Introduction: Solve the Common Problem of Uncooled Leather Seat Backs in the Summer by Reusing...

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About: I was born in China to a couple that used and was loyal to Apple. When my parents emigrated to the USA from China in 1990, they bought one-year-old me with them, and there, they were finally able to easily obt…

I'm pretty sure a lot of you out there have uncooled leather seat backs in your vehicle.

I currently enjoy the advantage of cooled leather in my BMW 745i, preventing my back from getting burned when i drive with a tank top or shirtless, and sweaty back when i drive with a shirt on. However, from 2005 to 2013, i had suffered the hot leather in the summer because the vehicle i had then, a 1997 Chrysler Town and Country, had uncooled leather seats. To make it worse, it was synthetic, made of vinyl. After driving it for several hot summers, i thought it was time to solve the problem.

After seeing a few cars in parking lots with (presumably old, although a few had matching so they could've been new) t-shirts and other various types of tops on the back portion of their cloth seats, i thought this could be a good solution to this problem! So off i went to dig through my closet.

Step 1: What You'll Need

First of all, your seat must not have airbags. Also, the headrest needs to be adjustable and removable. If there are armrests in your seat, make sure you have tools to remove it. Also, it is not Ok if your seat has the integrated seat belt as i know many GM trucks and certain Chrysler minivans do.

You'll also need a clothing top of your choice (going in detail in next step), and if there are armrests, something to cut it or a seam ripper if it has a side seam.

Step 2: Acceptible Types of Tops, and What If You Don't Have the Correct Size?

So after you've searched your closet for old tops, the amount you desire, take them out to the vehicle and measure them up to the seat back. They should be a good size for the seat, fitting perfectly or with minimal stretching required, you're good to go. If not, however, you'll have to buy new, which is what I did. I wear approximately a medium, but the van seats called for XL. So off i went to spend $20 at Aeropostale for four XL t-shirts.

Now comes the acceptible types of tops. T-shirts and henleys, tank tops, polo shirts, button-up shirts, hoodies and sweatshirts, and for the ladies only: blouses. Halter tops, crop tops, tube tops, and camis expose too much leather to the back. Sorry, those ladies who wanted to use these. And sweaters and cardigans? retain too much heat.

Now why different choices of tops? Because besides keeping the seat cool, this also adds style and personality to your interior; leave it all year long just for decorative purposes if you want! (I

(i bought from Aero because of their cheap prices and good quality. If you need to buy new tops, i recommend them. I mean i got 4 t shirts at $5 each, and tax free!)

Step 3: Installation

Start by removing the headrest, and the armrests if present.

Then put the top on the seat back as shown in the pics:

(can't illustrate the blouse, but you get the idea.)

As you can see, long sleeves are tucked into the back, unless on a hoodie, where they're tucked in the pocket(s).

Step 4: Done

Now you no longer have the problem of hot leather seats, and you might even have a personalized interior now, as this can double as an interior decoration! If you're doing this just for decorative purposes, go ahead! Change the tops? Up to you.