I've had some helpful tips about this topic already; but the options unfortunately are a steep climb as I've found. First has anyone done this sort of modification? I just came across a Mustang site where headrests were installed on a '66 Stang thanks to an outfit that makes a conversion kit complete with a nifty ratchet forward/back adjust. Of course upgrade parts for Stangs are everywhere unlike pre-66 Mopars. My guess roughly is that the later models, like the 68-70 seats, didn't change much dimensionally but the adjustable style headrest was added having a dual slide rod and rectangular or semi-oval shape padded rest. This maybe being the case, doesn't make for an odd addition to my '63 Fury buckets. They would look a little later "factory" Mopar is about all; so I hope. My interest is mainly for safety since I've had a partial neck fusion and want to avoid a whiplash injury with all the maniacs on the road. I've sent a message to Legendary Interiors for possible help as they did the interior for me some years back. If anyone has some experience with this would appreciate the advice.
Adding Headrests to early 60's bucket seats
- Thread starter Ron H
- Start date
I am no help but really interested in your story if you get it worked out.
I'm disappointed to find a very reputable interior resto outfit, the one that did my seats some years ago very nicely, is distant with offering any assistance as I had requested...while saying they do all sorts of custom work! I'd understand their stance IF they say they didn't do custom work. Consider that my request was to install adjustable head rests on the seats - not possible was the reply. (I got the idea finding a kit from TMI Products for Mustangs). Then OK, how about plan B to take later era Mopar seats to have them covered with the correct Sport Fury pattern - again not possible. Too far a stretch for them to do or impossible. So then, I have to wonder, what is "all sorts of custom work" mean? I had a line on buckets from '68-69 Fury/Monaco that are pretty close dimensionally to what my seats are, much-much closer than so many others I hunted down. Right now I'm in a "go figure" state of mind while I hope to find a plan C.
I would think if you can source some junk buckets with headrests you like you could cut out the attachment system and weld it into your stock seat backs. I'm sure some fabrication will be required but it shouldn't be rocket science.
Mike
Mike
Interesting you mention (493 Mike) about fabricating as this is the route I'm on now. I bought some later B-Body headrests and as you'll see in the pic's looking at how to fab brackets to install them. I pulled away the seat back panel to find a horizontal bracket about mid-way that I'm looking to attach tubes to - to set the posts in. (I put the seat back together as I have a car show this weekend so didn't go too far for now.) the other issue is the top of the seat to accept the posts and may find it possible to drill through the frame of the posts. I hope anyway there's enough framework to accept 1/2" dia holes through it. Have to pull more of the seat cover away to expose the top frame railing. Otherwise look at more fab work here I reckon. And (Dennis H) you make a good point about liability had chatted with a buddy about this though the Legendary folks made no mention of this with our back and forth emails.
I found a local upholstery shop to install headrests on my '63 Fury buckets that was more reasonably priced than I thought. After some chatting about fabricating framing and buying late 60's mopar bucket seat head rest brackets (and the headrests) I now have headrests. Rest of the car is stripped down for repaint and engine build but thought I'd share what the seat looks like...
Daniel Krause
Well-Known Member
Ron, where did you locate the headrests AND brackets?
It was just good luck that I found the rests on ebay doing a search. I've seen them for sale on the forum as well. The brackets (the hardware for the top of the seats) are readily available from suppliers; can't recall offhand who I bought them from but can check my records. Could check with Joey here site admin as I've bought parts from him as a quick thought. The brackets internal for the seat were made by the upholstery guy easily formed and bolted in the center cross bar for retaining the posts inside the seat back. If you want me to check where I got the hardware can do.
Daniel Krause
Well-Known Member
Thank you. Would appreciate info on the hardware. Thanks
Daniel Krause
Well-Known Member
Trying to decide whether to go to a Procar seat to get the headrest, or modify mine.....the headrests will likely run as much as at least one of the seats...
I had searched for seats for sometime; they were not easy to find adding the sizing of the buckets (wide pan as many ideas for install were too narrow) then having to have them refurbished. I got the headrests for 50 bucks; the entire job was around 200. Having had a partial neck fusion, doc said I may not do well getting whiplash so rests were more than a decoration for me. Let me see if I can find the place for the hardware.
I have 3-4-5 fused and plate reinforced and C-1 and C-2 fused and wire reinforced (happened after seat purchase). I bought Scat Rally seat w/o rests. I may attach a rest to the roll bar?
Mike
Daniel Krause
Well-Known Member
I found the hardware minus the tubes on a few different sites...
I see these parts on a few sites: Restoration Parts, Van's Auto, Classic Industries, and see a couple used on eBay. Pert sure I got mine at Van's or restoration parts as I recollect.
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