Did you run a piece of fabric between the side bolsters and the center leather on the seat? I'm just asking as that is what should allow you to tighten the sides and center. This would allow you to pull the skins tighter against the foam as your pulling the leather into the seat. If not this would easily explain why your getting a flogging and while it's a bit of work it's never to late to pull them off and add the strip. Just my 2 cents which after taxes equals......damn gubberment.
