Got the same problem on my seat. The plastic tube/bead is exposed and the
leather is completely worn away in a 9 inch section. The PO had short legs
and a hefty belly and would squeeze himself into the car, which resulted in
the leather edge to just disappear. Unfortunately, I don’t have a
suggestion other than letting an upholstery shop have a whack at it.
I made the awful mistake of trying to hand sew a complete new seat cover
for an old Firebird driver’s seat. I’ll never make that mistake again. It
turned out great three months later, but that wasn’t leather I was shoving
a needle through.
I’d be curious if anyone else has had the repair done and how much it cost.
Also, since the rest of the leather in the seat is in great condition,
would it make sense to have only the bead repaired or go ahead and have the
entire seat redone? Does anybody sell re-upholstery kits for these cars?
Just me babbling with nothing useful,
John W.