Bartlett Corporation Leather on Ebay - $150!

Re: Bartlett Corporation Leather on Ebay-

I just got my tracking number. I am getting mine on May 4th Monday also!

Fedex said the package weights 46.5 lbs! That can't be unless I am getting both of yours also.

 

Re: Bartlett Corporation Leather on Ebay-

This link is a leather install at home on a 3000GT. It's not a Prius but the approach should be identical. Hopefully this will calm some fears of how difficult this is (or maybe it will scare some people into paying to have it done - I guess it's all in how comfortable you are with this type of work).

One note: the author of this web page says the wrinkles will smooth out over time. To some extent that is true. However, it looks like this install doesn't produce nearly as smooth of a look as that in the Prius. It is best to work toward no wrinkles as you go, being careful to watch how the leather is fitting as you hog ring it down. While it can be adjusted, to do so requires cutting the offending hog ring(s) and re-positioning the cover. So corrections are better performed as early in the process as possible (and are all but impossible when completed without another tear-down).

Leather Interior Installation

 

Re: Bartlett Corporation Leather on Ebay-

I saw the same Katzkins video on YouTube yesterday. It is available in HD quality.

 

Re: Bartlett Corporation Leather on Ebay-

Holy cow.

 

Re: Bartlett Corporation Leather on Ebay-

Thanks, Seawolf for the direct links to the videos.

As you can see from the video, there is nothing complicated about this job, but it is complex; that is, no single task should be daunting but there are a lot of steps involved. The key is paying attention when taking off the old covers and making sure to match all the rings and clips on the install. Otherwise it will come off looking like a slip cover because the cover won't tuck in and look 3-dimentional (the cover won't conform to the shape of the foam).

If you really are intimidated and want to start with something simple to get a sense of accomplishment early and gett the feel for the task, do the headrests first. I believe they are just zippered on.

Starting with the back seat bottom is a good idea as it is the easiest to get out and should be the least complex from the standpoint of no hardware to remove. I will probably move to the back seat back and back arm rest next.

There might be glue involved with the door arm rests and the front center console cover - I'm not sure how those attach. You should be able to get 3M upholstery glue from a good auto supply store or professional paint and trim store (where the local body shops buy their supplies).

If I have time when doing mine I might take pics and do a "how to." My leather should ship on the 4th of May. I expect it to take about a week to get here, so I probably won't be doing the install until the weekend of 16 May. Others may have started or even finished by then.

 

Re: Bartlett Corporation Leather on Ebay-

That'd be a huge help!!

 

Re: Bartlett Corporation Leather on Ebay-

Just ordered my set in Bisque. $150 +$35 shipping. What a deal! Hope the product fits as well as the pictures show on eBay.

 

Re: Bartlett Corporation Leather on Ebay-

Please post the quality of the kit and take pictures for those that receive it today.

 

Re: Bartlett Corporation Leather on Ebay-

I got it delivered this morning. I got a chance to check it out during lunch.

The leather is pretty soft but kind of thin. I don't know how it compares to others because this will be my first install.

I will take pictures when I get home today. It doesn't look like it came with instructions. I did look for it but did not check throughly.

 

Re: Bartlett Corporation Leather on Ebay-

Most upholstery leather is fairly thin (exception: Mercedes). If it is too thick it is really hard to install and tends to be very stiff. What color did you get?

 

Re: Bartlett Corporation Leather on Ebay-

I am hesitating to jump to buy it because mine is 04 which they say is not good for
this product.
Has any one tried to install it to 04-05?

 

Re: Bartlett Corporation Leather on Ebay-

I got the Dark Gray.

Don't look at the entire kit. Look to install one piece at a time.

I took out the rear middle headrest. From looking at it, there is a gap at the mid-bottom of it. I have no idea how to remove the stock fabric. Checking online (leatherseats.com), they mention about the J hook that I have to unhook. However, their instruction is not Prius specific. I am going to have to look at the leather piece to figure this one out.

 

Re: Bartlett Corporation Leather on Ebay-

Can't wait! Mine should ship today (those of us in the "second wave" were getting ours shipped today since they were moving warehouses).

Too bad some of you aren't in the Denver metro! It would be fun to have an upholstery party.

 

Re: Bartlett Corporation Leather on Ebay-

Yea, I can feel the adrenaline thinking about doing this.

BTW, I bought some 200 hog rings and a wire cutter at Ace's Hardware for $15 plus tax. I don't have 3M Upholstery Glue yet. I think I will go get it when I need it.

 

Re: Bartlett Corporation Leather on Ebay-

i have done interiors before and the side panels are the hardest thing to do. i would leave that to a professional. if you mess up on what you have, then you are sol. i would call to see how much doing the door panels and just do the seats yourself.

 

Re: Bartlett Corporation Leather on Ebay-

I have done my door armrests already. I may just leave them or redo them to match the colors, depending on how it comes out. For that reason, I am leaving them to do last.

I can help others out if you have any questions about door armrests.