Installing rear headrests in standard rear seat

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  • Stu
    R3V Elite
    • Oct 2003
    • 4083

    #1

    Installing rear headrests in standard rear seat

    I found a set of matching rear headrests for my grey houndstooth interior. All I have here is a standard non-headrest rear seat, and a set of headrests with posts, nothing else. Can the headrest-rear-seat grommets be installed in a standard rear seat in order to install the headrests?

    I have no problem trimming the foam in the seat, and if it can be done cleanly, don't mind cutting a bit of fabric to fit the grommets. I don't need adjustability of the headrests, just set in the position snug against the seatback.

    Anyone tried this?
  • ZM Blue Devil
    Forum Sponsor
    • Dec 2006
    • 13836

    #2
    Yes, it will work. But while at it just order the extra parts, cheap...

    parts 2-6

    http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...94&hg=52&fg=30
    sigpic
    New website releasing soon www.gutenparts.com Guten Parts + Service | Facebook | Twitter
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    %20levent@gutenparts.com

    ____________________________________
    Ladies:
    1998 E36 m3/4/5 1988 325i 1989 325iT

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    • Stu
      R3V Elite
      • Oct 2003
      • 4083

      #3
      Originally posted by ZM Blue Devil
      Yes, it will work. But while at it just order the extra parts, cheap...

      parts 2-6

      http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...94&hg=52&fg=30
      Awesome, Thanks L.

      Comment

      • BeirBrennerE30
        R3VLimited
        • Oct 2003
        • 2740

        #4
        I actually a complete new in box mounting set for rear headrests if you are interested..
        e30sport.net
        '86 325es - s54b32tu - 6-speed - Mtech 1
        '89 325is - m20b25 - 5-speed - Individual​
        '06 M3 Competition - 6-speed
        '19 Porsche GT3 RS - 7-speed PDK
        '94 Lancia Delta HF Integrale EvoII - Giallo Ginestra
        '97 Range Rover Vitesse

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        • Stu
          R3V Elite
          • Oct 2003
          • 4083

          #5
          Originally posted by BeirBrennerE30
          I actually a complete new in box mounting set for rear headrests if you are interested..
          Thanks, I may PM you after the holidays are over.

          Comment

          • thedeal
            Mod Crazy
            • Mar 2009
            • 643

            #6
            There usually are quite a few for sale threads on here for the rear headrest brackets, I picked mine up for $40. Super easy to install!



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            • Stu
              R3V Elite
              • Oct 2003
              • 4083

              #7
              Does anyone have a template or measurements for where to cut/trim the standard rear seat?

              Comment

              • ZM Blue Devil
                Forum Sponsor
                • Dec 2006
                • 13836

                #8
                Dont know that one exists. Use your finger/pen through the back side to push up so you can see where it will come out. Just make sure you push at the angle the arms will come down. Also make sure the holes are same distance both for holes. Leather tends to be very dry there so make sure you have sharp utility knife, make a small hole then you need, you will have to make it a size where the trim will snap on so make sure you dont cut to big. I want to say its similar to a nickle... Take your time and you will be just fine.
                sigpic
                New website releasing soon www.gutenparts.com Guten Parts + Service | Facebook | Twitter
                ____________________________________

                Levent
                %20levent@gutenparts.com

                ____________________________________
                Ladies:
                1998 E36 m3/4/5 1988 325i 1989 325iT

                Comment

                • loonibab325i
                  Mod Crazy
                  • Dec 2005
                  • 770

                  #9
                  http://www.strictlyea.com/features/e30rearheadrest.html

                  s52 0-150mph & more http://www.youtube.com/loonibab325i

                  Comment

                  • gearheadE30
                    No R3VLimiter
                    • Jun 2007
                    • 3734

                    #10
                    Originally posted by ZM Blue Devil
                    Dont know that one exists. Use your finger/pen through the back side to push up so you can see where it will come out. Just make sure you push at the angle the arms will come down. Also make sure the holes are same distance both for holes. Leather tends to be very dry there so make sure you have sharp utility knife, make a small hole then you need, you will have to make it a size where the trim will snap on so make sure you dont cut to big. I want to say its similar to a nickle... Take your time and you will be just fine.
                    +1. When I made the cuts for mine, I just used an xacto knife and cut a + shape into the fabric. I have vinyl seats though, so that may make some difference.

                    For the centering, I just poked a hole through the vinyl from the back , roughly in the center of the hole in the foam. It doesn't have to be particularly exact.

                    Project M42 Turbo

                    Comment

                    • Stu
                      R3V Elite
                      • Oct 2003
                      • 4083

                      #11
                      Thanks for the info, I'll keep this thread in mind. It'll be nice to have the headrests on hand, but I'm somewhat hesitant to put them in car due to a) visibility and b) cutting up a perfect houndstooth interior.

                      Comment

                      • ZM Blue Devil
                        Forum Sponsor
                        • Dec 2006
                        • 13836

                        #12
                        what color houndstooth is it? Black or Tan?
                        sigpic
                        New website releasing soon www.gutenparts.com Guten Parts + Service | Facebook | Twitter
                        ____________________________________

                        Levent
                        %20levent@gutenparts.com

                        ____________________________________
                        Ladies:
                        1998 E36 m3/4/5 1988 325i 1989 325iT

                        Comment

                        • Stu
                          R3V Elite
                          • Oct 2003
                          • 4083

                          #13
                          Black. If it were leather/vinyl, I would have no problems cutting it up. However I have a softspot for some original E30 parts and houndstooth cloth is on that list; just something I prefer not to cut up. I think these headrests will sit in a plastic bag in storage until another day.

                          Comment

                          • Gooch
                            E30 Mastermind
                            • Dec 2006
                            • 1674

                            #14
                            Hey, those look familiar! They're going out in the mail today, Stu.

                            '91 318is - OBD-II S52 swapped - E30 M3 5-lug - 5x120 BBS RC090 (E39 Style 5) - TCK D/A coilovers 550/700 [SOLD]
                            '87 535i - Vacuum brake conversion [SOLD]
                            '93 525iT - 5-speed swap - 320k and counting
                            '09 328xi - 6-speed

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