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Leather Interior?
Posted: Wed May 21, 2003 3:19 pm
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?
Re: Leather Interior? (silverawd26)
Posted: Wed May 21, 2003 9:02 pm
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.
Re: Leather Interior? (trdvibe)
Posted: Thu May 22, 2003 4:38 am
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?
Re: Leather Interior? (meathead333)
Posted: Thu May 22, 2003 3:44 pm
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.
Attached files
Re: Leather Interior? (trdvibe)
Posted: Mon May 26, 2003 12:49 pm
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?
Re: Leather Interior? (Jethro)
Posted: Tue May 27, 2003 10:41 am
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.
Re: Leather Interior? (PBFlash)
Posted: Fri May 30, 2003 12:58 pm
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.
Re: Leather Interior? (trdvibe)
Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2003 7:05 am
by AKLGT
just received email confirmation that my interior will be shipped 2-day tonight. Will keep everyone updated on installing.
Re: Leather Interior? (trdvibe)
Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2003 3:32 am
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
Re: Leather Interior? (silverawd26)
Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2003 3:53 am
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.
Re: Leather Interior? (silverawd26)
Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2003 3:58 am
by yank dini
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Re: Leather Interior? (silverawd26)
Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2003 3:59 am
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
Re: Leather Interior? (silverawd26)
Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2003 1:00 pm
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.
Re: Leather Interior? (trdvibe)
Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2003 1:17 pm
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.
Attached files
Re: Leather Interior? (trdvibe)
Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2003 1:21 pm
by millster
Looks good. I like it. It's definitely a change!
Re: Leather Interior? (trdvibe)
Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2003 10:33 pm
by yank dini
Did they custom stitch the "Vibe" on the seat?
Re: Leather Interior? (yank dini)
Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2003 1:18 am
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.
Re: Leather Interior? (silverawd26)
Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2003 7:05 am
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
Re: Leather Interior? (Shadow Realm)
Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2003 11:02 am
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.
Re: Leather Interior? (yank dini)
Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2003 9:34 pm
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
Re: Leather Interior? (yank dini)
Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2003 1:35 am
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.
Re: Leather Interior? (trdvibe)
Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2003 1:46 am
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
Re: Leather Interior? (trdvibe)
Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2003 1:58 pm
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!
Attached files
Re: Leather Interior? (trdvibe)
Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2003 1:59 pm
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.
Attached files
Re: Leather Interior? (silverawd26)
Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2003 2:09 pm
by AKLGT
thanks, silver. was hard work.... but i think in the end it was worth it
Re: Leather Interior? (trdvibe)
Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2003 2:13 pm
by Toasted7
Looks like all that hard work paid off... looks really nice!!!
Re: Leather Interior? (Toasted7)
Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2003 4:53 pm
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.
Re: Leather Interior? (trdvibe)
Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2003 9:23 pm
by Reynoma
Looks great trdvibe! You've got a very cool ride going there...
Re: Leather Interior? (Reynoma)
Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2003 3:05 am
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.
Re: Leather Interior? (savedbyzero)
Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2003 10:55 am
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.
Re: Leather Interior? (trdvibe)
Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2003 11:35 pm
by Stang2Vibe
Looks great! Hmm...this may be an early Christmas present to myself.