seat covers for LS-400

[trs80]

Where or how can I cover or replace inexpensively the front bucket seat
covers and center console cover? This for a 1990 LS-400 with 200,000 miles
on it. The current seats are black leather and the the driver seat is torn
badly.

thanks for any tips

[Ray O]

Post by trs80
Where or how can I cover or replace inexpensively the front bucket seat
covers and center console cover? This for a 1990 LS-400 with 200,000
miles on it. The current seats are black leather and the the driver seat
is torn badly.
thanks for any tips

Find an upholstery shop in your phone directory, google search "automotive
seat covers," or try a web site like www.legacyseatcovers.com.

[Max]

Post by trs80
Where or how can I cover or replace inexpensively the front bucket seat
covers and center console cover? This for a 1990 LS-400 with 200,000 miles
on it. The current seats are black leather and the the driver seat is torn
badly.
thanks for any tips

I'm not sure what your idea of "inexpensive" may be but this is
probably one of the best places to buy complete reskinning kits for
leather seats. The basic single color leather seats are around $800
for a set. But when you're done, the seats are literally new. I've
seen some cars that replaced their leather with these sets and
they're even *better* than OEM and significantly higher leather
quality *and* you get the choice of paying a little more and getting
them in different or multi color designs.

Personally, that's the direction I'd go for a complete replacement.

However, for a *very* inexpensive solution that I've done on our
daughters heavilly cracked and faded OEM leather in her 94 GS300,
I used this product:

http://www.magicmender.com/

It was very easy to use, cost less than a hundred bucks to repair both
front AND back seats and when I was done (about two hours of work),
the seats literally look NEW and have held up in very harsh, cold
weather. Saved me a TON of money.

[nopcbs]

A gentle aside:

Be careful with "better leather" for your car seats. Higher quality leather
(nice and soft) is less durable and requires more care and that is not a
good thing in a car. The grade that Lexus uses is pretty durable (our '92
LS400 seats are holding up nicely, thank you, with just a bit of soiling,
but no cracks).

- nopcbs

Post by Max

Post by trs80
Where or how can I cover or replace inexpensively the front bucket seat
covers and center console cover? This for a 1990 LS-400 with 200,000 miles
on it. The current seats are black leather and the the driver seat is torn
badly.
thanks for any tips

I'm not sure what your idea of "inexpensive" may be but this is
probably one of the best places to buy complete reskinning kits for
leather seats. The basic single color leather seats are around $800
for a set. But when you're done, the seats are literally new. I've
seen some cars that replaced their leather with these sets and
they're even *better* than OEM and significantly higher leather
quality *and* you get the choice of paying a little more and getting
them in different or multi color designs.
Personally, that's the direction I'd go for a complete replacement.
However, for a *very* inexpensive solution that I've done on our
daughters heavilly cracked and faded OEM leather in her 94 GS300,
http://www.magicmender.com/
It was very easy to use, cost less than a hundred bucks to repair both
front AND back seats and when I was done (about two hours of work),
the seats literally look NEW and have held up in very harsh, cold
weather. Saved me a TON of money.

[Max]

Post by nopcbs
Be careful with "better leather" for your car seats. Higher quality leather
(nice and soft) is less durable and requires more care and that is not a
good thing in a car. The grade that Lexus uses is pretty durable (our '92
LS400 seats are holding up nicely, thank you, with just a bit of soiling,
but no cracks).
- nopcbs

"Durable" is subjective. The thickness or how supple leather is
doesn't necessarily mean that it's "weaker".

The older leather seats in the early 90's Lexuses are thicker leather
however, they've also had a higher history of cracking. The new
generation of Lexuses have softer leather and, although thinner
than older leather seats, are actually more durable.

[trs80]

thanks. Leather is out just becuase it would be too expensive. Cost more
to reskin then the car it worth. So I thought I would try somthing like the
coverking vinyl or velour custom fit covers. Those are $200 for 2 front
seats. I would still need to do something about the seat cushion on driver
side and replace it though.

Post by nopcbs
Be careful with "better leather" for your car seats. Higher quality
leather (nice and soft) is less durable and requires more care and that is
not a good thing in a car. The grade that Lexus uses is pretty durable
(our '92 LS400 seats are holding up nicely, thank you, with just a bit of
soiling, but no cracks).
- nopcbs

Post by Max

Post by trs80
Where or how can I cover or replace inexpensively the front bucket seat
covers and center console cover? This for a 1990 LS-400 with 200,000 miles
on it. The current seats are black leather and the the driver seat is torn
badly.
thanks for any tips

I'm not sure what your idea of "inexpensive" may be but this is
probably one of the best places to buy complete reskinning kits for
leather seats. The basic single color leather seats are around $800
for a set. But when you're done, the seats are literally new. I've
seen some cars that replaced their leather with these sets and
they're even *better* than OEM and significantly higher leather
quality *and* you get the choice of paying a little more and getting
them in different or multi color designs.
Personally, that's the direction I'd go for a complete replacement.
However, for a *very* inexpensive solution that I've done on our
daughters heavilly cracked and faded OEM leather in her 94 GS300,
http://www.magicmender.com/
It was very easy to use, cost less than a hundred bucks to repair both
front AND back seats and when I was done (about two hours of work),
the seats literally look NEW and have held up in very harsh, cold
weather. Saved me a TON of money.

[D.D. Palmer]

Forget it. Throw a cheap sheepskin over it and it will go another 200K.

Post by trs80
Where or how can I cover or replace inexpensively the front bucket seat
covers and center console cover? This for a 1990 LS-400 with 200,000
miles on it. The current seats are black leather and the the driver seat
is torn badly.
thanks for any tips

[trs80]

ok. thanks. looks like maybe 250 for a pair of seats covers in vinyl
thanks agin

Post by trs80
Where or how can I cover or replace inexpensively the front bucket seat
covers and center console cover? This for a 1990 LS-400 with 200,000
miles on it. The current seats are black leather and the the driver seat
is torn badly.
thanks for any tips