Adding heater pads to cloth seats?

[Spud2388]

I'm thinking about adding some 12v heater pads to my factory cloth Express seats. The kit comes with two 19x11 pads that can be trimmed if needed and a hi/low switch for each seat (set of 2). My question is how hard is it to take off the cloth covers? I assume remove the seats, take the brackets off, and remove the hog clips around the bottom? Anything special I need to look out for? A tutorial around anywhere? My plan is the mount the switch on the sides of the seats or maybe on each door panel if I'm feeling frisky. Thanks and happy late thanksgiving!

 

[Guido2112]

Its not hard at all. I did it last week to my express and took about 2 hours. Hardest part was redoing the hog rings.

One note: if you mount the switch on the side of the seat, make sure you don't put to where the handle goes like I did!

I ordered a new panel to redo it so I don't have a hole

 

[Pa.hemi.ram]

Did you have to pull the seats?? What steps did ya take to do it??

 

[Guido2112]

Yes I had to pull the seats. The Driver side was easier as it was just 4 bolts and the Plug underneath for the seat belt switch. The passenger is a bit harder as the center console is connected to it.
Here is a video that shows you how to yank them out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1SD40Z3KZA

I just pulled off the clips holding the covers on and cut the hog rings off and pulled back the seat covers. I then put down the pads and reattached all the hog rings.

Just take your time, it was not that difficult. I brought the seats into my living room and did the work on the floor.

Just make sure you don't put the switch where the adjust handle is....I am such a donkey!

 

[Guido2112]

One other note, I did not have to remove the seat brackets....was able to pull back the covers with them still connected.

 

[WalterG]

I ordered a set of heaters for my truck also. I hope that it goes well with my install as it did for Guido2112.

 

[Spud2388]

Awesome. Just what I wanted to see. What size hog rings did you get?

 

[Jarhead57]

You will enjoy them on a cold winter day, I will never own another rig without them...

 

[firebuff17]

Guido2112
Thanks for the video.
Also, which seat heater pads did you get? Brand? Where did you purchase? How much?
Thanks



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[Guido2112]

I went with the Dorman universal ones. About $60 per seat on Amazon. I had a bunch of points from them due to my Girlfriend buying a ton of stuff on there using my account, so I got them for about $30.00. I installed them back on my 2005 1500 , so I knew they would work on my new 2017.

The kit comes with everything you will need, even the hog rings and a set of pliers to attach the new rings.

 

[firebuff17]

I went with the Dorman universal ones. About $60 per seat on Amazon. I had a bunch of points from them due to my Girlfriend buying a ton of stuff on there using my account, so I got them for about $30.00. I installed them back on my 2005 1500 , so I knew they would work on my new 2017.



The kit comes with everything you will need, even the hog rings and a set of pliers to attach the new rings.

Thank you.
I actually saw that exact kit on amazon earlier this evening. I saw so many choices, so that’s when I can back and asked you.
Guess my gut was right.


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[jshillin]

I'm thinking about adding some 12v heater pads to my factory cloth Express seats. The kit comes with two 19x11 pads that can be trimmed if needed and a hi/low switch for each seat (set of 2). My question is how hard is it to take off the cloth covers? I assume remove the seats, take the brackets off, and remove the hog clips around the bottom? Anything special I need to look out for? A tutorial around anywhere? My plan is the mount the switch on the sides of the seats or maybe on each door panel if I'm feeling frisky. Thanks and happy late thanksgiving!

Where did you run the wire for 12v power?

 

[Frisk]

I installed aftermarket heating elements in a Jeep TJ that I used to own. The job was not technically difficult but getting the seats covers back on was very hard...The seat foam seemed to expand once it was free of the seat material and it was a long painful process to get the seat material back in place (it was very hard on my fingers). I did see a tip after I got them done (of course)....use a plastic garbage bag or dry cleanner plastic bag over top of the foam. This allows the seat material to slide down much easier without the foam grabbing at the seat material. Once the seat material is all the way down you just pull out the plastic from one side.

 

[nationalminer84]

I use NYLON (Not the cheap plastic)zip ties instead of the hog rings for reinstall. Have on my last 3 trucks. no issues.

I use the Rostra Brand personally but they all will do the job.

 

[WalterG]

Received my kit in the mail yesterday. Hopefully I will take a day this weekend a get it done. I will try to take some photos along the way. My truck has the center console in it, so that will add some work to the job.

 

[WalterG]

Still haven't had time to install this yet. Hopefully soon.

 

[Pa.hemi.ram]

You can tap into power under the seats for power seats. I put my switches up on the dash below radio and little storage hole. Bottom right below radio. Lengthened the switch wires to do this. Was pretty easy. Don’t like switches on the side of my seats. Handle is in the way...

 

[Guido2112]

You can tap into power under the seats for power seats. I put my switches up on the dash below radio and little storage hole. Bottom right below radio. Lengthened the switch wires to do this. Was pretty easy. Don’t like switches on the side of my seats. Handle is in the way...

I was able to fit the switch on the side of my seat and not have it interfere with the handle (well it took me a couple of tries to get it right...doh!)

I did not want to drill into my dash

 

[jshillin]

I just installed a kit from Amazon Warehouse last weekend. I picked it up for $26 when regular price was close to $50 and they work great!! I installed the same set in a car a few years back and never had any problems with them. Here's where I installed the switches. I figure that piece would be super easy to replace if I ever went away from them for some reason.

 

[Pa.hemi.ram]

I did exact same spot with the square switches. Fits perfect and looks kind of factory. Just had to add some wire to the switches to reach that spot. This was a GREAT upgrade for both fron seats for 40 bucks. Gonna do back seats too when I do Katzkin upgrade next month.