Installing head rests on seats that did not have head rests - 1978 (4 Viewers)

[Bloomer]

When I purchased my 1978 40 series, the front seats did not have head rests nor where there slots to insert them visible. If I run my hand over the top of the seats, it sort of feels like there are indentations beneath the seat covers where head rests would go.

So, I’m curious. Did some 40’s come new without head rests (specifically 1978 year models)?

If they did come delivered without head rests, could Toyota possibly just covered the slots where they get installed (and hopefully any trim pieces would be there)?

Any thoughts?

 

[Helipilot]

Same situation here with my '77. I believe there are holes for the headrests as I have the original headrests in a box. Hoping you and I get a esponse

 

[fireflyr]

My driver’s seat has that. Not sure what would fit though.

 

[procomsignathid]

I am literally in the exact situation as you (1978 no headrests), purchased some off ebay, got 3d printed guides from proffits , and got some upholstery pliers / staples.

If you wait until this weekend you (and the rest of mud) can find out how it goes!

Waiting for it to be nice and hot to work w the vinyl. Hope I dont make a hash out of it.

 

[EWheeler]

FYI the head rests from the later 40 series have different spacing, believe your ‘78 would be the narrower spread, so measure and confirm before you buy.

 

[procomsignathid]

Ill post all measurements of what I have, so if I have a failure y’all can learn from my costly mistakes

 

[timmyisinthewell]

Four different p/n's for the head rests for the FJ40 from 03/69 to 07/80 in the US and Canadian markets. These p/n's were accurate as of Jan '81.

 

[timmyisinthewell]

Sorry, 10/69 not 03/69. My microfiche set starts at 03/69.

 

[Living in the Past]

Four different p/n's for the head rests for the FJ40 from 03/69 to 07/80 in the US and Canadian markets. These p/n's were accurate as of Jan '81.

View attachment 3959528

Does your microfiche show a plug used when headrest weren't installed? This would be for the two styles used between 9/72 and 1/79.

Never seen headrest on pre 9/72. Maybe used in Canada. I know Canada had ambulance doors prior to 1/75. On line a show a listing 4/72-1/79 in North America. Only one I've listed here iis an Canadian model with front door panels prior to 1-75.

My guess the dates for changes is 9/72, 9/75 and 1/79. 9/72-1/79 spacing allows those to interchange.

Pre 9/72 are about impossible to find OEM since would have to come from another market. The 9/72-9/75 are real hard to find. I know these were optional. 1/76 US market switched three point seats belts. Think that change made head rest standard. I know pre 9/72 can find seats covered the headrest posts. 9/72 plugs were used and posts exposed. In the US market covered post believe we're seat that were reupholstered and justed covered up.

 

[timmyisinthewell]

I'm the second owner of a 01/72 since 10/78 and my bench seat has headrests. LITP, I don't see plugs for the headrest holes, only grommets for headrest use. I also don't see any seat internal pieces for headrest mounting listed separately.

 

[timmyisinthewell]

This probably belongs in the thread "FJ40 pics from back in the day". My 01/72, pic taken summer of '78 showing my headrests and my old girlfriend and my brother with his Harley.

 

[MOTOV8R]

This probably belongs in the thread "FJ40 pics from back in the day". My 01/72, pic taken summer of '78 showing my headrests and my old girlfriend and my brother with his Harley.

View attachment 3959603

She doesn’t look old.

Also, that is a great picture.

 

[Bloomer]

I am literally in the exact situation as you (1978 no headrests), purchased some off ebay, got 3d printed guides from proffits , and got some upholstery pliers / staples.

If you wait until this weekend you (and the rest of mud) can find out how it goes!

Waiting for it to be nice and hot to work w the vinyl. Hope I dont make a hash out of it.

Any update?

 

[procomsignathid]

Sorry for delay! I'll give it a whirl this afternoon. Got very distracted.

 

[wchevron]

I was in the same situation as you. 1977, no headrests but felt like there were holes there. Took a chance and bought some headrests. Pushed down on the hole to find the center and put a small slice in with a utility knife. Headrest went right in. Did the same on the passenger seat. Not sure if they would adjust. I just pushed them in as far as they would go. There is a couple inch gap between the top of the seat and bottom of the headrest. When I lean my head back they seem like they are at a good height.

 

[procomsignathid]

OK, success! First off, I'm not sure you need to remove the vinyl here, as @wchevron suggested. I wanted to just to make sure I wasn't going to cut into something with the wrong spacing, so for me it gave me the confidence to cut into my vinyl seat backs. For reference if you go this route, I suggest the following video:

If you are going to remove the vinyl, I suggest two sets of pliers (I used two needle-nose pliers), and some upholstry tacks / tool. I used this from CCOT, which I noticed is a Pittsburgh, so check your harbor freight.

Onto the photos. First off, I have a '78 model year (built oct '77), and my headrests have about a 5" gap between posts:

I removed the vinyl seatback so I could check to see if the spacing was indeed 5" on the top of the seat. To do this I first removed the entire seatback, and removed the staples along the bottom. Do this on a hot day for ease of use... I tried this in March and abandoned it until now (BTW, thanks for the push to get this project done!). Don't forget the additional tacks about 2/3rd of the way up on the seat back:

Once the vinyl was off, I was able to check the top. Sure enough, after poking some holes in the foam with my finger, the headrest slid right in. I found that once it clicked in, I had to push it forward and slide it up to get it out (you can also push it forward and slide it down to seat it lower on the seat). Also, on one side there is this little tube that seems to hold the post, and it looks like this is what the escutcheons go around. This pipe was not on the opposing side, so I don't know if it was made this way intentionally, or if my seatback is missing one (we'll find out when I do the drivers side). I did a test-fit of the escutcheon before re-attaching the vinyl:

No "tube" in the other hole:

BTW, got these escutcheons from Proffits in you need em. So far they seem to be sturdy enough, but they are 3d-printed.

I took my time locating holes for the vinyl once I got things re-assembled. I use a knife and scissors, and checked with my fingers to locate the escutcheons. Lucky for me even though the tube wasnt in the other side, the hard foam had a hole for it, so it holds itself in nicely. And all done!

Hope that's helpful! Now, on to the drivers side

 

[procomsignathid]

Just did the driver side, there should be a tube on both sides, the escutcheons will click into them. Was able to do it without taking off the vinyl as well. Compare how the escutcheons sit on driver vs. passenger side in the previous photo, you can see one is not compressing the vinyl above compared to the driver side below where both are compressing the vinyl (so I get to add one more thing on the "to fix" list as I cross one thing offf, ha):

EDIT: Also, even with three coats of vinyl dye, the gray headrests still look gray compared to the seatbacks. So I guess that's two things added, one thing removed from the list

 

[wchevron]

I sprayed my gray headrests with Dupli Color vinyl and fabric coating. Comes in flat or gloss black. I used gloss. Shinier than the black seats, somewhat due to age of the seats but the headrests are definitely black.