Thanks for the tips.
The window timer sounds very sensible. I suppose it depends how much gubbins is in the seat and how much is/was in the dash. Im unlikely to see the doner car as they have been in some blokes shed for a while. However I only paid £30 for 2 front leather seats (and the rears, so workshop sofa project!) in good (I beleive) nick, so as long as they are ok its no big deal, better than the duck tape currently masquerading as a seat cushion!
Thanks.