Replaced 300A cloth seats with leather Katzkins - few thoughts

[Dave2013M3]

I'm going to do this as well...

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[71Rcode]

Go for it, Dave. You'll be glad you did.

My other thread on the door panels/inserts (Katzskin kits come with material for the door panels)

While I'm in the interior and have the console removed (not for the seat recover job, but to add sound deadener), I'm about to pull the trigger on a Steeda Tri-Ax shifter (street short throw), billet lock out collar and the reinforced poly shifter base bracket. Would be great to get thoughts from you guys on any of these.

 

[tritran18518]

What are the tools/hardware do you need to complete the job ? TIA

 

[71Rcode]

Seats and door panels are back in but console is half out waiting for Steeda shifter to arrive

 

[71Rcode]

Done gents. Very happy with the upgrade. I also added sound deadener under the carpeting.

While I had the console out, I replaced the stock Ford shifter with a steeda tri-ax race shifter. Night and day improvement.

 

[ice445]

Done gents. Very happy with the upgrade. I also added sound deadener under the carpeting.

While I had the console out, I replaced the stock Ford shifter with a steeda tri-ax race shifter. Night and day improvement.

Nice job, all that's left is a Sync 3 upgrade and you'll have a premium on the cheap.

 

[StangTime]

Those seats look real comfy @71Rcode
More luxurious than the factory leather and will likely last 10x as long.

 

[71Rcode]

Thanks for the kind words, guys. I'd like to think this leather is higher quality than the OEM leather... it's quite robust as I spent hours pulling and stretching it up close. You guys should do this as well if you're considering the project. What an improvement in looks and experience.

Funny, being an older dude, I don't like the huge/bright sync screen in my face when driving --- one of the reasons I wanted the base model and tiny screen. Still can't believe I own a car with a backup camera (my first). The 4" screen works for me.

For one of my next projects, I will be researching a way to activate the backup warning "tone/beep" if possible. My 300a setup did not include the warning mechanism apparently.

 

[ice445]

Thanks for the kind words, guys. I'd like to think this leather is higher quality than the OEM leather... it's quite robust as I spent hours pulling and stretching it up close. You guys should do this as well if you're considering the project. What an improvement in looks and experience.

Funny, being an older dude, I don't like the huge/bright sync screen in my face when driving --- one of the reasons I wanted the base model and tiny screen. Still can't believe I own a car with a backup camera (my first). The 4" screen works for me.

For one of my next projects, I will be researching a way to activate the backup warning "tone/beep" if possible. My 300a setup did not include the warning mechanism apparently.

That's totally fair, I kind of like not having a distracting touch screen as well, personally. As for the backup beeping, newer cars have that even with 300A (like mine) so it's certainly possible. Although I suspect your car is missing the rear proximity sensors themselves. They go under the little circular bumper plugs on the lower part of the rear bumper.

 

[jjminch]

Thanks for the tips. What am I looking for in regards to silicon spray? Don't want something that will damage the leather, what did you use?

 

[71Rcode]

O man I just winged it. I have an old can of silicone spray aerosol I've for 15 years sitting around.

 

[Drake Muscle Cars]

Nice work! Here's a tip from years of aftermarket interiors: if you're looking to smooth out some of the wrinkles, grab a clothing steamer and steam the leather. It'll tighten it up quite a bit!

 

[71Rcode]

Great idea man! I realized after my 10 hours of work and a week later that my wife had purchased some kind of steam machine for some reason. Oh well! I'll leave it out in the Sun a little bit

 

[PowerKord]

I have a question for everyone who has upgraded to a leather interior. Does the color affect the interior comfort/temperature much? I have a 2015 base GT with black paint and black cloth interior. It's pretty warm in the summer and I'm afraid black leather might be worse. I'm almost thinking to go with a much lighter color leather. I do have tinted glass, but the black paint really seems to heat the car up a lot. Any thoughts?

 

[Performance nut]

Katzkin doesn't sell DIY kits anymore? Website just offers installers

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