Katzkin- what's the consensus?

[Sneezy]

I've often thought about getting an STX and adding Katskins and other mods. You can build out a really nice rig for around $50k this way.

This is exactly what I just did when I went to pick out my new truck last month and I just got my katzkins ordered on Monday. I’m going to attempt to install them myself as it seems well within my skill level. I got my new leather skins for under $1k for full leather and perforated Lunar grey with black accents.

Sponsored

 

[RLTW175]

I had Katzskins on a base LS Tahoe that I had and modded it up. The leather quality was WAY better than the OEM GM leather. In fact, the dealer I bought it from, after seeing it sent two more LS to the installer and marked them up $2,500 (install was about $1,200 in 2012). Leather quality was great.

I've often thought about getting an STX and adding Katskins and other mods. You can build out a really nice rig for around $50k this way.

^This. I paid $36k for my 21 STX Screw RWD with 2.7l. I've added about $5k in mods (RC 2" coilovers/shocks, BajaDesign lights, rims/tires, cell booster, speakers/sub/amp) and am well below what an XLT would cost me. And I'd still end up spending $5k on mods.

 

[bfastr]

I had Katzskins on a base LS Tahoe that I had and modded it up. The leather quality was WAY better than the OEM GM leather. In fact, the dealer I bought it from, after seeing it sent two more LS to the installer and marked them up $2,500 (install was about $1,200 in 2012). Leather quality was great.

I've often thought about getting an STX and adding Katskins and other mods. You can build out a really nice rig for around $50k this way.

heck yeah, I started looking at XLT's on the lot with the intent to just have Katzkins put in. but I really want the ventilated seats, soooo.. I must wait for my mystery Lariat on order

 

[oneinch]

What's not to love? If you want leather, go for it. Leather, leather, vinyl, even ActiveX is better than cloth.

 

[gooby]

Got them today. They are lighter than I had hoped, they looked darker in the showroom. I went with the 'factory match lunar grey'. Very comfy. Smells more than I'd like, mildly headache inducing. I am sensitive to smells. Hopefully the smells dissipate, I'll keep the car aired out for the next few weeks. Anyone care to comment if the initial smell dissipated? Thanks.

 

[gooby]

Whoa. Big problem. THEY INSTALLED ROADWIRE LEATHER, NOT KATZKIN. WTF.

Calling tomorrow for an immediate full refund. This is infuriating lol.

 

[Kilo5]

I had Katzkin installed in my last truck in Houston. Still looked like new after 15 years with my last German Shepard riding in the back. Do make sure you install the leather/vinyl of the bottom of the back seats so there is no carpet to vacuum. My dog like to sit in the small seat but have the option to lay down on the floorboard. Dog hair is difficult to vacuum off of the carpet.

 

[notabot]

At this point my XL is gonna be a lariat.

Except when you go to sell it. VIN still shows XL and updates are worth 1 to 10 cents on the dollar. I still do a ton of upgrades to suit my purposes, but going into it I know it is generally a big money loser.

 

[Graygoose2021]

I sell most mine outright, if it has custom stuff, worth more. People come look at the truck, not the VIN unless you trade it in.
I know its still an XL STX, but for the time I have it, the Katzkin leather rocks!

 

[itsdchz]

100% YES- We have used them for years, and most recently in our F150- Most likely will customize our Bronco as well.

 

[gooby]

Whoa. Big problem. THEY INSTALLED ROADWIRE LEATHER, NOT KATZKIN. WTF.

Calling tomorrow for an immediate full refund. This is infuriating lol.

Update: They claim a huge misunderstanding and will be replacing my interior with Katzkin leather next week. Wish I never even messed with my seats at this point, but can't blame katzkin for this fiasco. Somehow I ended up with a competitors inferior leather from the main katzkin dealer in my area. Only me, lol.

Now I am going to likely have to have them order the leather from katzkin, unless I want the perforated seats, because they actually don't have it in stock. What a nightmare. Also need to decide now if I want degreez, since they are offering it $300 off(still $700) for my troubles.

 

[dolsen]

Update: They claim a huge misunderstanding and will be replacing my interior with Katzkin leather next week. Wish I never even messed with my seats at this point, but can't blame katzkin for this fiasco. Somehow I ended up with a competitors inferior leather from the main katzkin dealer in my area. Only me, lol.

Now I am going to likely have to have them order the leather from katzkin, unless I want the perforated seats, because they actually don't have it in stock. What a nightmare. Also need to decide now if I want degreez, since they are offering it $300 off(still $700) for my troubles.

Honestly, mistakes happen. I understand how frustrating it can be, but it does seem they're more than willing to make up for their mistake. They're likely already losing money by having to redo the install.

I think they're doing right by you, personally. I mean, aside from refunding you and letting you keep whats there (or better yet a full refund plus the katzkin), I don't see what else they could do.

 

[Rockman5159]

I had Katzskins on a base LS Tahoe that I had and modded it up. The leather quality was WAY better than the OEM GM leather. In fact, the dealer I bought it from, after seeing it sent two more LS to the installer and marked them up $2,500 (install was about $1,200 in 2012). Leather quality was great.

I've often thought about getting an STX and adding Katskins and other mods. You can build out a really nice rig for around $50k this way.

Katzin replacement leather covers are absolutely top quality fit and finish. I have installed 4 sets in different vehicles without issue. The smooth instead of the perforated looks better to me. Just my opinion

 

[gooby]

Honestly, mistakes happen. I understand how frustrating it can be, but it does seem they're more than willing to make up for their mistake. They're likely already losing money by having to redo the install.

I think they're doing right by you, personally. I mean, aside from refunding you and letting you keep whats there (or better yet a full refund plus the katzkin), I don't see what else they could do.

I hear you. I agree. My truck is my most prized possession, I spent so much $ on this thing and I felt like I ruined it with a product that wasn't what I wanted. Honestly I knew the color was off(way too light) vs the factory match and they were not nearly as comfy or nice as the katzkin's I saw the day before. I figured I was just being OCD until I realized they were a different product. Hopefully this works out, my truck is basically my home at this point.

 

[dolsen]

I hear you. I agree. My truck is my most prized possession, I spent so much $ on this thing and I felt like I ruined it with a product that wasn't what I wanted. Honestly I knew the color was off(way too light) vs the factory match and they were not nearly as comfy or nice as the katzkin's I saw the day before. I figured I was just being OCD until I realized they were a different product. Hopefully this works out, my truck is basically my home at this point.

Understood, this truck is by far the most expensive vehicle I’ve ever bought as well. I’m glad they’re taking care of it. Sorry for the frustration you’ve been dealing with

Sponsored