Seat cover headrest base

[tgraham]

I'm finally getting around to installing some interior bits on my project car. Currently on deck: new seat covers. I got to the headrest base portion, which differs from the original piece. On the originals there is the thin steel rib that is secured to the (nearly hidden) internal structure with four hog rings. These replacement covers have a plastic anchor that doesn't seem to require use of the steel rib.

For those who have done this a few times, is this plastic bit intended to simply replace the steel rib (and thus I should still use hog rings on it) or does it somehow wedge up in there securely (with no rings needed) and stay that way over time?

20923

Thanks!
Travis

[dmc6960]

I secured mine with zip-ties in that particular area. Still couldn't get it tight enough though to pull that neck taught. I can't figure out how the heck the factory got those original hog rings in there.

[Jeffu]

Those were a pain to do.
I also used zip ties. I made 6 tiny slits just on the backside of that plastic rib. I then looped the zip ties through the slits and feed them back through the seat and around the inner metal bar. Then I carefully snugged each one up and trimmed the zip ties. I did mine in the winter time and tried to use what sunlight I could coming through the window to keep the skins pliable. I would suggest trying to do the project in the sunlight to keep that material soft. Hope this helps.

[Kenny_Z]

I secured mine with zip-ties in that particular area. Still couldn't get it tight enough though to pull that neck taught. I can't figure out how the heck the factory got those original hog rings in there.

An Irishman with an iron grip ;) I second the zip ties, extra long ones are even easier to work with.

If the neck is still loose you can use some jute to pad the area for a tighter fit. Not all seat skins are made equal.

[tgraham]

Thanks! I will secure the base flaps then, probably using the zip tie method. Those original rings were hard enough to remove without damaging the foam - I can't imagine installing more in this area!

The headrest foam has seams that lead me to believe that it was an independent piece originally. My guess was that the factory attached those hog rings before sliding the headrest foam onto the structure, then glued the headrest foam to the main foam. Who knows...

Travis

[DMC5180]

I replaced my seat covers with NOS covers about 10 yrs ago. I don't recall having any particular issue in that area. I removed all old hog rings with needle nose pliers and installed new hog rings w/hog ring pliers.

[tommyrich]

Third on the zip ties. Just make sure the ends wind up on the inside so you don't have the square lumps on the neck of the headrest. Also, you can put a plastic shopping bag over the head rest foam. It makes a very slippery surface for pulling on the seat cover. I also use zip ties for the seat cushion with fender washers instead of the plastic disks. You can pull nice and tight. Good luck.

Tom