I got a small set of tears in my front bench vinyl that I'm going to fix via a reinforcement from the back with some Goop and thin outdoor canvas. Even pros said no to the deep pattern on my vinyl and I can't afford super-pros at the rod upholstery shop nearby, so this seems like a strong and acceptable-looking solution.

Initially I was just going to open up the tear a little more but I don't think I can effectively reinforce the areas I need to unless I take the seat cover off.

I've tried studying the diagrams in my 67 B/Dart shop manual as far as how the front bench in my car is put together - I know for sure there are hog rings along the bottom but I just can't figure how what is going on in the rest of the seat as far as how the vinyl attaches. Is there some kind of wire structure along the top too?

Aside from these tears the seats look almost perfect for being 45 years old- I don't want to accidentally chunk the foam or bust some edge wires taking the cover off or putting it back on again. Is it as easy as bending the rings open and freeing them from the seat springs or is there more I need to take care of?

If it were that easy, everyone would be doin it. You'll also find a row of hog rings from which the portion of the cover is, all the way across, just about where the seat backs ride. The problem is not gettin those hog rings off, the problem is gonna be tryin to get that 40+ year old cover off without ripping it. Use some heat, and take your time, and with a little luck you'll get it. Just for the record, You're right! I've heard nothing but horror stories about the "local" upholstery shop there in your area. 69440

Is it a very tight fit around the seat with the rings removed? Most of the rest of the cover looks barely a few years old wear-wise, it looks like the seat tore where it did just from the stiff area created by the old repair and some wallet-butt stressing.