RocketEngineer

Hello everyone,
After several years of waiting & being responsible by spending my money on a house, investments, etc….I’m looking at buying a new F150 (as long as they don’t come out with a new 2012 model) in late 2011 summer. My dilemma is, I really want the Blue Flame with chrome grill, etc….. However I’m looking at starting a family and need/want leather seats… easy clean up for when I’m trucken around the baby. Additionally, I do like the leather interior. The Blue Flame with chrome color only comes in models up to the XLT, which doesn’t have leather interior. I’m thinking about buy the FX2 which does have a leather interior package and putting a chrome bullet grill in. However, now the FX2&4 models have a black trim around the head & tale lights, I don't know how that would match up with a chrome grill...and would like the chrome trim..
I’ve looked at leather seat covers, but haven’t seen any quality ones, and they would also restrict the air-bags…..which may or may-not matter..

Any suggestions?

-FX2 blue flame/leather trim & add a chrome grill..?
- FX2 blue flame/leather trim leave stock..?
-XLT and look for used leather seats..?
-Or maybe get a FX2 in black, and some black rims, and go for the stealth look?
Thanks!

BlueOval5.0

I am in a similar boat as you. I want Race Red and want leather and chrome. No can do. I haven't decided between an XLT and FX2 yet either.

I am on the fence as to whether just getting cloth seats or getting the FX2 and either leaving it stock or putting in a chrome billet grille.

Let me know what you do, I need help too.

SpudLime

I bet someone would trade you lights for their chrome ones if you got the FX2/4.

GatorMedic

Your best options are:

1. Buy an XLT and get Katskin or other aftermarket leather put in which allows you to choose whichever color leather you want
2. Get an FX2 and buy a chrome grill from Tasca and swap taillights with a member on here (should be easy). But in this scenario the running boards and front/rear bumpers will not be chrome

Thing to consider: in an FX you get the flow-thru console. In an XLT you can get either the bench seat or the regular console. If I were you I'd make my decision based on which of these three options (bench seat, reg console, flow thru console) you want and then go from there

jhight

Prices vary by location obviously, but a good auto upholstery shop can install leather interior for you. When I was pricing the work about 6 months ago estimates ranges from $1200-1800. This was for seats and console. Also, the quality of the leather that the shops were offering was significantly better than fords. May as well get heated front seats installed while the seats are out. Quality aftermarket 2 level seat heaters usually run about $200 installed.

Joe Rotax

Okole seat covers maybe ?

RocketEngineer

Everyone, please keep posting ideas. Right now I'm favoring FX2 in the blue flame. As cegan1825 pointed out, the FX2 comes with some nice features in addition to the concole.... Not for sure if I should go through all the work for the chrome.....or just get some black rims & go with a blue black theme.

Does anyone know if the head & tail light trims can be removed, or are they part of the light/lens unit?

Thanks!

Wanted33

Rocket, I wanted the leather interior also, but didn't need the FX option. I just ordered leather from a local upholstery shop that uses the Katzin leather. For my '11 Blue Flame XLT Screw the custom two-tone premium package was $964 installed. I got the price through my dealership. When it's finished I will try to post some before and after pics

BTW, Katzin just partnered w/Ford Motor Co. so the dealer you pick may know a local shop in your area.

2011 XLT SCREW, chrome & convienence packages.

RocketEngineer

Wanted33,
Your truck looks GREAT! Thanks! for the post, That's good info...If a dealer uses a local upholstery, it must do some good work. Sewing, is something I know nothing about..I know double stitch is supposed to be good..
-Will the upholstery shop remove the cloth or just wrap the seats? Wondering what that will do for the seat Air-Bags for safety.....though nothing takes the place of driving defensive...
-Do you have the Adobe (tan/light brown)?

I like the XLT chrome bumpers and think they will hold up better then the painted bumpers..Chrome running boards are nice also..

I'm still up in the air though. The FX has a couple nice practical features 110v outlet, steering wheel mounted controls, etc...Can't have everything, but I'll have to think more on the pro's & Con's..

Seen a Blue Flame XLT custom package, with the black trimmed headlights & chrome bullet grill with blue border...looked nice.

Anyone know if the center part of the new F150 grills are removable from the grills "border" or "surrounding body"?

Thanks again for everyone taking the time to help!

RocketEngineer

Wanted33,
Was that your price for both front and back seats?
Thanks