Tahoe & Suburban The power, space, and brutal towing ability make the Tahoe and its longer sibling, the Suburban, arguably the best full size SUV's on the market today.

2013 Chevrolet Suburban
Platform: GMT 400, 800, 900

Wanting to convert from LS to LT

Old Nov 19, 2011 | 6:57 PM
  #1  
Carolinaguy07's Avatar
Thread Starter
CF Beginner
 
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Red face Wanting to convert from LS to LT

I just recently bought my tahoe. It's an 07 LS model. I didn't know the difference between the models but now I am not satisfied with the ls model. I had a company put in the back up camera and double din radio with nav. But I am wondering if there is a way to do the automatic running boards, remote latch in the rear and possibly changing out the cloth interior for leather. And also the center console.
I mean for the price it wasn't bad for what I had bought.
If there is anyone that can help i would be greatly appreciated. Thanks A lot ....
Reply
Old Nov 19, 2011 | 7:05 PM
  #2  
Carolinaguy07's Avatar
Thread Starter
CF Beginner
 
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Default

Also is there anyway to put a third row seating in it? Or No?
Reply
Old Nov 19, 2011 | 7:45 PM
  #3  
40native's Avatar
CF Beginner
 
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Default

You'd be better off to just go trade the LS for the LT you want. You would have more money & grief tied up into trying to make the one you have into something it's not then to just change out the whole vehicle.
Reply
Old Nov 19, 2011 | 7:49 PM
  #4  
Carolinaguy07's Avatar
Thread Starter
CF Beginner
 
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Default

So really there isnt' really i can do it it. I mean not even the running boards. ?
Reply
Old Nov 19, 2011 | 8:19 PM
  #5  
silveroak94's Avatar
CF Junior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Petaluma, CA
Default

You could probably do the running boards without having to sell your firstborn, especially if you're lucky enough to find all the parts in a wrecked LT. But to do everything you've listed, you're probably talking thousands of dollars. So I agree with 40native--you're better off finding an LT equipped the way you want it.

If you're buying used, though, be prepared to travel to get exactly what you want. I was ready to fly from California to Utah for an '07 Suburban 2500 3LT, black on black. I settled for one only 80 miles from home. Everything was right except for the color, but for the price I'm happy with second choice.

____________________

1988 Mercedes Benz 560SL (Wife's)
1998 Mercedes Benz S420 (Wife's)
1995 Mercedes Benz C280 (Daughter's)

2007 Chevrolet Suburban K2500 3LT (MINE!) <!-- / message -->
Reply
Old Nov 19, 2011 | 9:54 PM
  #6  
bigbake's Avatar
CF Junior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Default

Definitely...

- Find some aftermarket rims or OEM LTZ rims to put on it.
- Mount some chrome tubular running boards. I doubt you can put on the automatic ones but chrome will look sweet.

- Do you have the mounts in the back for the 3rd row? I'm not sure how best to describe but if the mounts for the seats aren't already there...then no you can't add a third row.

- Yes, I'm pretty sure you can swap to leather.

Granted none of those things will be cheap. Start keeping an eye on craigslist and junk yards for parts.
Reply
Old Nov 19, 2011 | 10:34 PM
  #7  
MDTAHOE's Avatar
Super Moderator
Professional Mechanic
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,950
Likes: 5
From: Bowie, MD
Default

You can do the leather conversion and swap the jump seat for a console. As far as the rear hatch and auto running boards the cost would not be worth it. I took my LS model added factory fog Lights, center console and switched the black door handles to chrome and black mirrors to white. I put on 20" wheels. I also put on a Escalade roof rack. Removed the LS emblems, by looking at it you would never know it was a Less Stuff (LS) model. They have problems with the auto rear hatch so your better off with out it.
Reply
Old Nov 20, 2011 | 8:33 AM
  #8  
Carolinaguy07's Avatar
Thread Starter
CF Beginner
 
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Default

I checked to see if i had the mounts for the 3rd row and that's a no. So that's out the question. i have been looking online for some time now for the leather conversion but haven't found any links or sites. and for the jump seat haven't found that either. There isn't many wrecked tahoes here in SC. Guess I will continue to look. If anyone know's of any sites that would help it would be apprecitated.
Reply
Old Nov 20, 2011 | 3:03 PM
  #9  
rruelas's Avatar
CF Active Member
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 148
Likes: 4
Default

I swapped the cloth seats for leather and the second row bench seat for 2 bucket or captain seats everything uses existing bolts for the install. you will need a torx bit, i think 45 or 50 to remove the seat belt from the front seats. I did have to swap my plastic floor thats covered in carpet for the one disigned for the captain seats so it would cover all of the mounting bolts but that to clipped into place too. Also swapped out my cloth third row seats that sat 2 for the leather or vinyl seat for one that can seat 3. No modification involved. It looks factory. you might have what you need to install the 3rd row already but hooks are under the carpet. My father in law wanted the black cloth i had so i swapped it. But he didnt have heated seats from the factory but in your situation, it wouldnt matter if it did. You should be able to bolt up either the escalade or yukon seats to your tahoe but i believe it has to be from the same size vehicle, for example the tahoe should be able to fit seats from the yukon, or escalade but not the Yukon XL, Suburban, or Escalade ESV. You can also get a leather kit like from Katskins to re-cover your seats. You would remove your cloth covers and install leather covers and it looks like a factory install.

Last edited by rruelas; Nov 20, 2011 at 3:19 PM.
Reply
Old Nov 20, 2011 | 7:25 PM
  #10  
ChevyFreak's Avatar
CF Active Member
 
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 215
Likes: 2
From: New York
Default

Originally Posted by Carolinaguy07
I checked to see if i had the mounts for the 3rd row and that's a no. So that's out the question. i have been looking online for some time now for the leather conversion but haven't found any links or sites. and for the jump seat haven't found that either. There isn't many wrecked tahoes here in SC. Guess I will continue to look. If anyone know's of any sites that would help it would be apprecitated.
eBay is your friend!

Here are few consoles just to get you started in your search. I found them by doing a quick search via eBay. I am not sure what color interior you have, so here are three that I found -

Black
Gray
Tan

As for the leather interior - I have heard good things about Katzkin Leather. There main website is located HERE. I did a quick google search and it looks like you can purchase from a number of sites. HERE is one to give you an idea of the cost involved. Of course, the other option is to use the factory leather seat covers. That would work quite the same way. Either way, you will be changing the covers of your seats if you go this route.

For the running boards - I would consider the OEM Chrome Tubular Assist Steps. I have these on my Tahoe and LOVE them. I think they give a more truck like appearance, and add a little bit of chrome. I can provide you with more pictures if you want, but look in my signature to get an idea. They can be found (again on eBay) HERE. That was the seller I purchased mine from, and I saved a lot of money by doing so!

For the automatic lift gate (remote latch) - I would forget about this. I mean, don't get me wrong, it is a nice feature. I also have this on my Tahoe and it does come in handy from time to time. But, to add it after the fact will cost you a pretty penny! To tell you the truth, as much as I like having it, I would just as much rather be without it. It is just one more thing that will eventually brake down.

As for the third row seating - I really don't think you will be able to add this either. I could be wrong, but I don't think you have the attachments. In all reality, the seats are not that wonderful. They provide very little leg room for the third row passengers, and provide even less room for the precious cargo area. I often ride with mine folded down simply because I need the space. They are just.....okay. Nothing special. If you need the seating room, I understand, and that is why I got the third row. However, when they are not being used, they are often folded up and out of the way.

Wow, that was a long post! Unfortunately, some features you just cannot add to your Tahoe. However, many of them you can. Honestly, with a little effort, and of course money, you can have your Tahoe looking like a factory LT, if not an LTZ in no time. There are plenty of options out there and many deals to be had. Don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions, and we would love to see pictures as you go along! Good luck!!
Reply

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 5:32 AM.