"06 Escalade Build: Engine cover finished!

[m1949]

The guy who did my seats worked retail for sure. I found him on FB. The name of his business is "The Leather Doctor." He did furniture and car upholstery. My sense was he stayed busy. Took him about an hour to do my seats.

 

[m1949]

Installed newly upholstered panels and console today.

 

[blueinkd]

Wow. That two tone set up is so clean!!!

 

[m1949]

Wow. That two tone set up is so clean!!!

Thanks! Needless to say, I really like the two-one look. I originally got the idea of contrasting trim colors from our Rx350 which has saddle colored seats and black and saddle door trim. Then I noticed many manufacturers use two-tone trim in the interior of their cars. I’m going back and forth about changing the color of carpets from pewter to black or charcoal. The present carpet is in great shape, so the only reason for changing is aesthetic. Im leaving it “as is” for now.

 

[Tonyrodz]

Thanks! Needless to say, I really like the two-one look. I originally got the idea of contrasting trim colors from our Rx350 which has saddle colored seats and black and saddle door trim. Then I noticed many manufacturers use two-tone trim in the interior of their cars. I’m going back and forth about changing the color of carpets from pewter to black or charcoal. The present carpet is in great shape, so the only reason for changing is aesthetic. Im leaving it “as is” for now.

Personally I really like the red/black combo--red seats with black carpet.

 

[adventurenali92]

Looking real good!

 

[m1949]

More photos coming!
Going up to check on the build tomorrow! It's almost done! They are working thru the punch list now. I plan to take a bunch of photos of upholstery, paint, custom instrument cluster, etc.. Once I take delivery I will do a complete photo spread to post here and a video for Youtube.

Our builder is also a car wholesaler; which is the main reason for the trip tomorrow. We are going up to sell him our RX350 (has 165K miles on it) and go to the auction to find something for my wife to drive around town. This will keep our gas bill from taking even more of a hit. It will also let us list the Esky as a casual driver for insurance purposes; which allows it to be insured for appraised replacement value. Thinking Lexus ES, Cadillac CTS, Hyndai Genesis or Equus or ???? Any suggestions?

 

[MassHoe04]

A friend has Lexus. Great car, but killing at the pumps. Supposed to be able to do 87 or 91 octane, but they say their car ran like crud on 87. Not many stations around our part have 91, so they are stuck with 92 or 93 octane. Of course... The most expensive fuel possible.

Lexus is amazing vehicle! They run reliably and hold high value for many years. Just don't be shocked at the pumps. (Like, who isn't shocked recently... Even 87 is a hard pill to swallow now!)

 

[m1949]

A friend has Lexus. Great car, but killing at the pumps. Supposed to be able to do 87 or 91 octane, but they say their car ran like crud on 87. Not many stations around our part have 91, so they are stuck with 92 or 93 octane. Of course... The most expensive fuel possible.

Lexus is amazing vehicle! They run reliably and hold high value for many years. Just don't be shocked at the pumps. (Like, who isn't shocked recently... Even 87 is a hard pill to swallow now!)

We have a Lexus RX350 now. Its our second. You are correct they are amazing cars. In over 10 years of ownership we have not been out a penny for anything other than fuel and maintenance. But you know how it is, after 10 years I kinda would like something different. For one thing, we are not looking at SUVs, since we will have the Escalade. So with an itch for change, I hope to check out a few other models. I've read some good things about all the cars I mentioned. Keeping my options open. Really, I've found thru 50+ years of buying used cars (I avoid new car prices) that the best cars I've owned were well maintained by previous owners. That's one reason I prefer used upscale cars. People who buy luxury cars usually take care of them.

 

[MassHoe04]

We have a Lexus RX350 now. Its our second. You are correct they are amazing cars. In over 10 years of ownership we have not been out a penny for anything other than fuel and maintenance. But you know how it is, after 10 years I kinda would like something different. For one thing, we are not looking at SUVs, since we will have the Escalade. But with an itch for change, I hope to check out a few other models. I've read some good things about all the cars I mentioned. Keeping my options open. Really, I've found thru 50+ years of buying used cars (I avoid new car prices) that the best cars I've owned were well maintained by previous owners. That's one reason I prefer used upscale cars. People who buy luxury cars usually take care of them.

That is not a bad way to look at things. Someone cheaping-out on differences in octane price probably not doing much maintenance.