[mrl859]

All new cars for the last few years must meet a federal regulation regarding headrests. The majority of car makers simply tilt the headrests forward. I like to sit up very straight and they make me lean my head forward. On my 2010 GT500, I took apart the driver's headrest and bent the metal, which worked out very well. In my wife's 2008 Chrysler Town and Country, I would insert the headrest backwards when I drove it, making it useless against whiplash. In my V with Recaros, I took it apart and bent it, but now the bottom sticks out which looks stupid and hits me in the neck. The V Recaros have very long headrests. Has anyone else come up with a solution? Do Canadian cars have the same headrests? What about export models? Anyone?

 

[theamcguy]

I know what you mean about the headrests. More government interference results in uncomfortable seats. I too like an upright driving which positions the headrest too far forward. Why can't they tilt?

 

[baabootoo]

Probably because they don't want people with whiplash. Would adding a strap-on headrest help it now? I've done that with a few cars to get it just right.

 

[RLJ676]

That is the beauty of the government, thank you FMVSS 202a. The testing is done on any adjustable HR in the farthest rearward position, so tilting/sliding doesn't help.

The export ones are the same.

You could have a custom interior shop shave the foam down and adjust the trim to fit...... not much else probably.

 

[mrl859]

Probably because they don't want people with whiplash. Would adding a strap-on headrest help it now? I've done that with a few cars to get it just right.

It's definitely for whiplash. I still can't live with it. Strap-on headrest? This is a family show, pal. Seriously, though, how would adding a headrest help me reduce the angle of my current one?

 

[neuronbob]

The headrest for the standard seat works nicely. All it took was adjusting the height (upward) so that the back of my head was not being pushed forward.

 

[mrl859]

The headrest for the standard seat works nicely. All it took was adjusting the height (upward) so that the back of my head was not being pushed forward.

That's probably not going to help me with the Recaros.

 

[mrl859]

That is the beauty of the government, thank you FMVSS 202a. The testing is done on any adjustable HR in the farthest rearward position, so tilting/sliding doesn't help.

The export ones are the same.

You could have a custom interior shop shave the foam down and adjust the trim to fit...... not much else probably.

The problem is that there is a relatively thin layer of foam covering a hollow hard plastic shell.

 

[mrl859]

That is the beauty of the government, thank you FMVSS 202a. The testing is done on any adjustable HR in the farthest rearward position, so tilting/sliding doesn't help.

The export ones are the same.

You could have a custom interior shop shave the foam down and adjust the trim to fit...... not much else probably.

I wonder why export models would be that way also if it's based on a federal motor vehicle safety standard.

 

[marktanner]

Try raising the headrest. I had to do this on my '08 with standard seats, as well as my '09 with Recaros. Doing so creates more space for your head. My head no longer gets fouled by the headrest, and I can also actually rest my head on it when necessary, and do it comfortably. I had to raise my headrest about three inches, and then all was well.

 

[mrl859]

Try raising the headrest. I had to do this on my '08 with standard seats, as well as my '09 with Recaros. Doing so creates more space for your head. My head no longer gets fouled by the headrest, and I can also actually rest my head on it when necessary, and do it comfortably. I had to raise my headrest about three inches, and then all was well.

Unfortunately, it still hits me in the back of the head.

 

[RLJ676]

I wonder why export models would be that way also if it's based on a federal motor vehicle safety standard.

GM would not tool a second part for small export volume, and even smaller portion of population that can't get comfortable at all.

You could cut down the plastic and have custom foam done, or basically just use nothing but the rods.....

 

[mrl859]

GM would not tool a second part for small export volume, and even smaller portion of population that can't get comfortable at all.

You could cut down the plastic and have custom foam done, or basically just use nothing but the rods.....

The plastic is very thin and is a hollow shell, so that's not going to work. I'll post photos later. Without the plastic "frame", there are no headrests. That's how the headrests get their shape. I'd rather have no headrest than tubular steel mashing into the back of my head in a rear end collision.

 

[richeic77]

I have this very problem not with regular driving but when trying to wear a helmet on either the drag strip or road course. When I do, the headrest is a MAJOR issue. I have to put the seat in an uncomfortable position to just see properly without looking at my chest. Major oversite as I see it. I love the seats in every way possible (As do jelous Corvette owners) except for the damn headrest.

I wonder if someone makes an aftermarket piece that's either adjustable or fixed back for racing.

 

[CTSV4now]

Do you have a standard size head or extra large? None of my vehicle headrests hit my head, perhaps I just have a pin head.

 

[RLJ676]

The plastic is very thin and is a hollow shell, so that's not going to work. I'll post photos later. Without the plastic "frame", there are no headrests. That's how the headrests get their shape. I'd rather have no headrest than tubular steel mashing into the back of my head in a rear end collision.

Right, I'm saying you could cut out the front of the blow molded insert, then make a new foam bun and have it custom wrapped in trim.

I know a little bit about HR's, and you won't find what you're looking for. the testing procedures make it impossible w/ out an active HR to be comfortable for someone sitting straight up basically. I don't imagine you can custom fit a JCI Ri-act or like active head restraint into your seat.....

 

[Glenbat6]

Hi, I've got the same problem, I am 6'2" tall, and the headrest gives me a kink, pain in the neck. I can't raise it high enough. Did anyone ever answer about how to remove them (I've heard that turning them around will solve the forward tilt) to make it comfortable to sit in the car? The manual does say "they are not designed to be removed".

 

[Rule12b]

Guys, reverse the headrests on the Recaros. Recline the seat some, squeeze the base of both headrest posts and remove the headrest to reverse it. Great for helmet clearance and upright driving position. Barely noticeable.

 

[JKG]

yes, the recaro headrest can be removed and then put in backwards. very comfortable but very stupid looking. i am so vain that i am (for now) keeping the headrest pushing my head forward rather than keeping the headrest reversed.

 

[Jinx]

I wonder if there's some older GM+Lear seat that uses the same headrest post size & width.