Eames aluminum group chairs in Saran question  

Use as dining chairs? In my opinion, too valuable, please don't.
These are extremely valuable.
Keep them in their original condition. Restoration can be risky to the value of the chairs. Personally I would sell one and with the money, get a nice and usable set of newer production Aluminum Group chairs. Keep the others for whenever you need more cash.
This is just my opinion but consider this auction result, from Wright Auctions, Chicago, Modern Design Auction
07 October 2007:
Charles and Ray Eames
pre-production Aluminum Group chair
Herman Miller
USA, 1958
aluminum, saran, enameled steel
19 w x 21 d x 33 h inches
A rare example of the Aluminum Group chair featuring original material. First developed for outdoor use, this design was later marketed for indoor application.
Estimate: $3,000-4,000
Result: $7,200
http://www.wright20.com/auctions/view_search/EQ2Z/F58E/561/LA/eames_alum...

The dining chair idea went o...
The dining chair idea went out the window when I discovered they were a rarity. I bought them cheap on craigslist with the understanding that they needed new upholstery. I thought that I could do it myself and have a nice set of usable chairs in the end. I was searching online for tips on how to reupholster them when I came across the Eames office archives with pics of the chair that looked just like mine. I emailed them several pics, they confirmed that they were indeed original, and the chairs have been in my closet covered with a blanket ever since, (out of the reach of my 2 yr old).
There are four in all, the previous owner had already disassembled one of them, and in doing so cut the upholstery down the middle. I have that piece of Saran, he gave it to me to "use as a pattern".
The Eames office guys recommended seeking the advice of a textile conservator to "prevent any further deterioration", not a restoration. They were very emphatic about not messing with them.
You guys seem like a knowledgeable bunch so I was wondering if you knew of anyone in the Dallas or Houston area you could recommend.

So...
Are you planning on using them? If not, I would just leave them as is.
According to LRF et al., redoing the upholstery is quite difficult on these chairs.

WOW...
what a GREAT find!
SOOO jealous about some of the CL finds mentioned on this forum.

Not for myself...but hope...
Not for myself...but hope you seriously consider selling this piece.

Wow! Awesome find!
I'd gently sponge them with a mild foam,blot them dry and leave them as is.Man,I can't believe what can be found on CL!!

It's nice to share this with...
It's nice to share this with a group that truly appreciates them, modern design is not too popular in my neck of the woods.
I won't be using them, I will probably end up selling them as I don't feel comfortable owning something this significant/valuable, especially with kids.
One other thing I'd like an opinion on is the chair that was taken apart. As I mentioned the guy cut it down the middle when he removed the upholstery. The thing is, that chair may have been an earlier model as there are no screw holes threaded thru the side pieces, the ones that tighten down onto the stretchers, there are two on either side of the seat stretchers and one on either side of the back stretcher on the others. This chair only has the large screws on the four corners, nothing thru the sides. It appears that the upholstery is all that held it together.
I have all of the parts including the cut piece of Saran, the cut is very clean, probably done with a razor. The wear is consistant with the other three.
Would it be possible to have it woven back together? If it happens to actually be a transitional model it seems that may be worthwhile. Any thoughts?

Yes,can be woven by a textile restorer
Another option would be to masterfully have it hand sewn.I would check with a textile restoration specialist first,however.May we inquire how much you paid for this set??

I paid $200 for all four....
I paid $200 for all four. The pic is of the frame that lacks the threaded screw holes I mentioned in the previous post.

Wow!-Whatta Steal!!
Awesome!-
I was pondering another option,what if you could reverse the fabric on the chairs,so the unworn inner part would be on the outer surface and vice versa. This should work if there were an equal surface beneath!ANyhow,just a thought.I have done this successfully with shirt collars and cuffs 🙂

That is just a beautiful story.
My local CL has a cooler with cup holder lid.
For three weeks now...
You have saved a gem. A few gems.
Not sure what i would do.
I might hang on to them for a bit and decide what to do.
Keep one? Offer the others on a high end auction?
I would keep one for the beauty...