Leather anyone?

Can't wait to see the pics, Manny. I for one would plunk down $1K on leather given its aesthetics and resale value versus $500 on Wet Okole.

Hi Manny,
Thx for the pics. They look awesome.
Did you previously mention the job done on the Prius was via a bay area Toyota dealer? If so, perhaps we could get that contractors contact details from the dealership?

I am eager to see Beth's seats....

Cheers!

I've found a shop locally (Westminster) that has just finished up on a LEAF. They did a really nice job (though I saw a little puckering in area of the rear seat backrest cover I thought could have been avoided), and the price was certainly right - $1000 all-in! For that you get front and rear seat covers with leather faces and vinyl elsewhere, all properly sewn to accommodate the air-bags; covers for the headrests; covers for the door and center console armrests; and labor/fitting. The even sew in an extra map pocket on the driver's seat back!

The car you see in the pictures is done in a dark grey that matches the color in the upper dash very, very nicely. I was also shown a light beige color swatch that is a pretty good match for the door panels, but it was just a hair lighter and I personally would just as soon go for a high-contrast - much easier to pull off than a color match that's not quite right.

Speaking of the pictures - I could kill myself for not having my good camera with me. And, you know, I thought about taking it but then was like "Nah, what could I possibly see on the way down to the DMV?". So these relatively poor pictures are off my iPhone camera, sorry. :?

Anyway, they've got the patterns down from this car, and already have a couple of other LEAFs coming in for work. I told the owner's dad (who was the one that spoke with me) about us, and that he should expect a few of us would be in contact with the shop, which is Skylineseating at 13050 Hoover St., Westminster 92683 (Hoover just south of Garden Grove Blvd.). Tony Dang is the owner and their direct phone number is (714) 720-5272 and office number (714) 898-0989. http://www.skylineseating.com. It seems like a nicely setup and run little shop.

You could tell Tony that I referred you, if you call (not that I'll get any special deal for referrals or anything). But in any event, you should certainly say you're from the forum (I did leave one of my Garygid created forum business cards), so they'll know we're talking about them on the forum and are the source of the referral.

Thank you for the photos Mike! Do you have a picture looking directly from the rear with the hatch open up? I wanted to see what the edges look like along the rear part of the backseat.

Overall WOW! They look beautiful. I really want Leather now, it really transforms the Leaf to feel "Luxurious". This is a really worthwhile upgrade.

I wish we have this and priced as that in the SF Bay Area....

If I wasn't leasing, I'd go for leather. But since I am, there is no real point...

mxp said:

Thank you for the photos Mike! Do you have a picture looking directly from the rear with the hatch open up? I wanted to see what the edges look like along the rear part of the backseat..

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Sorry, no. Those are the only pics I was able to get.

Very nice looking, Mike, thanks for the pics and the heads-up. The pics are fine, btw, esp the armrest ones.

I'm in the "leasing, so probably not" camp. But were I buying the LEAF, I'd definitely be tempted. Perhaps for our 2007 Prius...

Boomer23 said:

I'm in the "leasing, so probably not" camp.

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Same here, but it is MIGHTY tempting at only an extra $27.78/mo I would love to see this in person...

z0ner said:

Same here, but it is MIGHTY tempting at only an extra $27.78/mo I would love to see this in person...

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You might want to call over the shop and see if you can take a look...they were pretty accommodating to me. But the car looks like it's pretty much done, and I know if it were mine I'd want to go pick it up right away.

I just went by and took a look. I thought it came out great. While I leased, I am considering having it done. I would enjoy it for at least the next 35 months. I do not think it will hurt the value of the car. In fact I suspect it will add a bit. I took some pictures but do not want to bother with the process of displaying them. If someone wants about four shots, send me an email to [email protected]

Manny

Here are Manny's pics, which came out much better than mine. Thanks for sharing Manny!

I'm glad that Nissan decided not to offer leather on a Leaf. It just doesn't fit the concept of the car, IMO. I say this having had many leather clad cars, and don't begrudge anyone opting for aftermarket leather--but it just doesn't seem right on a Leaf.(I'm not a vegetarian either!)

I wonder about the impact of leather seats on range/efficiency. The leather has got to weigh quite a bit more than the mouse-fur that's on there now. Would hauling that extra weight around affect range?

Taxidan said:

I wonder about the impact of leather seats on range/efficiency. The leather has got to weigh quite a bit more than the mouse-fur that's on there now. Would hauling that extra weight around affect range?

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I don't think leather upholstery would have any more range impact than keeping a couple extra jackets in the trunk.

Taxidan said:

I wonder about the impact of leather seats on range/efficiency. The leather has got to weigh quite a bit more than the mouse-fur that's on there now. Would hauling that extra weight around affect range?

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Measured in feet, over the entire life of the car.

I'm trying to decide leather color-- it seems a light color that matches the interior makes the most sense, but I don't like light leathers in general, what do people think of black leather in a black leaf?

SteveInSeattle said:

I'm trying to decide leather color-- it seems a light color that matches the interior makes the most sense, but I don't like light leathers in general, what do people think of black leather in a black leaf?

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Should look good. I was rather thinking of using the dark gray like was put on the door trim.

how long did they take to do the job?

qcar said:

how long did they take to do the job?

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Sorry, no idea. Best to call over there if you're interested.

Just spoke with Tony (owner) and set up for a week from this Monday.
Drop car in early Monday am, and pick up late Tuesday afternoon.

With dogs and gym workouts, leather is a must!

Photos convinced me.....car looks really super!
Thanks guys...I was one of the folks that reserved WetOakley covers but decided against at the last minute.....I'm really glad I waited, because this seems to fit my need much better...