So this weekend I finally found an old used Japanese made Universal commercial machine. A 1950's era copy of a Singer, and so good a copy they say parts interchange too! Seller said he refurbishes them, and I bought it for $250, and he tossed in extra parts, accessories, and a manual. Plus he gave me a nice cabinet with side table, and four drawers to mount it in!
I removed my seats, and took one apart. Got the upholstery off it, and using my wife's seam splitter, I marked all the seams on the back with a felt pen to keep things in order, and then split the panels. Laid the panels on my diamond pattern naugahyde material, and marked the outline. I then transferred all the felt markings to the new pattern, and cut two sets out for the two seats.
Set up the new machine, and began stitching the new panels into my old panels. I reused the side bolsters, and just did the centers to match the doors, and back area of my old coupe. They turned out pretty well I think, and even with buying the machine, and the material, I'm still in less than half of the low bid estimate. And I've got a sewing machine for belts, holsters, slings, etc. now!
When the seats are done, I need to dig through my gun leather and see what else needs repairing!
