Seat Upgrade? Not Swap for other 4Rs

[Icychap]

Hey guys, I searched through the threads and found some info on swapping my front seats for other 4R editions (Sport), and even eBay covers or bottom cushions, but that's not really what I'm looking for.

Has anyone actually upgraded the seats to something like Recaro or other bucket seats with better bolsters and support? If so, were they a direct fit? Are they compatible with the airbags/weight sensors?

My driver seat is pretty much shot after 108k mi (ripped leather, sad support), and I don't just want a wrecker's replacement - I want a strict upgrade.

Thanks!!

 

[fish0281]

There is a user on here that installed a set of aftermarket seats, I don't remember his name, but I did bookmark the site: Corbeau Reclining Seats

I think he installed the Carbeau Baja RS, but i think some of the others would also work.

 

[Icychap]

Done

Thanks for the reply. I actually took care of it today at an upholstery shop.

I had them repair the ripped section, the outer piece on the outer bolster of the driver seat. The color matches nearly perfectly, which is fine since that part of the seat is barely visible.

As for the cushion support, I had them swap the driver and passenger cushions. Now the outer bolsters are in the inner bolsters, and since the passenger seat was used far less frequently, it's much more supportive under my butt.

Overall I'm very pleased with the result. $200 all in.

If you want to see a pic, let me know.

 

[A.Wilson013]

I would live some pics!

User [MENTION=67175]SKIDMRK[/MENTION] upgraded his seats.

Just read the seats sold for $550 with a matching rear cover... I would have bought them.

 

[fish0281]

Those recaros look nice! I was at the dealer today and they had some mini-reupholstered seat sample with a nice leather... they were estimating about 400/seat. Tempting, my seats a are pretty dirty, but more than I'd like to spend!

 

[shadow247]

If I ever come up with the coin for new seats ( I really only need a new cushion) I will be going with the Corbeau Sport Seats with their custom fit brackets. They look very similar to the original 4 Runner seats, but are probably much more comfortable and supportive. At around 800 for a set of new front seats, it is not a cheap option, but worth it if you drive a lot or plan to.

Corbeau: Sport Seat

 

[Icychap]

I would live some pics!

I hope you meant "love some pics" cause here ya go... if I can figure out how...

 

[sportscarfan]

Looks good Icychap -
In my '97, it's been my observation that the metal under the outboard plastic cover (in your last picture) is a major contributor to the seat cover ripping...right there above the round knob. My on-the-spot solution was to put a few layers of gorilla tape over the sharp metal edge.

 

[hrt4me]

User [MENTION=67175]SKIDMRK[/MENTION] upgraded his seats.

Just read the seats sold for $550 with a matching rear cover... I would have bought them.

I, too, would have purchased those...