Rear headrest removal

[FiveOff]

After putting in a new garbage disposal for a friend, today, I was feeling a bit destructive and adventurous so I decided to tackle the problem of my annoying rear seat headrests. I was hoping to find a way to take them off completely and have an unobstructed view out the back window. :thinking:

As you will see in the photos, I got most of the way there:

http://my.project-jk.com/data/500/seat1.jpg


http://my.project-jk.com/data/500/seat2.jpg
use a flathead screwdriver to push spring clip off the base of headrest post

http://my.project-jk.com/data/500/seat3.jpg
Now, once you shift the seat forward the headrest will move back but will NOT come back up when you shift the seat back. It should stay in place.

http://my.project-jk.com/data/500/seat4.jpg
With the headrest down it is easy to see the small cutouts for the headrest release.

http://my.project-jk.com/data/500/seat5.jpg
I still had a difficult time pushing the release so I popped off the center plastic piece to access the spring button.

http://my.project-jk.com/data/500/seat6.jpg
Finished!!! Well, sort of.....


From this point I'm still trying to find a non-permanent way to remove the posts... :confused: :thinking:

[JoeMacJK]

I have a 2 door, and there are two buttons on the headrest, and they just come right out. That kinda silly that they make it different for the 4 door

[FiveOff]

I guess DCX thought that they were being helpful by making it possible to fold down the seats in the 4-dr without removing the headrests. Nice thought, but it would have been better to make an easy option to remove them, too. :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

[The_Superhoo]

i agree, it looks sweet when they fold down perfect, but man i hate headrests that poke forward like they do.

not as bad as in the Vibe or Equinox, but annoying enough. PLUS the obstructed view.

tell us if you have any more success. if it looks good and is non-permanent, i'd join you in ripping those things out

[The_Superhoo]

any luck getting the posts off yet?

also i had a question, how hard does it look like getting the headrests back on the posts will be?

thanks!

[TEV]

Yeah I agree it sucks thats what you unlimited guys have to go through on the headrests. I still want ti know who the genius was who made the headrests out of hard plastic. I want to send him hate mail. Or maybe just throw rocks at him. Iono :confused:

[jwetzel]

You could throw the headrests at him. ;)

[TEV]

You could throw the headrests at him. ;)

but I dont want to hurt the man...

[FiveOff]

any luck getting the posts off yet?

also i had a question, how hard does it look like getting the headrests back on the posts will be?

thanks!

The headrests just slip right back on. Slip them on, push the whole shebang back up and it works like normal. (Well, normal if you are a hunched over old man anyway.)

[The_Superhoo]

dont you have to reconnect the spring hook thing? :confused:

[FiveOff]

dont you have to reconnect the spring hook thing? :confused:

No, all that does is make the headrest move back and forth as you put the seats up or down. Without the springs attached all you have to do is push the headrests (or empty posts) back up manually, then they "click" into place.

[FiveOff]

...have an idea in my head how to get rid of the empty posts but still be able to re-attach the headrests later... :thinking:

...now if I just had the time... :crazyeyes:


I'll post picts and hardware list when completed...

[The_Superhoo]

sweet, thanks in advance :yup:

[Rubimon]

I can see removing the headrest if only short kids are riding back there. Why not just leave them flipped down so you have them there if an adult climbs in for a ride.

I hate the fact that my sons TJ doesnt have headrests. It bugs me knowing his friends are riding that way in case of a rear end collision.

[FiveOff]

I can see removing the headrest if only short kids are riding back there. Why not just leave them flipped down so you have them there if an adult climbs in for a ride.


Only because it looks goofy :crazyeyes: when the top is down.

BTW- There isn't enough room in the back of my JK for adults- 2 cars seats with another soon to be added. I'll have to post pics w/ all 3 in place. What a cool "mod" that will be. :rollingeyes:

[cab76]

Only because it looks goofy :crazyeyes: when the top is down.

BTW- There isn't enough room in the back of my JK for adults- 2 cars seats with another soon to be added. I'll have to post pics w/ all 3 in place. What a cool "mod" that will be. :rollingeyes:

My situation also. I will have 2 carseats and absolutely no need for headrests on the rear seat.

[captsam54]

Hello, watching like a hawk...!! Want to get rid of my posts too..., either that or take the back seats out entirely.. Would be nice to not destroy them so I can put them back on if I ever traded mine in for the 2012 model.!!

[FiveOff]

The posts aren't coming off without a fight. Right now, my plan is to cut them off cleanly about 1 to 1.5 " from the bottom and then find some sort of hollow tubing that I can use to link the 2 pieces back together in the future. The tough part will be finding tubing that is thin enough to not be ugly, yet strong enough for safety.

For the moment though, it will have to wait on more pressing matters.

[captsam54]

The posts aren't coming off without a fight. Right now, my plan is to cut them off cleanly about 1 to 1.5 " from the bottom and then find some sort of hollow tubing that I can use to link the 2 pieces back together in the future. The tough part will be finding tubing that is thin enough to not be ugly, yet strong enough for safety.

For the moment though, it will have to wait on more pressing matters.
At this stage I want them gone.. don't care how completly and never to return.. When (did I say When? I ment "IF") I sell or trade, the back headrests not being there will not make any difference in the value..!!

[FiveOff]

one word: Hacksaw :werdsign:

[cmh2001]

Before you break out the hacksaw, the Wrangler Service Manual has a solution.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7697481@N04/490773261/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7697481@N04/490773261/

[captsam54]

Before you break out the hacksaw, the Wrangler Service Manual has a solution.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7697481@N04/490773261/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7697481@N04/490773261/
Checked that out..
Only tells you how to take the actual head rests off..

We've already been through all that.. Were talking about removal of the "posts" themselves...
Maybe the word is hacksaw.. or 'jaws of life".. snip their little heads right off..!!

[Egmont]

Checked that out..
Only tells you how to take the actual head rests off..

We've already been through all that.. Were talking about removal of the "posts" themselves...
Maybe the word is hacksaw.. or 'jaws of life".. snip their little heads right off..!!

Why don't you have another look at the link, it clearly shows that the posts come out with the head rest.

[captsam54]

Why don't you have another look at the link, it clearly shows that the posts come out with the head rest.
What am I missing here..??

I only see the headrest coming off.. Not the pins...:thinking:

[FiveOff]

Why don't you have another look at the link, it clearly shows that the posts come out with the head rest.

No, if you take a closer look, you'll see the headrest coming off leaving the "headrest bracket and hinge" on the seat. You may also notice that they show the headrests folding the opposite way than they actually fold. :banghead:

http://my.project-jk.com/data/500/headrest_tech.jpg


Capt - if you ever do break out those Jaws Of Life, I want pics. :eek!:

DCX engineers must have been taking some Limited Slip Differential when they came up with this "clever" design.

[07JKX]

i just did the headrest mod.... i am just going to leave mine laying back... its nice now that i can see. It really helps out safty wise when the doors are off and you must rely on turning to look and your rear view only

the springs look like they will be easy to reattach if you ever needed to.

has anyone been able to get the cover off the seat and access everything internal?? there seems to be a zipper at the bottom left corner of both back seats. cant find where it starts though

[captsam54]

This appears to be from another vehicle..

Yea, and I am still pondering about removing the posts..

THEY ARE COMMING OUT.. Just a question of when..!!

[Egmont]

Well, I stand corrected, it was me who should have a closer look.:embarrased:

[captsam54]

Well, I stand corrected, it was me who should have a closer look.:embarrased:
Keep working at it.. you were close..!!:yup:

[cmh2001]

My mistake....break out the hacksaw!

[Rob Riker]

I too have been looking at removing those friggin post. I was out crawling around in the jeep this evening. Has anyone taken notice to the zippers on either side of of the rear seats, and the j-track? It looks like once you get the head rest off, you could possible slip the cover off the seats, and get to the internals. Just need to figure out out how those seat release latches come off.

I will attempt removing the seat covers this weekend. I will take pics of the process just in case it works.

[captsam54]

I too have been looking at removing those friggin post. I was out crawling around in the jeep this evening. Has anyone taken notice to the zippers on either side of of the rear seats, and the j-track? It looks like once you get the head rest off, you could possible slip the cover off the seats, and get to the internals. Just need to figure out out how those seat release latches come off.

I will attempt removing the seat covers this weekend. I will take pics of the process just in case it works.
Cool, waiting to see/read what you find out..

I will be more involved with removing mine next week after my RED Jk's photo shoot !!

I have to put the rear headrests back on for that..

Then there coming off for good...

Anybody want to buy a unused set of rear headrests???:rotflmao1:

[FiveOff]

Anybody want to buy a unused set of rear headrests???:rotflmao1:


Just use them as tire chucks. They're hard enough and have the right shape...

[captsam54]

Just use them as tire chucks. They're hard enough and have the right shape...
Ha.. Ha... Hey.. Great.. I hadn't thought of that... !!!

Better than carring a 2x4 around in the back..

[Captain Distracto]

i just fold my seats down in the back 90% of the time. no hacksaws or posts sticking out, just lots of trunk space and viewing area

[River Lizard]

I too want them gone for a different reason....I'm 6'4" and I like to recline my seat back but with the rear seat down I can't do that without hitting the back head rest. Next time I need to take my Jeep in for service, I'm going to ask them if there's a way to get the head rest out......I need them gone but without using a hacksaw!!!

[captsam54]

I too want them gone for a different reason....I'm 6'4" and I like to recline my seat back but with the rear seat down I can't do that without hitting the back head rest. Next time I need to take my Jeep in for service, I'm going to ask them if there's a way to get the head rest out......I need them gone but without using a hacksaw!!!
Let us know what you find out..

[D'sjk]

I wouldn't mid taking them out for good as well I will keep checking to see what you guys find out for now I will just keep them springless and laid back!

[freeswimmingfish]

So, with the headrests just folded down, will they move up/forward during braking or fly up and possibly injure a rear seat passenger while wheelin or even on a bumpy road or going over RR tracks?
I am asking are they held in the folded down position in any way or do they freely move?
These thing are very hard and could knock someone out if they got hit in the back of the head with them.

Your paranoind Jeeper,
Joe

[captsam54]

I wouldn't worry about them.. They don't move unless you actually grab ahold of them.. (now if you toss it out of an airplane and crash land it somewhere.. they might flip up..)http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f386/benthissell/crash35sm.jpg:eek2:

[SCF]

When I was looking at them carefully, the posts seem to be "embedded" into the foam.

[RedrockX]

Hmmm.... so i took a couple of minutes to try and yank mine off... (the headrest) from the back seat of my 2 dr... ?? what gives, they didnt budge.

wouldnt raise wiggle or nothing... (maybe i just need to go back to the gym?)
i didnt want to smack myself in the face with one, but dang...

guess i'll try again, having that extra vision out the back is what i'm looking for.
no kids, no car seats... just a seat in case i HAVE to take a 3rd person anywhere... :bleh:

wheel chocks..? hmmmm... :yup:

[RedrockX]

sumbeach... there are 2 buttons on them suckers... :crazyeyes:


yep, .. and way easier to see out the back.

[deinatx]

Anyone managed to get the post removed on a 4 door yet? :crazyeyes:

[captsam54]

Yes.. I am still waiting.. short of sawzalling them OFF..!!

[Zulu1]

I bought this Unlimited because no one liked riding in the back of my 05 Rubicon SWB, except of course the kids.

Anyway I've had it for two weeks and every adult to get in the back seat says:

9. This jeep's ride is 100 times better than your old one (05 Rubicon SWB)

8. Wow there is a lot of legroom.

7. I really like your audio system.

6. I can hear again.

5. I didn't rip my belt loop off.

4. Not bad but the seat back is kinda straight.

3. The seat belt locks me in and I can't move @&$&^#(@

2. I wiped my but across that muddy fender when I got out (the ladies hate that).

1. Those head rests need to go.............. Absolutely everyone who gets in says that…


So I have these 4 posts sticking out and I'm a little nervous about someone getting hurt on them, especially the dogs.

I really don't want to use the hack saw.....

I can always wait till it gets warm and try to take the seats apart but I was hoping that someone here has the answer.

Anyone??

[chicky_regal]

Here's what I came up with. No cutting. Loop the bungee to the hook at the seatback (part of the tether system for car seats). If you want the headrest up, just pull it up. Back down? Pull the seat like you're folding it and push the headrest back down. The bungee does the work.

down
http://my.project-jk.com/data/500/medium/SNV31403.JPG

one up
http://my.project-jk.com/data/500/medium/SNV31409.JPG

bungee
http://my.project-jk.com/data/500/medium/SNV31412.JPG

[101gargoyles]

Just wondering...If rear seat passengers get broken necks and are hiring a lawyer to figure out where they're going to get money now that they can't work anymore...and the lawyer is smart enough to look into the type and condition of vehicle...how long would it take to throw these headrests back in after they're bastardised considering the sweat is pouring down your brow and there's not a lot of light in the police compound after you jump the fence when no one else is around in the middle of the night...
Just wondering...
Ya might want to ask your insurance company about the above scenario...just wondering.

[chicky_regal]

The headrests are still there. Can you see the picture? Pull em up and the passengers have them for intended use. Flip them down when the backseat is empty to improve view from the rearview mirror.

[101gargoyles]

The headrests are still there. Can you see the picture? Pull em up and the passengers have them for intended use. Flip them down when the backseat is empty to improve view from the rearview mirror.
I wasn't commenting on your post.That's the way to go about it. Very good system.
I know there may be legal and insurance implications for those that say take them out and use them as wheel chocks.
But hey y'all watch this ...what now I'm broke?

[Zulu1]

I popped the springs, so at least the head rests stay down out of the way..

I did need to use two bungie cords to keep the headrests from popping up while driving.

[BodyGuy]

bye bye trn

[captsam54]

WONDERFUL.. OK.. now show/tel:bowdown::WootJump:l us how you did it without cutting etc.

THANKS..!!

[BodyGuy]

fold the seat down and locate the zipper on the outer lower corner of the seat, you will have to gently pry it out. unzip the zipper and unsnap the lower part of the seat cover pull the seat cover up. before you raise the seat to finish pulling the seat cover up remove the cable that is located in the same area as the zipper just twist and pull in one motion. fold the seat up and pull up on the cover it is Velcro to the seat cushion so you will have to tug a little. now pull out on the seat cushion you don't have to remove it. you will now see the bracket for the headrest remove the two 8 mm bolts push the black plastic cover off and pull that friggin bracket out. If you haven't done so already make sure you have pulled the head rest cushion off by removing the lower cover and pushing in on the retainer (spring loaded silver bar). now remove the clip that is holding the cable to the seat frame by twisting while pulling with a pair of pliers. now put the cover back on and repeat on the other side, I removed the other side blind by just sticking my hand up the front of the cover without pulling the cover off completely.
http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff70/joekerrie/JK/IMG_8827.jpg
http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff70/joekerrie/JK/IMG_8828.jpg
http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff70/joekerrie/JK/IMG_8835.jpg
http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff70/joekerrie/JK/IMG_8829.jpg
http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff70/joekerrie/JK/IMG_8830.jpg
http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff70/joekerrie/JK/IMG_8832.jpg
http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff70/joekerrie/JK/IMG_8833.jpg
http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff70/joekerrie/JK/IMG_8834.jpg
Enjoy
http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff70/joekerrie/JK/IMG_8836.jpg

[captsam54]

AWESOME..!! This something I have wanted to do for a long time.. I didn't think of getting in the cover etc. The cable has to do with the headrests springing back in place when you flip the seat back up.. (or unlock it when you put the seat down.) I will be doing that tomorrow..!!

Question.. When you pulled the cable out, did it break, or will it ever go back in if you wanted to put it back stock for some reason??
Not that I will, unless I ever traded or sold mine..

Thanks again.. Awesome mod..!!:thumbs::thumbs::thumbs::thumbs::thumbs::2t humbs:

[BodyGuy]

AWESOME..!! This something I have wanted to do for a long time.. I didn't think of getting in the cover etc. The cable has to do with the headrests springing back in place when you flip the seat back up.. (or unlock it when you put the seat down.) I will be doing that tomorrow..!!

Question.. When you pulled the cable out, did it break, or will it ever go back in if you wanted to put it back stock for some reason??
Not that I will, unless I ever traded or sold mine..

Thanks again.. Awesome mod..!!:thumbs::thumbs::thumbs::thumbs::thumbs::2t humbs:

I had to twist the cable so that it wouldnt break I tried just prying it out and it wouldnt budge. so by twisting it causes the ears of the clip to fold up making it possible to remove the clip without breakage

[FiveOff]

Good Job BodyGuy!!!! :2thumbs:

[Version-7]

Can't wait!

Doing this after Lodge tonight.

[07JKX]

just got it done... one vote for the longest awaited free mod!

thanks again for your research!

[ejoyce]

hey anybody know anything about getting the rear headrests out of a 2 door? there's a button and all that, but I can't seem to move them more than an 1/8 of an inch.

[Rubimon]

hey anybody know anything about getting the rear headrests out of a 2 door? there's a button and all that, but I can't seem to move them more than an 1/8 of an inch.

I think there are two buttons...:thinking:...I think I squeeze both posts and lift!

[ejoyce]

WOW. you can't even begin to know how stupid I feel right now :sad2:. haha thanks though.

[Rubimon]

WOW. you can't even begin to know how stupid I feel right now :sad2:. haha thanks though.

Did that work...Have you tried it?

[Version-7]

Removed rear headrest.... Much improved visability! And a cleaner look with the top off.

...only complaint... getting the seat covers back down correctly is a pain.

Total Mod Time: 30mins.

[greenmachine07]

you should leave the posts there so you can mount some more comforting rocks for headrests:bleh:

[cadmanaz]

I have the 2008 unlimited, and - unlike BodyGuy's JK - there are no latches on the TOP of the rear seats to make them flat. They actually have a piece of fabric loop near the waist line on the seats that you fit your finger through and pull the seats down.

Before I start on this mod, is there anyone that can tell me if the cabling would be different than "BodyGuy"s work shown in his pictures?

Thanks!!

[BodyGuy]

I have the 2008 unlimited, and - unlike BodyGuy's JK - there are no latches on the TOP of the rear seats to make them flat. They actually have a piece of fabric loop near the waist line on the seats that you fit your finger through and pull the seats down.

Before I start on this mod, is there anyone that can tell me if the cabling would be different than "BodyGuy"s work shown in his pictures?

Thanks!!

can you take a picture cause it should be the same

[dambob]

By disconnecting the spring, they will stay in the "down" position when the seat is up, leaving them leaned back and out of the way. When you have rear passengers, you can lift the headrest back up into their original position, and they will click into position and stay there. When you want them to lay back down, simply drop the seat, and they will release, allowing you to lay them back down.

This way, they lay down out of the way, but you still have them available if you ever have anyone riding in the back seat.

[08JKWrangler]

I have the 2008 unlimited, and - unlike BodyGuy's JK - there are no latches on the TOP of the rear seats to make them flat. They actually have a piece of fabric loop near the waist line on the seats that you fit your finger through and pull the seats down.

Before I start on this mod, is there anyone that can tell me if the cabling would be different than "BodyGuy"s work shown in his pictures?

Thanks!!

cadmanaz,

I also have the 08. I removed my headrests last weekend. The difference is when you pull the fabric loop to lower the seat take a look under the headrests. You will see two small slots. Take a small flat screw driver and press on the latch in each slot and lift the head rest off the post - it's that easy. after you complete this step, just follow BodyGuy's work - his directions are flawless and I was able to complete it inside of 30 minutes. It looks great. You won't regret it...

[gjeepguy]

did the full headrest removal today... much better. now i can ride with the bak seats up and actually see to change lanes.:clap:

[justinstoffregen]

Here's what I came up with. No cutting. Loop the bungee to the hook at the seatback (part of the tether system for car seats). If you want the headrest up, just pull it up. Back down? Pull the seat like you're folding it and push the headrest back down. The bungee does the work.

down
http://my.project-jk.com/data/500/medium/SNV31403.JPG

one up
http://my.project-jk.com/data/500/medium/SNV31409.JPG

bungee
http://my.project-jk.com/data/500/medium/SNV31412.JPG

Thanks for this post!!!! Awesome common sense approach. :blush:

[neoxxis]

I installed my yellow, 40 inches bungee straps yesterday.

VERY good approach. Easy to do, costs: 4$...

Thanks!!!

[justinstoffregen]

So, with the headrests just folded down, will they move up/forward during braking or fly up and possibly injure a rear seat passenger while wheelin or even on a bumpy road or going over RR tracks?
I am asking are they held in the folded down position in any way or do they freely move?
These thing are very hard and could knock someone out if they got hit in the back of the head with them.

Your paranoind Jeeper,
Joe

Be serious Joe. :bleh:

[joelmahoney]

By disconnecting the spring, they will stay in the "down" position when the seat is up, leaving them leaned back and out of the way. When you have rear passengers, you can lift the headrest back up into their original position, and they will click into position and stay there. When you want them to lay back down, simply drop the seat, and they will release, allowing you to lay them back down.

This way, they lay down out of the way, but you still have them available if you ever have anyone riding in the back seat.

x 2

Just did this. One screwdriver and less than two minutes. Headrests stay down (w/o bungees), but can be locked up if rear seat passenger or additional rear cargo space is needed. Very nice, indeed.

[sloppyjoe]

I have to keep my headrest it holds the mirror I keep an eye on my child with. hes still in the carseat that faces back so I need it for now. I guess I will let him take them off if he wants, I mean its his Jeep. JOE>

[Rubi-WAC]

This was a lot easier than I thought it was going to be. Took an hour total for both seats. That's because I was checking out how everything worked.

Anyways, here is a picture of the smaller seat in case someone is still wondering how to do it.

The highlighted red wire and bracket is what you end up taking off.

On a side note... I was quite disappointed when I saw the larger seat was not painted black like the one shown in the photo. It already had rust on it and I'm not even at 5,000 miles yet :naw: Anyone know if this should be covered by the warranty? Personally, I think that is shit, unless they had a good reason not to paint it, which I wouldn't see why. Rant over:

CLICK TO ENLARGE
http://my.project-jk.com/data/500/medium/backseat1.jpg (http://my.project-jk.com/data/500/backseat1.jpg)

[Dwikto]

as soon as i leave work today i will take the two bungies i have in the back and do the exact same thing. by the way because of those stupid head rests i already replaced a hood on an old toyota that i backed into. i then promptly installed a backup camera. this will be preventative step #2. on a side not those stock tire racks do not hold up is you backup into someone. mine cracked. i got a new one on ebay for 10.00