Headrest Mk4 1979
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Bob46320
- Basic 850
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Headrest Mk4 1979
These headrests are more backrests as they are too low to stop whiplash (on acceleration… I wish). However, they do prevent the seats from being tilted forward enough to get a less than agile passenger into the rear seat. Anyone know how to either get them out or raise them so that they would offer some protection. I have tugged them, pushed them sworn at them. Caressed them to find a hidden release button, felt between seat and headrest but not found a release button. Any ideas ?
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mab01uk
- 1275 Cooper S
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Re: Headrest Mk4 1979
I used to have a Mini Mayfair with those seats and the headrests and you could raise them or remove them....but I remember they do tend to stick in position and require more brute force over time.
This thread linked below on TMF may also help confirm the brute force needed:-
"I've got similar seats and for ages I thought they didn't move but they were just really stiff. I had to kneel on it and pull as hard as I could. Just give them a good tug."
https://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/t ... headrests/
On later MPi seats there is a metal clip just under a plastic insert at top of seat where headrest fits through, lever the clip out slightly and hey presto the headrests are up/off.
This thread linked below on TMF may also help confirm the brute force needed:-
"I've got similar seats and for ages I thought they didn't move but they were just really stiff. I had to kneel on it and pull as hard as I could. Just give them a good tug."
https://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/t ... headrests/
On later MPi seats there is a metal clip just under a plastic insert at top of seat where headrest fits through, lever the clip out slightly and hey presto the headrests are up/off.
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Bob46320
- Basic 850
- Posts: 69
- Joined: Fri Jan 12, 2024 3:08 pm
- Location: SW France
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Re: Headrest Mk4 1979
A hernia later... and a dribble of WD40 (other products are available).
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mab01uk
- 1275 Cooper S
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- Location: S.E. England
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Re: Headrest Mk4 1979
Glad you got there in the end....its no wonder you rarely see those Mini head restraints in the right position to help prevent whiplash injuries.
Having experienced mild whiplash in a modern MINI with high back seats when rear ended by a Ford Focus at low speed, I am glad I have Recaro seats in my classic Mini. Severe whiplash with no head restraints can result in life changing injuries and I once saw a car safety video that showed if a head rest/restraint is set too low it can can be even worse than none....
Headrest Position to Prevent Whiplash:-
"A headrest’s primary purpose is to prevent whiplash. To do so effectively, the top of the headrest must come up to at least the top of your ears—preferably to the top of your head—and be within two to four inches of the back of your head."
Having experienced mild whiplash in a modern MINI with high back seats when rear ended by a Ford Focus at low speed, I am glad I have Recaro seats in my classic Mini. Severe whiplash with no head restraints can result in life changing injuries and I once saw a car safety video that showed if a head rest/restraint is set too low it can can be even worse than none....
Headrest Position to Prevent Whiplash:-
"A headrest’s primary purpose is to prevent whiplash. To do so effectively, the top of the headrest must come up to at least the top of your ears—preferably to the top of your head—and be within two to four inches of the back of your head."