'67 BUCKET SEAT HEADREST FABRICATION.
Having been unable to find '67 headrests for my '67 bucket seats, I have decided instead to convert a set of new PG Classics '68 bucket seat headrests to fit my '67 seats. Maybe it's been done before, but I don't see any mention of it, so here's what I am doing.
I have ordered the '68 headrests which should arrive next week. Upon their arrival, I am cutting off the chrome rods which extend into the seat. I will be making a jig in which they will be mounted for welding into a piece of flat bar (dimensions to be determined by base of headrest), at 7-1/2" apart, thereby retaining proper angles during welding.
Flat bar will be drilled and countersink at 8-1/2" apart before welding, for stainless 5/16 countersunk bolts, that will be going into the headrest, to avoid damage to the headrests by the heat from welding with my MIG. These bolts will mount into the stubs of the headrests which will be ground flush and tapped. The chrome rods will be welded on at 7-1/2" apart.
This should result in nice new '68 headrests which will mount right up and look good on my '67 seats. I know they won't really be right. Only '67 headrests would be, but I'm not finding anything other than insane deals which themselves are few and far between, and I am reluctant to pursue.
Perhaps one day I will find a deal that seems reasonable to me (LOL!) or someone will start reproducing them. The guy at PG Classics says there is no one working on it, and he does not believe anyone will.
The reason I mention all of this before just doing it is this, I have the PG Classics installation kit for my '67 seats but it came with no instructions and I'm finding none on thier site. I did find some reasonable threads on '68 installation, but none on '67 and the parts are different.
I can see the covers and maybe foam have to come off.
There is a metal spring clip for locking into the chrome rod detent grooves which appears to be screwed into the seat frame below the main hole using small screws.
The big black plastic chunk appears to go on top, but there is one hole on each which could go to the left or right, depending on how it's installed.
The chrome bezel goes on the top of the vinyl, but what about the smaller black plastic parts with the large holes? They must go either above or below the larger plastic, but which way? which way is up and to what direction are the tabs rotated?
Does anyone have a picture, or could someone make a sketch?
I read a trick upon re-installing the vinyl covers is to put them in a pillowcase for protection and run them in the clothes dryer long enough to make them warm and pliable. Just not too long or? I think I'll give that a try!
If anyone has further helpful tips or experience to share, please do. My Barracuda and I will be grateful!
Having been unable to find '67 headrests for my '67 bucket seats, I have decided instead to convert a set of new PG Classics '68 bucket seat headrests to fit my '67 seats. Maybe it's been done before, but I don't see any mention of it, so here's what I am doing.
I have ordered the '68 headrests which should arrive next week. Upon their arrival, I am cutting off the chrome rods which extend into the seat. I will be making a jig in which they will be mounted for welding into a piece of flat bar (dimensions to be determined by base of headrest), at 7-1/2" apart, thereby retaining proper angles during welding.
Flat bar will be drilled and countersink at 8-1/2" apart before welding, for stainless 5/16 countersunk bolts, that will be going into the headrest, to avoid damage to the headrests by the heat from welding with my MIG. These bolts will mount into the stubs of the headrests which will be ground flush and tapped. The chrome rods will be welded on at 7-1/2" apart.
This should result in nice new '68 headrests which will mount right up and look good on my '67 seats. I know they won't really be right. Only '67 headrests would be, but I'm not finding anything other than insane deals which themselves are few and far between, and I am reluctant to pursue.
Perhaps one day I will find a deal that seems reasonable to me (LOL!) or someone will start reproducing them. The guy at PG Classics says there is no one working on it, and he does not believe anyone will.
The reason I mention all of this before just doing it is this, I have the PG Classics installation kit for my '67 seats but it came with no instructions and I'm finding none on thier site. I did find some reasonable threads on '68 installation, but none on '67 and the parts are different.
I can see the covers and maybe foam have to come off.
There is a metal spring clip for locking into the chrome rod detent grooves which appears to be screwed into the seat frame below the main hole using small screws.
The big black plastic chunk appears to go on top, but there is one hole on each which could go to the left or right, depending on how it's installed.
The chrome bezel goes on the top of the vinyl, but what about the smaller black plastic parts with the large holes? They must go either above or below the larger plastic, but which way? which way is up and to what direction are the tabs rotated?
Does anyone have a picture, or could someone make a sketch?
I read a trick upon re-installing the vinyl covers is to put them in a pillowcase for protection and run them in the clothes dryer long enough to make them warm and pliable. Just not too long or? I think I'll give that a try!
If anyone has further helpful tips or experience to share, please do. My Barracuda and I will be grateful!