95SHO

I need to remove my headrest to swap them with a nicer set. Anyone ever remove these with the seat skins on the seats.

kast1376

Just did this last week, swapped out for the Mach/Bullitt/Cobra style. It is not terribly difficult, but can be very frustrating.

Get a wire coat hanger, and cut it so the very bottom of the hanger (the longest straight part) is useable. Pull the head rest all the way up, and the plastic part as well. (I think it can be done without pulling the plastic all the way up, but I think it is harder.)

This video helped me understand what to do:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5bd-...ature=youtu.be

Be patient. It can take some time.

cliffyk

The headrest is held in position by a spring loaded ball detent that locks into holes in the bracket/column, and prevented from being removed by a pin at the base of the bracket.

Here is how you can remove them with a length of wire coat hanger.



When you push the headrest and coat hanger down together the wire is forced into the locking bracket forcing it open, when you pull out the headrest only the wire continues to hold the spring loaded bracket open allowing the pin at the bottom to pass. There's a bit of a "trick" to it, but once you've done it a couple times you will be surprised how easy it is--I have removed a couple dozen of them this way

Putting them back in just requires pushing 'em down into the seat back...

cliffyk

I guess kast1376 beat me...

kast1376

Just with a link to the video! Wish I had a pic to go along with it when I did mine. It does get easier, but still a PITA.

I think the pic and the vid will help the OP out a lot in the long run.

I still need to put my new ones in. One of the plastic clips that holds the cover on on my new headrests is broken. Of course Ford doesn't sell just the clips or the cover, they want 200 bucks for a whole new headrest. F that. Gonna go talk to some upholstery shops.

cliffyk

I'm a geezer and in my life have driven more cars without headrests than with, so I just took 'em out and fabricated a small decorative plate to cover the slot--gives it sort of a "retro" look.

1965 2+2 Fastback:


My 2003 GT (you will have to imagine the "no headrests" part--but they are gone):

95SHO

Well I didn't see these replies until I already figured out how to remove them. I was able to pull them forward with a little pressure and pull up at the same time. It forced them to sneak by the clip that holds them in place.