Seat covers-removing the seats for install

[ThatSickRIp]

Getting ready to install some seat covers in my SR5 and was thinking about removing the seats (fronts at least) to do them since its so tight inside. My F150 was easy with the seats still in because the cabin is so large, but the 4R is not as spacious.

Has anyone removed them for seat covers? How much of a PITA was it?

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[GSBeavis]

I have my covers but haven't installed yet. I'm like you and going to pull the seats, but in addition to that, while I have the seats out I'm going to pull up the carpet and put some sound deadener on the floors, doors, and inside the quarter panels.

 

[morsk]

Which seat covers did you order that you have to go to these lengths?

 

[GSBeavis]

I got the Carlimeki black and camo with red stitching. The covers are held on with straps and buckles. The tighter you can get them, the better they look but those straps and buckles are under the seats so it makes it difficult to get them tight. With the seats out you can turn the seat any way you need to get the best fit and the straps as tight as you can.

 

[morsk]

I got the Carlimeki black and camo with red stitching. The covers are held on with straps and buckles. The tighter you can get them, the better they look but those straps and buckles are under the seats so it makes it difficult to get them tight. With the seats out you can turn the seat any way you need to get the best fit and the straps as tight as you can.

I have the EKR leather seat covers and installed them without removing the seats. Straps and buckles. Yes, it took quite a bit of force at times with the trim tool or simply by hand, but it's pretty easy to get them in really tight and looking stock. I have almost zero loose fits anywhere - except for the middle seat's head cover. When I brought my car in to get ceramic coating and undercoating done, the guy thought it was a new seating option that Toyota introduced (I have the beige leather covers) and didn't realize they were aftermarket until the second day of working on the car.

Idk, imo, I don't think you need to go through all that. Just take your time and know that your fingers will be quite sore after the 3ish hour install.

 

[GSBeavis]

I'm doing a sound deadening install so it works out since I'll be taking the seats out anyway for that.

 

[ThatSickRIp]

Which seat covers did you order that you have to go to these lengths?

I got the CoverDream, which say EKR on the box
I just wanted to be able to access everything easily, like posted above, to get it as tight and clean as I can.

 

[morsk]

I got the CoverDream, which say EKR on the box
I just wanted to be able to access everything easily, like posted above, to get it as tight and clean as I can.

Well it's totally up to you, but I really don't think it's necessary. The most difficult part of the install is when you're trying to feed the material in through the crevice between the seat and backrest, and I don't see how removing the seat will be of that much help. If anything, having the seat in tact is probably easier because of how much force/effort you're putting in. A seat removed will be flopping around everywhere.

No matter how you go about this install, prepare to sweat, curse, and have your fingers stressed

 

[ThatSickRIp]

Well it's totally up to you, but I really don't think it's necessary. The most difficult part of the install is when you're trying to feed the material in through the crevice between the seat and backrest, and I don't see how removing the seat will be of that much help. If anything, having the seat in tact is probably easier because of how much force/effort you're putting in. A seat removed will be flopping around everywhere.

No matter how you go about this install, prepare to sweat, curse, and have your fingers stressed

Good to know, thanks!

And I was already planning on the last part

 

[HVLA]

Seats are easy to remove. 4 bolts and likely 1 electrical connection, maybe 2.

 

[emerson]

I did mine in 2 hours without removing the seats. Your hands and fingers will hate you for a few days after but so worth it.

 

[Mattb124]

I removed the mounting bolts (T50) but didn’t disconnect the electrical and that made it MUCH easier to connect and tighten everything under the seat. Just had to be very careful not to fully extend the electrical connectors when moving the seats around. I’d say the install took about an hour, maybe a bit more (just the front seats).

 

[ThatSickRIp]

I removed the mounting bolts (T50) but didn’t disconnect the electrical and that made it MUCH easier to connect and tighten everything under the seat. Just had to be very careful not to fully extend the electrical connectors when moving the seats around. I’d say the install took about an hour, maybe a bit more (just the front seats).

Thanks! Only power in my seat is lumbar, and of course air bags, which are my bigger concern. Not sure if I need to disconnect the batter before, after or at all if I disconnect the harness

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