It can be done!

There are a few FABACians who seem willing to take on DIY projects of varying sizes. The reasoning goes something like this:
If you have something that needs fixing, give it a go—if nothing else, it will be a learning experience.
Last September I decided to replace the foam and diaphragm in the passenger side seat of Carolyn's '76 TR6. You know when you need to do this when you discover a pile of deteriorated foam growing under the seats. It required lots of planning, reading, testing, frigging and finally got it. The seats had no rips or tears but the project still required taking everything apart down to the frame. Lots of gluing, clipping, tucking, and a bit of cursing.

Last year's project:

This year's project was the driver's seat. It required new foam, new diaphragm, repairs to tears, and major work on a very bad gouge clearly visible in this photo. Also notice how dejected the back is with the lack of good foam support.

 

John DeW. had mentioned that he had a sewing awl that he didn't need, so I purchased it from him knowing exactly what I would be using it for. I have never used one before, so this was going to be a learning situation. I found a piece of vinyl at Ron's Auto Upholstery that was a pretty close match. The piece was a good size scrap and Ron kindly donated it to the cause.

 

So, after dismantling the seat, I decided to do a test stitch involving what I figured would be the most challenging part—the corner of the badly damaged seat panel. (Everything is turned inside out to do the stitching.) My first stitching test was a success. 

(Notice that the original vinyl is darker—it wasn't after I cleaned it with vinyl cleaner as you'll see in the final photo.)

So, lots of dismantling, stitching through multiple layers, making sure the piping was kept in proper place and that I didn't sew myself into the seat! I did draw blood a couple of times or three.
I used Permatex Vinyl and Leather repair kit for the other damaged spots. They aren't perfect, but satisfactory.

No, I won't repair your seats, but I'll help if you get stuck.
- David