So we're moving along slowly on the chairs, but I thought I'd share some pics of the progress. To the left is a picture of one of the chairs in the condition it was purchased.
Ripping out the cording that was glued into the staple groove.
Ripping away the black naugahyde, removing the 1/8" hardboard back, and cleaning the channels of all staples and residue.
Since then, we've removed all the seats and backs. One chair is finished and upholstered. One is just about ready to be finished. One is in a dozen pieces being sanded, and the remaining three still await disassembly.
One of the chairs with the seat and back removed, but not yet disassembled. Note gaps in the side rails. This one is particularly rickety.
A chair that's been disassembled, sanded, glued up, and is ready for a light sanding and finish.
This is the only one that's done so far. This was the worst of the bunch, so it only gets better from here!
Finished product! (We've only got one done so far)