Wet Okole installation help (seat panel removal)

[cstorms]

I have a new set of wet okole seat covers and just started the process of putting them on.. I got the top part on no problem, but I'm stuck trying to get the lower portion onto the seat because of the plastic seat panels. How do I remove the plastic panels that have the seat adjusters on them? Has anyone done it without removing them?? Thanks for any help

 

[kenski]

I haven't done it for our 4R yet, but have for my Sienna. For that I had to remove the panels, some of which were a PITA. I unbolted the seats and removed them from the vehicle for seat cover installation.

 

[kenski]

Some tips here...
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/64544-wet-okole.html

 

[j_shoe99]

I did not pull off the plastic pieces. I was able to cram the seat covers between the plastic and the seat. I recall skinned up, raw fingers when I was done, and a lot of swearing during the process, however.

I think the trick was to put the 'straps' thru first, then pull the strap from under the seat, and it'll pull the seat cover down more.

 

[jrandom]

I used a soft edge bamboo spatula (yes one you stir a wok with) and just tucked it in between the plastic and the seat fabric, this of course was after first seat and a set of raw fingers!
[MENTION=86059]j_shoe99[/MENTION] those look good

 

[cstorms]

do you guys have the electronic seats? I cant seem to get it by the lumbar support button on the drivers side.. passenger side might be easier because I don't think it has lumbar.. Makes me think it needs to come off

 

[jrandom]

I have 6-way power seats that come stock in the TE. They are wrapped with seat shields.

About the straps, the best piece of advice I have to offer is remove the fastex buckles before trying to push the nylon straps down past and through the plastic seat shields. Lay the cover on the seat and see where you need to tuck the straps in. It is a bit of a PITA but not nearly as much of a pain in the ass as removing the shields and/or the seats themselves.

Patience young jedi patience. Take your time they will look better. Hurry to put them in you may mess them up, tear a seam, ect.

In fact I did one seat one night, then I waited until the weekend, to do the other driver and the 2nd row. That was when the idea to use the spatula to ease the neoprene in between the plastic and the seat to tuck them in. Obviously be careful if/when you do it as these are electronically controlled seats.

 

[j_shoe99]

I too have the power seats, cloth.

Take your time, and don't rush it.

 

[cstorms]

I have 6-way power seats that come stock in the TE. They are wrapped with seat shields.

About the straps, the best piece of advice I have to offer is remove the fastex buckles before trying to push the nylon straps down past and through the plastic seat shields. Lay the cover on the seat and see where you need to tuck the straps in. It is a bit of a PITA but not nearly as much of a pain in the ass as removing the shields and/or the seats themselves.

Patience young jedi patience. Take your time they will look better. Hurry to put them in you may mess them up, tear a seam, ect.

In fact I did one seat one night, then I waited until the weekend, to do the other driver and the 2nd row. That was when the idea to use the spatula to ease the neoprene in between the plastic and the seat to tuck them in. Obviously be careful if/when you do it as these are electronically controlled seats.

The spatula is key! Thanks for the insight everyone

 

[jrandom]

Glad it worked for you! Pics?

Suppose I should have posted a pic, earlier:

 

[cstorms]

Feels good to have them installed.. did you not get any headrest covers?

 

[cstorms]

sorry about the images, they are right side up on my computer.. not sure how to edit them on here