Has anyone here ever changed the color of their seat stitching? I have seen it done on other cars before, and see skepticism from some, and positive results from those who have done it.
In either case, I wrote up a how-to based on my research at other car sites.
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So I have a leather center armrest cover which I bought from Redlinegoods.com.
It has served me well for nearly six years in my 2010 Forester. It now lives in my 2016 Forester.
It has red stitching which goes nicely with my red car, and all the red lighting accents.
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Although I haven't been brave enough yet to try it on my seats. I recently ordered the red-stitched WRX leather shift boot, so I decided to give this infamous $2.50 mod a try by modifying the old shift boot.
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First off, do not use a paint marker, a normal sharpie, or other red marker. You need to go out and buy a "Fabric pen". Sharpie makes one called "Stained by Sharpie" They cost just $2.50 at a craft store.
Applying the dye is easy. But you have to be careful, and quick to prevent the dye from drying on the surrounding surfaces. Apply the dye in short sections over the thread, then immediately wipe the excess away to remove it from the vinyl/leather surface.
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Repeat this process a few times over to saturate the threads, while leaving the vinyl/leather unscathed. I did both sides of the shift boot in about ten minutes.
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Since the thread in the car is more grey than white, it did turn out a bit darker than my Redlinegoods center cover, however I already like the look and prefer it over the monochrome stock thread.
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All and all it is an amazingly simple and cheap modification. There wasn't a trace of red ink left on the vinyl.
While I still intend to replace the shift boot with the WRX leather version, I consider this test run a success.
I have seen some people on other forums who have said the color holds for years without fading.
In either case, I wrote up a how-to based on my research at other car sites.
-------------------------
So I have a leather center armrest cover which I bought from Redlinegoods.com.
It has served me well for nearly six years in my 2010 Forester. It now lives in my 2016 Forester.
It has red stitching which goes nicely with my red car, and all the red lighting accents.
-------------------------
Although I haven't been brave enough yet to try it on my seats. I recently ordered the red-stitched WRX leather shift boot, so I decided to give this infamous $2.50 mod a try by modifying the old shift boot.
-------------------------
First off, do not use a paint marker, a normal sharpie, or other red marker. You need to go out and buy a "Fabric pen". Sharpie makes one called "Stained by Sharpie" They cost just $2.50 at a craft store.
Applying the dye is easy. But you have to be careful, and quick to prevent the dye from drying on the surrounding surfaces. Apply the dye in short sections over the thread, then immediately wipe the excess away to remove it from the vinyl/leather surface.
-------------------------
Repeat this process a few times over to saturate the threads, while leaving the vinyl/leather unscathed. I did both sides of the shift boot in about ten minutes.
-------------------------
Since the thread in the car is more grey than white, it did turn out a bit darker than my Redlinegoods center cover, however I already like the look and prefer it over the monochrome stock thread.
-------------------------
All and all it is an amazingly simple and cheap modification. There wasn't a trace of red ink left on the vinyl.
While I still intend to replace the shift boot with the WRX leather version, I consider this test run a success.
I have seen some people on other forums who have said the color holds for years without fading.
