Leather Headrest repair - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

tobmaster · 03-01-2009, 01:55 PM

I have an '07 SE with leather interior (charcoal inside and out)...

My kids car seat has been in the back since I purchased the car. I thought I was so good, purchased a HEAVY charcoal grey bath towel, and had the seat on it to keep the leather from getting ruined from the seat. Well it worked!! BUT dumb A** me, teathered the latch belt OVER the headrest. It now is crushed, the padding inside is crushed so the rest now has a severe dent in the middle.

Should I go to an upholstry shop? or just try to warm it up with a hair drier? or bite it and spend hundreds on a replacement?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

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CamrySExxx · 03-01-2009, 02:01 PM

pics?

tobmaster · 03-01-2009, 03:26 PM

I added a picture on the first post.

Sean89 · 03-01-2009, 03:56 PM

The leather looks like its damaged. Even if you do manage to get the dent out it would still look like its damaged.

thoots · 03-01-2009, 05:34 PM

Leave the hair dryer in the bathroom. Go to an upholstery shop. A competent shop should be able to fix that right up, for far less than buying a new one would cost.

***CharmCityES*** · 03-01-2009, 06:35 PM

looks toast
time to see your friendly local toyota dealer for a new headrest

***Yazovets*** · 03-01-2009, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJJJJJ

Should be able to replace the foam and stitch it back for $50.

Leather will still be all screwed-up looking. I recommend you purchase an entirely new headrest.

CamrySExxx · 03-01-2009, 08:41 PM

yea the leather will have wrinkles all over it...I guess if the baby seat is going to be there you might as well leave it until your kid doesn't need it any more. In a few years you might be able to find one for cheaper than from the dealer

njerald · 03-01-2009, 08:42 PM

about $350 from the dealer

gdanaher · 03-02-2009, 09:47 AM

How long has the strap not been compressing it? I'd let it ride into the summer and see if the heat lets it fix itself. It won't cost any more to let it sit for awhile. The child isn't complaining. Don't angst until your mother in law complains.

tobmaster · 03-02-2009, 10:05 AM

It has been 8-days. WHY I had the strap over instead of under...I'll never know...NOW it is Under...and the darn seat comes out in a few months.

In the 8-day period, it really hasn't gotten any better. I pulled the rest and had it inside (72 deg.) for the last weekend...no change.

I thought just MAYBE the sun/heat in the car might bring the foam back to life...but two years of compression with sun/heat cold winters...probably did permanant damage.

amazing how the little things just tick you off!!

thoots · 03-05-2009, 02:14 AM

I repeat:

Go to an upholstery shop. A competent shop should be able to fix that right up, for far less than buying a new one would cost.

njerald · 03-05-2009, 11:42 AM

What else is screwed up in his car that he hasn't looked at in 2 years??????

tobmaster · 05-04-2009, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by njerald

What else is screwed up in his car that he hasn't looked at in 2 years??????

Funny! but nothing! The car is immaculate, except for this. I never pulled that particular seat out because that latch system is a B**** to get your hands under the seat. Now I don't need it, just a booster, and a simple beach towel keeps seat protected. Our Toyota dealer has a contract with a local shop for this kind of thing. Waiting to see what they will charge.

Thanks!