LC 200 FRONT SEATS UPGRADE (3 Viewers)

[pmrosendo]

Very interested. My only gripe after just upgrading to a 200/LX is the seats. It just feels like I can’t get comfortable. Compared to my 80/LX it just seems like I am sitting flat in a large seat. I drove my wife’s Mazda CX9 the other day and immediately recognized the difference with the bucket/captain seat feel. Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t change vehicles.

I recently installed the set jackets hoping to get that recessed feel when driving but don’t think it’s going to work for me.

Having said that, what would you recommend to someone who doesn’t have the time or space to take on this type project at the moment but is looking for the same solution?

I'm a professional Car-Audio installer, in Portugal, this is my personal overlanding vehicle so time and labor is done by me with costs to my family, health and mental sanity...

I would recomend finding a professional in car fabrication, modification or similar with some experience in electric and electronic connections and functioning, depending, of course, on the seats you are installing, mine were last generation BMW so Can-Bus protocols are different and one needs to find the correct solution for it to work.

 

[RedDevil0309]

The dash setup is possible on a non-navigation LC200, since the A/C console is independent from the headunit.

The headunii is a KENWOOD DMX-9720XDS (AV Multimedia systems • DMX9720XDS Features • KENWOOD Europe - https://www.kenwood.eu/car/navigation_multimedia/multimedia/DMX9720XDS/), maybe different in other non-EU markets but probably the same chassis so it will fit.

The main modification to the dash, apart from some trimming inside, is the hazard switch that went to the roof, next to the interior light switches.
I choose this headunit because it's capable of 4 High-Res cameras, also from KENWOOD, completely different from the ones that come OEM and a lot better than some aftermarket ones.

Sick work and dedication man..i am tempted to install the kenwood screen in my LC200 as well. but i am not able to justify the 1000$ price tag. i would like to know your experience so far with the kenwood.

 

[pmrosendo]

Sick work and dedication man..i am tempted to install the kenwood screen in my LC200 as well. but i am not able to justify the 1000$ price tag. i would like to know your experience so far with the kenwood.

Since my last post I've done some other VDJ200, with KENWOOD and recently with ANDROID (TESLA look) rádios.

One of the KENWOOD's was installed on a full navi JBL headunit and that was a PITA!!!

Along with the dash modification we needed some fabrication for the integration of the OEM screen, since it controls the climate, front and back. It's not that difficult but still a lot of work to do and it looses the ashtray, cigarette lighters, etc.

 

[RedDevil0309]

Since my last post I've done some other VDJ200, with KENWOOD and recently with ANDROID (TESLA look) rádios.

One of the KENWOOD's was installed on a full navi JBL headunit and that was a PITA!!!

Along with the dash modification we needed some fabrication for the integration of the OEM screen, since it controls the climate, front and back. It's not that difficult but still a lot of work to do and it looses the ashtray, cigarette lighters, etc.

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View attachment 3725289I myself currently have the tesla style screen installed in my Lc200. but recently been planning to overhaul the sound system in my car..and i was suggested this exact kenwood head unit by the shop.they said it makes a lot of difference compared to android units..so i would like to thank you for the pictures as now i know how it ll look exactly.

 

[RandyDaytona]

OK, I’m done drooling over that audio setup…

I don’t know if anyone has noticed, but I revisited the Scheel-Mann site. They now offer a ventilated version of the Vario. They state that there are actually two separate motors inside the seat to push the air around. Since my LC pushes no air whatsoever (!), the SM seats are looking better and better, especially since I’ll be driving to Idaho in October, anyway.

If I can upgrade my seats, then I can go back to obsessing over the audio stuff .

 

[pmrosendo]

OK, I’m done drooling over that audio setup…

I don’t know if anyone has noticed, but I revisited the Scheel-Mann site. They now offer a ventilated version of the Vario. They state that there are actually two separate motors inside the seat to push the air around. Since my LC pushes no air whatsoever (!), the SM seats are looking better and better, especially since I’ll be driving to Idaho in October, anyway.

If I can upgrade my seats, then I can go back to obsessing over the audio stuff .

Wait!!!

I haven't shown the audio system on my car yet, mainly because it's not completely finished (when you do this for a living you tend to let yourself behind... ) and also because I started with some class D amplification and crossovers but now I'm going class AB and full active on all speakers.

I'm using the new FOCAL K2M speakers range together with MOSCONI PRO amps and DSP.

I've done a major sound deadening on the doors and rear panels, installed all speakers and built some tweeter pods on the "A" pillar, will have some photos ASAP except for the subwoofers that I can show you now how I've done it.

 

[Boston Mangler]

The more i drive my 200, the more i hate the seats and the higher a seat upgrade moves up the list...

 

[PNGCRUISER]

Wait!!!

I haven't shown the audio system on my car yet, mainly because it's not completely finished (when you do this for a living you tend to let yourself behind... ) and also because I started with some class D amplification and crossovers but now I'm going class AB and full active on all speakers.

I'm using the new FOCAL K2M speakers range together with MOSCONI PRO amps and DSP.

I've done a major sound deadening on the doors and rear panels, installed all speakers and built some tweeter pods on the "A" pillar, will have some photos ASAP except for the subwoofers that I can show you now how I've done it.

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Would love to see a build thread on your audio upgrades! Looks amazing BTW, nice work!

 

[RandyDaytona]

Wait!!!

I haven't shown the audio system on my car yet, mainly because it's not completely finished (when you do this for a living you tend to let yourself behind... ) and also because I started with some class D amplification and crossovers but now I'm going class AB and full active on all speakers.

I'm using the new FOCAL K2M speakers range together with MOSCONI PRO amps and DSP.

I've done a major sound deadening on the doors and rear panels, installed all speakers and built some tweeter pods on the "A" pillar, will have some photos ASAP except for the subwoofers that I can show you now how I've done it.

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Wow!

 

[RandyDaytona]

I finally broke down this week and ordered a set of Scheel-Mann front seats with the ventilation fans. These don’t have to come directly from Germany as they are not “custom” so I should have them in less than a week or so. The brackets take slightly longer. I’ll post some pics once they’re in.

 

[Boston Mangler]

I finally broke down this week and ordered a set of Scheel-Mann front seats with the ventilation fans. These don’t have to come directly from Germany as they are not “custom” so I should have them in less than a week or so. The brackets take slightly longer. I’ll post some pics once they’re in.

Yes yes yes!

Please keep us posted as I’m an very much looking at this also but had a couple questions no one seems to be able to answer about the Scheelmans

Mainly the height of the seat (where your ass sits) compared to stock

 

[PNGCRUISER]

I finally broke down this week and ordered a set of Scheel-Mann front seats with the ventilation fans. These don’t have to come directly from Germany as they are not “custom” so I should have them in less than a week or so. The brackets take slightly longer. I’ll post some pics once they’re in.

What are you doing about the seat Air bags?

 

[RandyDaytona]

Nothing. They said the sensor might illuminate on the passenger side, but the bags will be fully functional.

 

[RandyDaytona]

Yes yes yes!

Please keep us posted as I’m an very much looking at this also but had a couple questions no one seems to be able to answer about the Scheelmans

Mainly the height of the seat (where your ass sits) compared to stock

They told me it would be the same. I was very clear that I did not want to lose any headroom.

 

[Boston Mangler]

They told me it would be the same. I was very clear that I did not want to lose any headroom.

Thanks. I’m looking to lower mine 1-1.5” if possible. Some models it’s easily doable. Unknown with 200

Look forward to seeing the bracketry. What brand brackets you going with?

Thanks

 

[PNGCRUISER]

Nothing. They said the sensor might illuminate on the passenger side, but the bags will be fully functional.

There will be air bag lights illuminated if the seats are removed. If the air bag light is illuminated the air bag will not function in the event of a crash.

 

[RandyDaytona]

Thanks. I’m looking to lower mine 1-1.5” if possible. Some models it’s easily doable. Unknown with 200

Look forward to seeing the bracketry. What brand brackets you going with?

Thanks

They’re from a company called Planted Technologies (?). I think they’re the only ones who make them for Scheel-Mann. In the U.S. anyway.

One thing I noticed in looking at the brackets: it looks like there might be some room to make them a bit lower if someone were to contact PT and have them made that way. They’re made to order, anyway. It’s too late for me to ask about that, but something to keep in mind.

 

[RandyDaytona]

They’re from a company called Planted Technologies (?). I think they’re the only ones who make them for Scheel-Mann. In the U.S. anyway.

One thing I noticed in looking at the brackets: it looks like there might be some room to make them a bit lower if someone were to contact PT and have them made that way. They’re made to order, anyway. It’s too late for me to ask about that, but something to keep in mind.

Link to the brackets. It’s actually Planted “Technology.” I had it wrong.

Toyota

Seat Bracket applications for Toyota models.

www.plantedtechnology.com

There will be air bag lights illuminated if the seats are removed. If the air bag light is illuminated the air bag will not function in the event of a crash.

I was told that it would, so I will clarify. The seat bags won’t, as there are no bags actually INSIDE the seats. It’s also only the passenger side that illuminates and there is a workaround, similar to the fox for the light that illuminates when the second row is removed.

 

[Boston Mangler]

They’re from a company called Planted Technologies (?). I think they’re the only ones who make them for Scheel-Mann. In the U.S. anyway.

One thing I noticed in looking at the brackets: it looks like there might be some room to make them a bit lower if someone were to contact PT and have them made that way. They’re made to order, anyway. It’s too late for me to ask about that, but something to keep in mind.

Good info. Thanks

 

[Boston Mangler]

Link to the brackets. It’s actually Planted “Technology.” I had it wrong.

Toyota

Seat Bracket applications for Toyota models.

www.plantedtechnology.com

I was told that it would, so I will clarify. The seat bags won’t, as there are no bags actually INSIDE the seats. It’s also only the passenger side that illuminates and there is a workaround, similar to the fox for the light that illuminates when the second row is removed.

These folks make a dongle for the taco and 4r

I talked with them a few days ago and they’re considering one for the 100 and 200 also

Airbag Proxy/Simulator- Type 2 | Tolerance-STACK

Airbag connectors are critical components of the entire SRS airbag system. When testing airbag circuits, or removing an airbag due to a seat upgrade for example, a proxy is needed to inform the overall SRS system that although an airbag was removed the system is still functioning correctly. This...

www.tolerance-stack.com