Leather - Covers vs. Replacement and Preferences

[vtkremlin]

I've searched around the site for a few days now looking for pointers and links to good resources to get some nice looking two-tone leather seats into my 2001 Grand Am GT.

I'm definitely no car expert and I am wanting to get into learning much more about the vehicle as I work on doing some modifications to the car over the coming months.

I'm debating looking for covers (I assume easy install) versus learning to replace the factory covers (harder, maybe looks better?)

Im wondering if anyone has any first hand experience working with specific companies, types of leather seats, etc. Also, maybe someone has pics of the installed product? I'd appreciate your referrals.

I'd love you guys help, and I think this site will be very helpful in my education about the good ole' Grand Am GT. (I've been driving it fully stock for 3 years now)

[lightningGA]

I ordered my Katzkin leather interior from www.autoleathers.com
They are full replacments and wasn't really that hard to do.

PICS:

http://www.aedcentral.com/photopost/data/262DSC03158-med.JPG

http://www.aedcentral.com/photopost/data/262DSC03159-med.JPG

[PhantomLover007]

That **** is nice Lightning.

[Trigga-T]

how much did u pay for all that

[notsoaveragej0e]

That **** is nice Lightning.

+1, I was lookin at all the pics you have on that OTHER website...you got rid of all the graphics I see. Looks very clean...what mods DON'T you have on your car? lol /OT

[onesexyga]

Changing out the seat covers is not bad at all. Whether you go factory leather or aftermarket like katskinz, you just pull off the old and put on the new, 2 hours tops. The only tools you'll need is a torque socket to pull the seats. Seat covers come off entirely by hand, and they use velcro and plastic clips, so no hogrings or pliers required. I can give you detailed instructions when you decide to go ahead and do it.

[PhantomLover007]

Changing out the seat covers is not bad at all. Whether you go factory leather or aftermarket like katskinz, you just pull off the old and put on the new, 2 hours tops. The only tools you'll need is a torque socket to pull the seats. Seat covers come off entirely by hand, and they use velcro and plastic clips, so no hogrings or pliers required. I can give you detailed instructions when you decide to go ahead and do it.

I hate those fu**ing hog rings. Trying to get them to work right while putting on seat covers are a biatch.

[vtkremlin]

Thanks Lightening. That looks like exactly what I want, just wanted a confirmation of a good experience....That vehicle looks VERY nice, if you are willing to give any pointers to a newbie on how you did the plastic or vinyl coloring, message me? If not, thanks for your help.

onesexyga -- So you are saying that there are no hog rings on the GA? I have not started digging around the car yet.

Thanks guys.

[onesexyga]

Yeah, basically the covers slip on and attach with a plastic channel that runs along the bottom. You can feel it if you put your hand under the seat back where it meets the seat bottom, or under the seat bottom. Where the seat cover sets in at the insets, its just velcro'd.

[nascarnate326]

I would search craigslist and ebay for some factor leather. If not, put some FBody leather seats in your car. With a little work....you will have some darn nice seats.

[Elderas]

well these were the only pictures i could find but mine are katskinz too i bought em off ebay. Private seller not ebay store/


they were really wrinkly when they came out of the box but theyve since strethced out abit.


http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o229/Elderas/Picture035.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o229/Elderas/Picture038.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o229/Elderas/Picture037.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o229/Elderas/Picture036.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o229/Elderas/Picture035-1.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o229/Elderas/Picture034.jpg

[AaronGTR]

Whatever you do don't get any cheapo slip on covers from pep boys etc. You will be disappointed. They slide around on the seat and don't fit well and are uncomfortable as heck. Go with Katzkins (they have a good rep), or some other type of custom cover or completely aftermarket seats. You will be glad you did.

[ryanbgb22]

i never realized the katskin covers were that nice looking. maybe i'll look into those someday.

[stillriza]

I would search craigslist and ebay for some factor leather. If not, put some FBody leather seats in your car. With a little work....you will have some darn nice seats.

i appologize for my ignorant question...but what other fbody seats would work in his situation?

[Rosado]

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/7/web/691000-691999/691400_4_full.jpg

I had my factory seats totally redone.

[vtkremlin]

Rosado - where / how did you get them redone?

[Rosado]

Got them done where I work. Bacically he took the seats upart and wrapped them in leather. Gave him a pic of what I wanted and wala.

You would have to drive to Staten Island to get them done.

[gilzgrandam00]

what was the $$$$ price on those Ro

[Jake]

A guy here in my town that did my sisters convertible top does seats as well he quoted me 1500$ for just the 2 front seats in leather, real leather, not cheap crap im like bah! :(

[PhantomLover007]

A guy here in my town that did my sisters convertible top does seats as well he quoted me 1500$ for just the 2 front seats in leather, real leather, not cheap crap im like bah! :(

Damn..

[MrNooblet]

A guy here in my town that did my sisters convertible top does seats as well he quoted me 1500$ for just the 2 front seats in leather, real leather, not cheap crap im like bah! :(

find out what leather costs and then ask him how much he will charge if you supply the leather

[Jake]

find out what leather costs and then ask him how much he will charge if you supply the leather

Yea I need to because he said the labor will only be 500$ and the elather would bea grand im like :eek:

[Jake]

wow wtf double post? my bad..

[MrNooblet]

well picked my katzkin out
only $972

[Jake]

Color? :D