[boltbuster]

I had my bucket seats reupholstered professionally, but I kept the seat backs and aprons so I could repaint them. It took me over a year to get the painting done (a long story), but now I have a different problem. I can't get the seat backs to push down far enough so that the hole for the seat lock lines up. I think the vinyl at the top is too tight. If I tighten the retainer 'hooks' down tight to the seat frame, the vinyl won't compress enough for the lip of the seat back to slide under them.

I'm thinking that some heat from a day in the sun. or from a hair-dryer might help, but I'm looking for other suggestions. I would appreciate your thoughts and tips.
Kerm