Hi Eric,
found the sewing machine on the craigs list for $80.
Vinyl materials were $85 only because i did 3 colors
Hog ring pliers $10 at harbor freight.
If you have a home sewing machine I would try that first. Believe it or not most home machines can do it also. The biggest thing you need to be successful is make sure your needle, thread size need to be matched for your material thickness. Here is the link that helped me figure that part out.
http://www.gwsms.com/didyouknow.htm
My big leanings form the upholstery projet were.
1. Get correct needle size and thread size for material thickness
2. Cloth fabric would have been easier that Vinyl for first project
3. Don't make it to big, measurements need to be exact and you want the fabric to compress the foam some so you don't have wrinkles
4.doing you fitting with you cover inside out will help you get the fit correct.
Sorry I think I am going to hang onto my sewing machine still have some more projects to do. Door panels and carpet next. if you don't want to do the sewing part I also saw many companies out there that will sell you a seat cover kit. I saw prices from $200-$300. Then all you have to do is remove the old and put on a new cover if your foam is still good.
let me know if you have more question.......It was a fun project
_________________
Did a v8 conversion in 1981 on my '76 luv
Current Fleet
#1 1980 Black 2wd, #2 1980 Blue 2wd, #3 1980 Black 4x4 #4 1980 black 2wd Long bed #5 1979 black 4x4 #6 1977 red 2WD
pics
http://s137.photobucket.com/albums/q223/gs11x/