In a cloud of false optimism, I decided to do it myself. I already had the fabric that I wanted. I went to Target and bought a sewing machine for $120, some spare needles and 2 spools of black thread. (Didn't even use half of one.)
After I got home, I took a good long look at my Sparcos and realized there is a tension spring under the front of the seat. Once I removed that, the steel cord that tightens the fabric over the bucket got loose and I could peel off the entire cover.
4 hours later I had the passenger seat done the way I wanted. Took 2 days off and then wasted 3 more hours doing the driver's seat. Put the covers back on. Looks good. Not perfect, but good enough for a track-ho like my car.
Not sure why I did it, probably just out of curiosity to see if I *could*. Knowing what a big PITA this type of job is, I'd rather install headliners than do this kind of thing ever again. It's well worth it to pay someone to waste their time doing it. I just wanted a center insert of the seat recovered so I don't think it would be up to a $1200 price tag. To have it look absolutely perfect (a 'la Ruf) I'd be willing to pay $250 for both seats.
***I'm returning the machine later today
