I've purchased a custom fit leather seat covers that are supposed to fit my 06 DC Tundra. In my area the cheapest I can find for a professional install is $500. That's pretty steep for me.
Any of you folks who've done your on install that could give me some do's and don'ts or know of a good DIY "how to" article would be greatly appreciated.
I've seen several posts of guys who've done their own install on 07's DC changing to leather.
(With Pics) and DIY write ups. Looks rather intense, when it comes to removing cloth seat and the install to leather. Take your time, it looks really great after the install is done.
I did my own leather install on my 04 Runner and it was a PITA. My suggestion is find the correct tools, I didn't have them. I am not sure where you can find the tools or what they are. All I had were some wire cutters and pliers. Another suggestion would be to have a good pair of gloves, the internal frame has some very sharp edges.
Some Do's:
Take your time
Do it on a work bench if possible
Get the right tools for the job
Be careful on the fronts when zipping the backs together
For all the cursing and issues I had, they did come out very well.
To me, after doing it myself, I would gladly pay the $500.
Just my 2 cents.
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Radiant Red 5.7L Crew Max TRD Off-Road
I've searched many other forums to learn as much as I can about doing this job. I plan on taking my time and will take pictures and do a write up. Wish me luck.
Turned out great! You're right the hog rings did the job. Glad I did it. A few hours after work on a friday and all day Saturday. I had a trim shop do the head rests because I was afraid I'd tear the covers. Here are some pics.
Nice job. I was looking at a set of these covers on ebay for my wifes Highlander, overall are you happy with the product? Did you have any issues with the covers not fitting correctly? The price on ebay is attractive, but I want to make sure that the seats still have a factory look to them.
I have been looking at doing this on my 05 Double Cab. I have done quite a few interiors before and would consider myself to pretty good at installing these. My question for you is what is on the backs of the back seats? (When the seat is folded down). The originals are carpeted and this is pretty important for me since I set tools and stuff up there quite often. Maybe if you could, a picture with the backrests folded down could be helpful. Thanks.
the company that sells those is right down the road from me. They are great covers and wear well. Installation is easy if you have the TIME... OP good job!
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2006 DC SR5
Bilstein 5100s F&R
Wheelers 1.5" AAL
285 Nittos on OEM Alloys
Flowmaster Delta 40
LUND Genesis Tri-Fold Tonneau
WADE in-Channel Visors
Lil Boom under the seat compliments of RF
Full LED conversion
Nothing too fancy, just better than stock!
They are carpeted just like the cloth seats were. I do remember having some trouble fitting the ends of the material together. The originals have good plastic "clips" that snap together pretty easily. On one of them I gave in and put a couple of hog rings through the plastic so it wouldn't come apart.
One final thought on the leather seat covers, they will wear on the edges of the seats from normal use where your butt slides in and out. Overall, I'm very happy with the look and always get compliments on the covers. People are surprised I did it myself.