88 GT - No Headrests

[sea1959]

I own a 1988 GT Convertible that does not have headrests. I belive the upholstery to be original but there is no indication that it ever had headrests. There are no holes in the tops of the seats, etc. Can anyone help me make sense of this?

 

[wythors]

The uphostery (or the seats) isn't original. Every car sold in the US since 1968 has had headrests installed by the factory by Federal law.

 

[sea1959]

I can only guess that the seats were recovered and the headrests left out. The seats are correct with power lumbar, the side and front bolsters.

 

[FordRacing302]

Pics or your lying

 

[sea1959]

Here is a picture.

 

[sea1959]

Here are some more....

 

[sea1959]

one more....

 

[wythors]

Somebody didn't like the headrests and had at least the top panel on the seats redone.

Edit: In looking closely at the pics, the seats look like they've been redone. The complete repaint of all the trim (including the luggage rack!) and the wheels chosen go with the "remove the headrests" look.

 

[Mustang5L5]

Def been recovered.

Looks like the original owner went nuts on painting EVERYTHING red. I've never seen the windshield, all the trim and the luggage rack painted red.

 

[StreetsideStig]

Dang. I'd get some new seats or figure out some headrests. The old school look is cool, but I can't really argue with the feds on this one. Getting rearended without headrests would not be fun.

 

[Mustang5L5]

The mechanism to mount rests is probably there. You just need a set of 87-89 headrests covered in matching leather. The 87-89 seats do not use a plastic guide like the 90-93 seats do. They just feature s slit cut into the top.

In fact, i bet the seats were recovered and the slit needs to be cut by the installer and they chose not to do it.

 

[sea1959]

Mike - are you saying it would be as simple as making a small slit and sliding a headrest down into the seat? I had thought about purchasing a pair of the Halo type headrests. Is the width of the metal blade the same. These were used 87 and before, correct?

Ed

 

[Onefine88]

Yep the Halo will fit in the same slit. As a matter of fact I just bought and installed a pair of halos in my original seats in my '88 GT vert last week.LOL
The original headrests use a plastic insert that the metal blade slides into and then into the slit in the seat back. The halos install directly into the slit without that plastic piece.

Do it you'll love the halos!

The slit or "track" for the headrest blade is made into the metal seat back frame assembly so yes it should still be there. The seat cover kits come "without" a slit for the headrests. You have to cut the slit for it yourself when installing the seat covers. Whomever installed your seat cover kit simply opted not to use the headrests.

Good Luck

 

[Mustang5L5]

Yes, halos will fit. The key is to make the cut in the right location. I might scout around and see if you can find someone with some 87-89 seats without the headrest to get a good idea.

 

[Onefine88]

I'd be willing to bet that if you mash hard enough in that area feeling for the hole under the seat cover you could find where to cut.

 

[sea1959]

Thanks to all of you for your help. I am going to buy a pair of Halos and give it a shot. Thanks again.