I'm only guessing but I wonder if that jute strip that is sewn to the edge of the vinyl may be pretty dry rotted and easy to rip. You may run into trouble when you want to stretch the covers over new (likely thicker) foam and fasten the hog rings. I wonder if you should get a new jute strip sewn onto the edge of your original vinyl cover.
__________________
1966 Strato Chief 2 door, 427 4 speed, 45,000 original miles
1966 Grande Parisienne, 396 1 of 23 factory air cars
It's actually not bad to do. I did the front bench on the 60 Catalina I owned. The material was perfect but I could feel the springs. It turned out really well.
I'm only guessing but I wonder if that jute strip that is sewn to the edge of the vinyl may be pretty dry rotted and easy to rip. You may run into trouble when you want to stretch the covers over new (likely thicker) foam and fasten the hog rings. I wonder if you should get a new jute strip sewn onto the edge of your original vinyl cover.
I'm considering all options now as by touching the edges it doesn't seem too healthy. I may have to change more than I was planning on. that's a great point!
Hi Leo, just did the whole interior of my car. You might want to also replace the burlap (probably 1/2 rotten). The burlap is put down first with fine wire/rods woven through it, this helps disperse the load when sitting. If you don't want to use the wire/rods could probably just hog ring it every couple of springs if you end up replacing. Can get burlap from Fabric Land etc. Keep us posted on how your making out. Pic of my old versus new. Jim
While you have to seat apart, check the frame welds, and the spring attachments. After repairs (if needed), wire brush and sand the rust off, and apply black semi-gloss rust paint.
__________________
Prince Edward Island
'64 Parisienne CS "barn find" - last on the road in '86 ... Owner Protection Plan booklet, original paint, original near-mint aqua interior, original aqua GM floor mats, original 283, factory posi, and original rust.
I'm also considering just having the whole seat done professionally by the same person that restored the driver seat. This is the safest way but most expensive.
All done. Turned out that while I had my couch reupholstered by a family friend he offered his foam. Came by 3 days later and changed it for me. All I did was cleaned up the springs and metal.
It's incredible how firm the seat is now. Thanks guys for all the insights as usual.