first off, has the coat been kept in storage. if not, your skins are dry and rotted. you should never apply heat to the fur, as it drys out the skins. to test if the skins are rotted from dry rot. lift up the lining. you didn't mention if it was male or female skins. if it's female, the lining at the bottom will not be attached, it will hang freely. if it is male, it will be sewn it. you say you can see the skins from where you ar. wet the seams by spitting on them in a small spot. strtch gently the skins, if the rip, they are dry rot, if they stretch, they are fine to repair and i'd bring it to a furrier to repai. if the skins are dry, your best bt is to use a small piece of ducttape, you DO NOT wan to apply any type of heat or adhesive to the skins, it will do more damage. the skins will keep splitting if its. dry rot, and sadly, it sounds like it might be. this is why it is necessary to clean and store your skins and coats every year. the dirt and sweat get into the kins and ruin them good luck and write me if you need anymore help with this. Good luck.