use.
    Large, sharp side cutters to clip the factory hog rings during disassembly. I used an 8 inch Kline pair that’s sold for electrical work.
    A steam gun is very useful as the new leather is tight.
    A clean heated work area is a must. I put down a sheet in my living room floor.
     

    Attached Files:

    #1 Led, Dec 20, 2022
    Last edited: Dec 20, 2022
  2. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    So these are skins that are pre-cut and pre-made to your car they're like slipcovers but they still have to hog ring on Is this correct? I'll have to go look at this brand. And my 2013 I don't think there's any hog rings I think everybody everything slips on and zips The zippers could be replaced with reinforced holes for hog rings and the wire strip that goes under the hog ring holes but I don't know why some company would revert back to that and eliminate the zippers. I have done it the hog ring way before right at the upholstery shop that does all the classic cars The guy there showed me how all this worked I had an idea I had a seat out I wanted to do what you were doing did it this is in like 75 Corolla cheap junk. And then a few years later I did a an Infinity or something and they were zip on not leather more like Toyota softex today.. I find it interesting that the aftermarket company would go back to the hog rings or maybe the 12th still had hog rings because you said you had to cut them I don't think my 13 has that now I'm curious to go out and look.. I've also done a few couches That's another whole story That's generally a slipcover affair some chairs like easy chairs will have some hog rings especially on the heavy fake pleather units
     
  3. Led

    Led New Member

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    The kit I bought was for ‘12 to ‘15 Prius V’s. Your ‘13 will use hog rings. The katzkin kits aren’t simply slip covers. They are new upholstery. The old covers are completely removed.

    Later,
    Stephen
     
  4. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    It looks like the 13s zip off I swear to God I mean I have to pull them out to take a look but a lot of the newer ones are like this from what I can tell even the new cheap seats that are coming out of China Asia wherever the seat part is slid over just like it was going to have hog rings on it except it zips on which to me seems like a less secure fit so the hog rings and the wire would be a okay with me like my old super seats with all the bolsters and the air bladders for lumbar support and all that mess they weren't really that bad but it does take the time you're speaking of if you're not used to using hog rings and doing a little upholstery that is a fact It is somewhat labor intensive.
     
  5. rampante550

    rampante550 Member

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    @Led thanks for posting. I was thinking about doing this too - did you get full leather? I don't dislike the softex seats and mine are holding up well, but I can't stop thinking about upgrading to real leather
     
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