Anyone install their own leather /katzkin

[Russ757]

New to the silverado family and absolutely love this truck...  Except the lack of leather on my RST.  

 

Been doing research on whether to buy a katzkin type kit or to source oem leather from the yards.  The quotes around VA range from 800 to 1300 to install.  But looking at this video,  it doesn't seem all that difficult on the 2020.  Obviously I won't be as quick as a seasoned installer but seems doable over a weekend.  

 

 

 

[Recneps]

I did. It took way too much time and I will pay someone to do it if I ever need it again. But plan on an entire weekend. 

[Russ757]

Aside from not wanting to do it lol, any tips? 

Edited August 28, 2022 by Russ757

[jeremyp]

3 hours ago, Russ757 said:

Aside from  kt wanting to do it lol, any tips? 

Having helped a friend install a Katzkin interior several years ago, one thing I highly recommend is to do it in the sun on a warm day. It helps to have the leather warm as it stretches over the seats a lot easier. A hairdryer also helps. Just let the leather get nice and warm before you start the install and keep it warm as you work it in.

 

The difference in the final product were highly evident. The seat we did the warm leather install on looked nice and smooth and fit great while the seat we did in his garage had some ever so slight fitment wrinkles. It still looked very good but you could tell the difference, for sure.

 

If I decide to keep my 2022 Elevation long term, I'll be ordering a Katzkin kit and will opt to have them install it. Mostly because I don't have the time but I also want it to be perfect.

[BossTaco2020]

I had my Katzkin leather installed professionally when I bought my truck so I can't help you with a manual install. However I do want to say that they've held up very nicely in the 2 years and 40K miles I've owed my truck. This leather is great and I have absolutely zero complaints about it!

[Leevon]

I did it once in my 2008 Silverado about 10 years ago...never again.  It came out looking professional and all, but it took 10 hours and my hands were completely wrecked, like worthless for a week and cut up.  The new style aren't as difficult but if you have a Katzkin dealer in your area, let them handle it! 

[Russ757]

41 minutes ago, Leevon said:

I did it once in my 2008 Silverado about 10 years ago...never again.  It came out looking professional and all, but it took 10 hours and my hands were completely wrecked, like worthless for a week and cut up.  The new style aren't as difficult but if you have a Katzkin dealer in your area, let them handle it! 

 

I'm OK with that as I'd break it down into two days. But of that 10 hours, how much was spent on the console? I'm not sure even gonna mess with it but the seats seem pretty straight forward. 

[brianf60]

I did the install in my 2011. It took a full day. I did everything except the top of the center console. I really needed 3 hands for that. I took it to interior shop and he did it for $20. 

[sharkeysierra]

Install took me a few hours while watching TV. I would highly recommend taking the seats out. IT was much easier for me to maneuver around where I needed to

[Russ757]

Well winning x2

 

Was able to a source oem set from a trail boss for under $300 and a guy, starting on his own after breaking off from a reputable upholstery shop, willing to install for 4-450.. Which seems reasonable to me.. 

Edited September 4, 2022 by Russ757

[MrMonkei]

I did on my 2014 Tundra years ago. I would never do that install again. Had to buy a air staple gun. Started at 9am and didn't finish until 11pm. PITA! I just picked up my custom and had the dealer add leather seats. Im taking the truck in on the 12th to get them installed. Sales rep said it would take 2-3 days but hey i rather wait than to do that install again. 

[Wiggums]

I can do it myself and take 15 hours to do it.. or pay a professional $100 and watch him take an hour or so to do it.

[KARNUT]

Damn 100$ and 1 hour I’d be all over that!

[Jricharc]

I got a deal on a custom set on eBay that someone ordered and didn't pay for. I installed them myself in a day but paid an upholstery shop to do the center console lid. Just take your time and it's not a overly hard job IMO.