first find for me, restoration of an eames shell?  

So first off, first post, been browsing here for a while though. Im an architecture student, and over the past year or so been becoming much more interested in furniture.
I recently picked up 6 stacking, upholstered chairs from craigslist at ten dollars each. The shells are in fine condition, I believe in the "greige" color. They belonged to a school, and the herman miller tag shows that they were delivered in the mid sixties. I realize these are not the most sought after of the eames fiberglass chairs, but I am extremely excited to just have one. We ended up splitting up the chairs amongst a couple of us, so it will be interesting to see what everyone comes out with.
The bases are in pretty bad condition, with large sections of rust, I am considering replacing in the future, but for now intend on making them look a little nice. Ive tested wire brush, to wet sand, to varying coarseness of steel wool, the result is very good, but as the rust has ate through most the chrome, the steel is left unprotected, so any ideas on that? simple clear coat? I actually have been considering either having them painted black (same cost as a new base) or just doing a decent rattle can job myself, until I can afford a new base. Any thoughts?
Next, the upholstery on the shell is in decent condition, with a small rip, and a color that I dont have much interest in. The foam beneath seems to be in good shape, but Im wondering if removing the vinyl will ruin the foam (assuming its glued) I am thinking about bringing it down to the raw fiberglass, but this will be my studio chair for now, therefor seeing a lot of use and real late nights, and I would rather not be sitting on the screws (wide mount). I have thought of a pad, but really would like to reupholster it, hoping to do it in leather (I realize not original). My mother is excited to help, and has some, experience with upholstery, but will it be possible to stitch to the rubber trim?
Thanks, I also tried searching for all this, wasnt having much luck, as most seem to replace the base, and retroredo the shell, which I simply cant afford at this time, so view this work as a place holder, I dont want to do anything that will damage the shell.