Leather seat - repair OEM seat or replace w/ Lseat?

[kwelhand]

My attempt to repair the worn OEM leather seat bolster w/ 'seatdoctors' has been failed miserably.
The OEM leather seats are in great condition except the left lower seat area (see pic).

My local shop quoted me for $250 to just repair the left bolster area only w/ a new leather but, they said it won't be a perfect match.
The shop also quoted me $400 in labor just to replace the 2 front seats & arm rest w/ my Lseat leather covers that I ordered a while ago.

Here's my dilemma... I know OEM leather seats are quality leather and not sure replacing 2 front seats w/ Lseat would look close to OEM in both quality or look.
Other option is to keep the existing OEM seat covers and just repair the small left bottom damaged area for $250, but it will not match w/ rest of the seat.
Third option is just install Lseat leather covers by myself and save $400 in labor (already have tools and parts).

Any thoughts?
Anyone with any previous experience?

 

[doru]

I usually like to keep my cars interior close to OEM.
In the past I just fixed the OEM cover (leather or textile) as best as possible and continue using them while looking for OEM replacements (new or used). So far I did not have to use aftermarket replacements, so no experience there.
If I would be you I'll just fix that piece. $250 is a very reasonable price. I would first ask the shop to show me a sample of leather they are going to use just to make sure that their definition of "close" matches mine.

 

[kwelhand]

I usually like to keep my cars interior close to OEM.
In the past I just fixed the OEM cover (leather or textile) as best as possible and continue using them while looking for OEM replacements (new or used). So far I did not have to use aftermarket replacements, so no experience there.
If I would be you I'll just fix that piece. $250 is a very reasonable price. I would first ask the shop to show me a sample of leather they are going to use just to make sure that their definition of "close" matches mine.

I saw the samples but the color is more like 80-85% close.
The shop told me that Lexus purposely made the leather color non-standard and very hard to duplicate.
He suggested to re-dye the whole seat upon repairing but I don't really want re-dying the seat.

 

[Jab13lx]

I replaced the bottom driver's seat on my 2013 with a replacement I got off eBay. It was $160 and matches perfectly. You might check that out and see what you think!

 

[kwelhand]

I replaced the bottom driver's seat on my 2013 with a replacement I got off eBay. It was $160 and matches perfectly. You might check that out and see what you think!

View attachment 3042507

Thanks for the link… unfortunately, they don’t have black seat

How hard was the installation process?
Any special skill or tools required?

 

[Jab13lx]

Thanks for the link… unfortunately, they don’t have black seat

How hard was the installation process?
Any special skill or tools required?

Ugh! I should have checked the color options for you . I would have thought that they offered it in all colors. The replacement was very straightforward. There are song hog rings to contend with but nothing to extravagant . I used the seat doctor dye to freshen up the door panels and the rest of the seats. All in all I believe it's taken my interior from 5 to a 8.5 with very little work. I've had this car for a few months now(traded a 05 lx470) and the previous owner was great on maintenance but their kids were hard on the interior.

 

[kwelhand]

Ugh! I should have checked the color options for you . I would have thought that they offered it in all colors. The replacement was very straightforward. There are song hog rings to contend with but nothing to extravagant . I used the seat doctor dye to freshen up the door panels and the rest of the seats. All in all I believe it's taken my interior from 5 to a 8.5 with very little work. I've had this car for a few months now(traded a 05 lx470) and the previous owner was great on maintenance but their kids were hard on the interior.

Oh I see… I might give it a try.
It’s cheaper than what my local guy quoted me for just the small bolster repair.

 

[RET2]

Thanks OP just ordered a drivers seat lower cover replacement.
UPDATE: replacement piece was exactly like the original, they even had me send a pic of existing. Would certainly purchase again, even included new hog rings.

 

[joyRidaz]

Oh I see… I might give it a try.
It’s cheaper than what my local guy quoted me for just the small bolster repair.

I’ve been keenly interested in learning if it is possible to buy that tan lower seat cover and somehow doing a decent diy color redeye to the grey leather we both have.

Even if it’s not perfect it would likely be a huge improvement from the gigantic holes I have now (literally like 3x5 inches and more cracks and holes every day)…. Just can’t bring my self to spending $1k just for the factory bottom leaver cover or $700ish for a full set of aftermarket quasi color matched grey covers that won’t match doors etc

 

[kwelhand]

Thanks OP just ordered a drivers seat lower cover replacement.
UPDATE: replacement piece was exactly like the original, they even had me send a pic of existing. Would certainly purchase again, even included new hog rings.

Outstanding! Just take your time when replacing the leather.
Also, don't forget to use the steamer to revive the foam prior to install.
Good luck and have fun!

 

[kwelhand]

I’ve been keenly interested in learning if it is possible to buy that tan lower seat cover and somehow doing a decent diy color redeye to the grey leather we both have.

Even if it’s not perfect it would likely be a huge improvement from the gigantic holes I have now (literally like 3x5 inches and more cracks and holes every day)…. Just can’t bring my self to spending $1k just for the factory bottom leaver cover or $700ish for a full set of aftermarket quasi color matched grey covers that won’t match doors etc

I think the seller could match your grey colored leather seat.
Why don't you give them a call or message and see what they can offer.

 

[RET2]

FYI

Outstanding! Just take your time when replacing the leather.
Also, don't forget to use the steamer to revive the foam prior to install.
Good luck and have fun!

I know my limits so I prefer to let my local upholstery shop wrestle with the drivers seat. I have in the past had to buy replacement parts for the previous replacement parts I bought, don't ask,I just admitted it.

 

[Scylth]

I know I've seen a video on the 200 front seat cover replacement, but can't find it now. Anyone have the link? Trying to replace both front bottom covers today.

 

[kwelhand]

I saw 100 series but not 200 series…
Here’s my thread and some pic.

DIY Leather Seat Replacement (lots of pictures) - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/diy-leather-seat-replacement-lots-of-pictures.1291480/

 

[Scylth]

Thanks for reposting, I had come across your seat work before.

I finished installing both seat covers today. With watching videos, reading up a bit, set up and clean up, took 6.5 hours. Bought the seat from US Auto Seat Nation, for a 2013 LX570. Passenger seat was a direct replacement, drivers was not, but I made it work. Color is perfect, except I need to REALLY clean the old leather.

 

[kwelhand]

Thanks for reposting, I had come across your seat work before.

I finished installing both seat covers today. With watching videos, reading up a bit, set up and clean up, took 6.5 hours. Bought the seat from US Auto Seat Nation, for a 2013 LX570. Passenger seat was a direct replacement, drivers was not, but I made it work. Color is perfect, except I need to REALLY clean the old leather.

Awesome! Post some pic please!

 

[PDoyle]

What is the difference between the driver and passenger seats?