seat headrests 230SL

[mcreasy]

Did the 1967 230sl come with headrest at all or were they even an option???

[66andBlue]

No headrests, and to my knowledge no option either.
The top of the backrest of a 230SL seat is a bit narrow for headrests to look right. However, headrests can be installed into 230SL seats by using the wider pads for the 280SL seats and many were converted that way.

[Ulf]

I too have headrests in my 1965 (built 1964) 230 SL, and according to the 3 previous owners they have always been with the car. They are removable, so for slow summer cruising, I always remove them to enjoy the cleaner profile, but put them back in when I drive on highways. I suffered a severe whiplash in 1997 when a Mercedes E-class failed to noticed that I stopped for a red light and reduced the length of my Triumph Spitfire by 4 feet...So I really enjoy having headrests in my 230, even if not completely original :-)

Ulf

[mcreasy]

I want to thankyou all for your wonderful support and wealth of knowledge it is so nice to get your wisdom and help...I did look at the info Thanks again for your patience. Mary

[star63]

Does anyone have a photo showing headrests installed in early seat backs (without extra padding)?
Is this doable or is the extra pad a must?

I have a 1967 250SL with "thinner" seat backs...

Thanks,
Petri

[star63]

Anybody?

Is the 280 style thick padding a must in order to retrofit the headrests?

[wwheeler]

Even in a W111 coupe, the headrests look a little balky. Without them and the windows down, the cavernous interior is really shown off. See attachment (not my car incidently).

They are however very effective safety devices. If it were just up to me, I wouldn't install them. However there is another side to the equation and that would be my spouse. She won't stay in it long w/o them.

So headrests it is!

[georgem]

Hi,

I have installed headrests into our 230Sl "thin seats" - not particularly difficult.  I agree they look a tad big but hey, its a small compromise if the option is whiplash.

[star63]

Hi,

I have installed headrests into our 230Sl "thin seats" - not particularly difficult.  I agree they look a tad big but hey, its a small compromise if the option is whiplash.

Sounds promising!
Would you have a photo?
With the thin seat pad (mine is about 8 cm at the middle) the headrest is "closer" to your head. Any issues with this?

Thanks,
- Petri

[lamakdaddy]

How do you remove factory fitted head rests from a 1971 car?

[mdsalemi]

How do you remove factory fitted head rests from a 1971 car?

Mine--on a 1969--simply lift out.  Just keep pulling until they come out.  That leave grommet with holes in them in the top of seats, of course.