Adding 280 headrests to an older (1966) 230 seat?

[OregonRuby230]

Hello Pagoda community,
I am a bit stumped. Has anyone added headrests to a pre-headrest seat frame?
I purchased a pair of used headrests with the OEM rails. I am not seeing an obvious attachment method without some additional bar.
Does anyone have guidance and/or photos of the attachment. I've included one possible thought I had, but upon review i'm not sure its on the right track.
Any thoughts are welcome,
Kirk

[Pawel66]

Maybe this is useful? https://www.sl113.org/wiki/Interior/HeadRests230SL

There is a link to a post in the text there.

[Garry]

Here is a post with some pictures as well


https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=3040.msg17589#msg17589

[sandcrab59]

Last year I did the same with my 1985 300SD that did not have headrests in the rear seat.
You have to find a wrecked seat that is useless but had head rests.
You remove the bars from the back of the old seat and rivet or screw them into your seat.
Then drill the holes at the top and place the round plastic pieces there.
It is a simple job and should only take a couple of hours.
I  have an old 300sd so it was easy to remove the parts.
Look at Garys post and that is exactly what you have to do.
It is easy.
Tom

[biffabeau]

Does anyone know of an after market solution to buy the rails from? I have seen the headrest foam for sale?  Surely something from other cars must fit?

[sandcrab59]

Usually the headrests are the same in many models
Tom

[ja17]

The W108, W109,W114, W115, W107 and most likely W123 Mercedes Models of the era are usable. Some of those are exactly the same except, some will not have the vent holes on the sides.

[OregonRuby230]

I found mine through Vintage Euro Parts of Santa Clarita, CA.

[114015]

I am a bit stumped. Has anyone added headrests to a pre-headrest seat frame?

Hello Kirk,
Yes, did the job (together with my brother Wilhelm) and it worked out quite well.
We were even able to use the correct 280 oval shaped grommets on top of the backrest.

Only 2 things to mention,
if you use original W113 headrest rails - no problems,
if you use some from sedans, these need to be shortened by an inch or so,
and the upper attachment pins (with which the rails are attached to the keyholes of the backrest frame) need to be shortened.
There was no problem to do the cutouts in the rubber horsehair pads.

Good luck!

Achim
(strong headrest supporter)