head rests

[Rubberbiscuit-1]

Gave the search section a try. Can't believe there's nothing about head rests. Maybe I'm not using the "search" sight correctly? At any rate, I've taken my seats out in anticipation of getting the cloth inner seating area custom replaced while leaving the vinyl outer panels intact. How are the headrests removed? Does the seat have to come apart first to expose the shaft fixing? Or does it just not come apart and will the upholsterer need to work around the shaft? This doesn't seem right. Thanks - Pete

[Hasbeen]

Hi Pete, Details are there, but the search often times out on me when looking. Trying repeatedly sometime works.

There is a metal clip that slips onto the bottom of the headrest shaft, & simply catches on the metal.

If you, or a trimmer are removing the cover it is easy to remove after it is visible.

The usual method of removal when not uncovering the seat is simply a sharp upward pull on the thing. First get the shaft sliding nicely & easily up & down, Then pull it from fully down sharply upward. The clip will pop off & still be reusable. You will need someone sitting in the seat now it is out to hold it down.

Don't kneel in the seat to do this, or EVER kneel in them. Doing so puts too much localised strain on the rubber diaphragm that is the basis of the seat, usually ripping them. Even new old stock ones can't handle it. Ask me how I know.

If your seats are original, I wouldn't hold too much hope for reusing the vinyl panels. Even when I had mine recovered 14 years ago, the vinyl, which looked & felt perfect was not up to holding a new row of stitching. Matching vinyl is readily available & not expensive. It is also much better stuff. Plastic fabrics have come a long way in the last over 30 years.

Hasbeen

[Rubberbiscuit-1]

Thanks much for the headrest removal routine. We all remember times when "maybe just a sharp yank" or just a "little heavier rap" maybe will be the answer but in fact only breaks something and then maddeningly reveals the easy way... So, I was a bit gun-shy with the headrests. Thanks again Hasbeen.

The upholsterer did look over the seats and thought the vinyl was fine but I'll certainly convey the possible that it may be weak. My car is an '81 and has what must be the worst material ever for sports car seats. Besides looking like cheap luxury cloth when new, and despite a pretty easy life has worn like t-shirt cloth. So looking to replace it with a tight modern fabric.

[john 215]

Hi,

There is a ' barb ' at the base that needs to be over come, short sharp movement normally works -





Cheers John

[FI Spyder]

I recovered my headrest foams as they had crumbled like 30 year old foam does (the seats were fine). Headrest movement was stiff so I sprayed silicone on the post (and down in there) moving them up and down till they were free(er) moving. I found that by biasing them one way or the other (can't remember if it was front or back) when giving them a good yank upwards they popped off. You might have to give it several times as too little and they won't release, too much and you might lose you equilibrium as they "snap" release. When putting them back in there is a right and wrong way so take pictures first. My drivers side had been put in backwards so I had little head support. After refoaming I had put the covers on backwards but put the headrests in the right way so they look like they are in backwards but actually give the head support.