Leather Interior?

Upholstery, floor mats, seats, window tint and anything inside the vehicle and not electronic
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AKLGT
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Leather Interior?

Post by AKLGT »

has anyone installed leather interior in their Vibe or Matrix? I was on Matrixvibe.net and saw a thread for Attention to Detail (ADT) offering special prices for Katzkins leather interior. I did some research and found that they have good quality leather and reputable reputation. I ordered mine today... Hopefully will get them installed within a month. I have a silver monotone Vibe GT. I painted the interior panels red (previously silver), tinted the windows 35% (legal here), added the TRD CAI (also red), grafxwerks red reflective overlays and upgraded the stock factory speakers. I have a 5 channel amp on the way along with a 12" sub for the back (installation TBA). I've been trying to install as much as i can myself to conserve on money. I'll be installing dark graphite leather with red inserts, red contrast stitching, heated drivers seat (couldn't afford the passenger), and Vibe embroidered in silver. In my head it looks VERY good. If i ever figure out how to connect my digital camera to my computer I'll post some pics upon completion.Wanted some input from anyone else who may have installed them? Do they look/feel good? How easy was it really to install?
AKLGT1998 Subaru 2.5RS
Wrx-2-Vibe
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Re: Leather Interior? (silverawd26)

Post by Wrx-2-Vibe »

I did my WRX w/ a kit from leatherseats.com. I recomend getting a "hog ring" tool. The only "hard" part was the door inserts which go on w/ a spray adhesive. FYI: little tip spray the seat (exposted foam) w/ a light coating of WD40 (or similar lube) b4 installing the seats leather. IT makes it easier to roll the new covers on.Post pics when your done I'd like to chekc it out.
2003 AWD Vibe (frosty)18' Sports Edition (fox 2's)Eibach Sports Springsde-emblem'dSport Package carbon fiberhood Flowmaster exhaustOther Rides:*************************74 Benz 450sl (43K original miles)02 Yamaha V-Star 43 Willy's Jeep03 Jeep Grnd. Cherokee
meathead333
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Re: Leather Interior? (trdvibe)

Post by meathead333 »

quote:I painted the interior panels red (previously silverhow does that look? i would think it might look sort of tacky if the paint startedto peel or chip. got a pic?
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AKLGT
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Re: Leather Interior? (meathead333)

Post by AKLGT »

quote:I painted the interior panels red (previously silverhow does that look? i would think it might look sort of tacky if the paint startedto peel or chip. got a pic?I sanded down the parts to black, primered 2 coats, and sprayed about 3 coats of red. To top it off and seal it a little better, i put about 2-3 coats of clear coat. I noticed (when i took the doors apart to install the speakers) I wasn't careful enough and rubbed/scratched a small paint on the top of the passenger side door near the power window control. You wouldn't see it if someone didn't point it out, but I can see it so of course i'll have to fix it.

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AKLGT1998 Subaru 2.5RS
Jethro
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Re: Leather Interior? (trdvibe)

Post by Jethro »

I like the red panels - looks real nice. Be sure to post pictures of the leather interior when you've got it installed!What's that in the panel just to the right of the usless coinholder? Alarm indicator?
PBFlash
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Re: Leather Interior? (Jethro)

Post by PBFlash »

quote:What's that in the panel just to the right of the usless coinholder? Alarm indicator?Yes it is the alarm indicator for the factory security system.
Satellite Vibe GTMoons and Tunes Package with 6-Disc In Dash CD, Safety/Security/Power Packages, cargo mat. 35% tint all around (except windshield)18 in Motegi Racing MR8 Wheels/Nitto NT 555 225/40ZR-18 tiresStainless Steel Exhaust TipInjen CAIPics of my Vibe CarDomain.com
AKLGT
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Re: Leather Interior? (PBFlash)

Post by AKLGT »

I am planning on putting the heated seating switch there (in the empty one) or on the third button on the dash. not sure how i'm going to wire it in yet. we'll have to see.
AKLGT1998 Subaru 2.5RS
AKLGT
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Re: Leather Interior? (trdvibe)

Post by AKLGT »

just received email confirmation that my interior will be shipped 2-day tonight. Will keep everyone updated on installing.
AKLGT1998 Subaru 2.5RS
yank dini
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Re: Leather Interior? (trdvibe)

Post by yank dini »

Im gonna "pipe" my seats real soon too. I was thinking of a leather blue/black color scheme with some vinyl trim on the ends of it. Im guessin it will run me about $2000.00
slbpsi63
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Re: Leather Interior? (silverawd26)

Post by slbpsi63 »

I've been contemplating doing my interior in a greay leather with red inserts, but If I do it won't be for antother year or two.
Base Vibe, Shadow Monotone, 5sp.
yank dini
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Re: Leather Interior? (silverawd26)

Post by yank dini »

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yank dini
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Re: Leather Interior? (silverawd26)

Post by yank dini »

quote:That is a lot of money....I am trying to think of the name of the shop...Shelby Trim I think.. It is located on Mound Road, between 18 and 19 Mile Roads heading north. They are going to do my 92 Blazer for me....How much do they charge for your 4 seats. And keep in mind me and my brother only estimated how much it would be........ We just guessed around $2000.00
AKLGT
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Re: Leather Interior? (silverawd26)

Post by AKLGT »

I paid $670 for my leather interior. it included a heated drivers seat, front and back seats, door panels, dark graphite with flat red inserts, red contrast stitching, and Vibe embroidered in silver. I decided against the piping, but i think it only cost about $50 more for all the seats. I have the front two seats installed along with the heating pads. I will post pics as soon as my computer will work with me. It's not recognizing my USB cable. I got my 5 channel Planet Audio amp installed with an 8" Solobaric Kicker sub in a ported box. It sounds great. I tried a 10" sub and a 12", but the smaller solobaric in the ported box sounded much better. Not too earth shattering from the outside, but on the inside, it makes everything shake. It looks really good. I installed the drivers seat on Saturday. i didn't get the passenger side done so you could really see a big difference. Installing them isn't that hard, it just takes time and space.
AKLGT1998 Subaru 2.5RS
AKLGT
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Re: Leather Interior? (trdvibe)

Post by AKLGT »

Ok, here's the picture of just the front driver's side seat. You can really tell a difference since the passenger's side was not installed yet.Tell me what you think.

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millster
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Re: Leather Interior? (trdvibe)

Post by millster »

Looks good. I like it. It's definitely a change!
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yank dini
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Re: Leather Interior? (trdvibe)

Post by yank dini »

Did they custom stitch the "Vibe" on the seat?
AKLGT
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Re: Leather Interior? (yank dini)

Post by AKLGT »

yes. they had a few different options including Vibe. Since I have a GT, I wanted to accentuate the GT, but they didn't have it as an option. I have a satellite Vibe and so the logo is in silver to match the outside.
AKLGT1998 Subaru 2.5RS
Shadow Realm
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Re: Leather Interior? (silverawd26)

Post by Shadow Realm »

Your leather look great! I did a two-tone leather package for a customer of mine. It was grey that was almost black andthe insert was charcoal( a little lighter). We had it done for $850 including istallation. That was for all seats and headrests and the front door panel inserts.Shadow Realm
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AKLGT
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Re: Leather Interior? (Shadow Realm)

Post by AKLGT »

$850 installed? wow, that's not bad. I checked around here and it would cost me anywhere from $350-500 just for installation. The only thing I may need help with will be the door inserts. i may find someone to do that for me, but we'll see how it goes.
AKLGT1998 Subaru 2.5RS
yank dini
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Re: Leather Interior? (yank dini)

Post by yank dini »

I got some info on leather seats at the meet on Saturday. The dealer there actually had a Vibe on Display with Leather. There is a place close by that deals directly with the dealership. Installation starts at $999.00
AKLGT
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Re: Leather Interior? (yank dini)

Post by AKLGT »

Is that the leather interior installed? It's not too bad. Still, it's not all that hard, so if you want to save yourself $300-400, then do it yourself.
AKLGT1998 Subaru 2.5RS
yank dini
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Re: Leather Interior? (trdvibe)

Post by yank dini »

yeah but I wanted some custom work done to it to.. (no not my name in the seats ) So it's gonna cost me a little more
AKLGT
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Re: Leather Interior? (trdvibe)

Post by AKLGT »

finally finished installing the leather interior. i know, it's taken me since may to get it all in. i finished the rear seats this afternoon and have to say the overall look turned out great!

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AKLGT1998 Subaru 2.5RS
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Re: Leather Interior? (trdvibe)

Post by AKLGT »

and here's a shot from the front seats to the back. those top rear seats were kinda tough, but once i figured it out, wasn't so bad.

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AKLGT1998 Subaru 2.5RS
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Re: Leather Interior? (silverawd26)

Post by AKLGT »

thanks, silver. was hard work.... but i think in the end it was worth it
AKLGT1998 Subaru 2.5RS
Toasted7
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Re: Leather Interior? (trdvibe)

Post by Toasted7 »

Looks like all that hard work paid off... looks really nice!!!
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savedbyzero
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Re: Leather Interior? (Toasted7)

Post by savedbyzero »

Conkle Potniac in Kokomo, IN has a few "custom" vibes. One has really crappy "chrome" rims and leather interior. It's a sad site...I'm sure it can be done better. This one looked horrible.
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Reynoma
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Re: Leather Interior? (trdvibe)

Post by Reynoma »

Looks great trdvibe! You've got a very cool ride going there...
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savedbyzero
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Re: Leather Interior? (Reynoma)

Post by savedbyzero »

I, personally, don't like leather unless it's done super tight. It just looks sloppy to me, when the edges are puckered and it looks loose. I love the tight, clean lines of the stock seat, although, they could be a little more sports oriented in the GT's.
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AKLGT
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Re: Leather Interior? (savedbyzero)

Post by AKLGT »

yes, the covers are a little loose right now, but they do tighten up in the heat and after usage. they can't be too tight when installing or they won't go on. you can tell in the pics that the front seats are tighter fitting than the rear. also, i'm not a pro so i can't make them fit perfectly. for a DIY, I think I did a damn good job of pulling out the seats, taking off the OEM cloth, replacing the fabric, wiring the heated elements, and then reinstalling the seats back in with only watching a 10 min video. i don't plan to quit my day job, in otherwords.sorry, if you don't care for leather, as i don't care for cloth. to each his own. now, about wanting them to be a bit sportier, i agree with you whole heartedly. but, they aren't too bad. atleast they aren't huge squares like in the old buicks.
AKLGT1998 Subaru 2.5RS
Stang2Vibe
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Re: Leather Interior? (trdvibe)

Post by Stang2Vibe »

Looks great! Hmm...this may be an early Christmas present to myself.
Former owner of a 2003 Vibe GT---Great car that gave me 8 years and 83,000 miles of trouble-free service.Current owner of a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited AWD.
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