View Full Version : Roll Bar Head Rest
ggunter
07-08-2021, 01:59 PM
It's probably been asked before but is there anyone making head rests for a MKIV roll bar. It seems to me that even my hard head would not sustain a rear end collision of even a mild impact hitting that roll bar. Just wondering.
alexmak
07-08-2021, 04:22 PM
can't stop recommending my mod :)
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?36838-Headrests-mod
Another option, these are adjustable for height and also can be removed if you ever want to get rid of them. They also retain the vintage classic seat look. I used a wheel chair calf pad with some roll bar clamps. Had them covered with leather hyde I used for car at local upholstery shop. I agree a headrest will definitely help if you ever sustain a rear end hit... hopefully that never happens but we all know how many people are clueless and drive these days.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=145720&d=1617680553
I used 1/8" alum piece for the backing plate and polished it
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=142814&d=1613532546
AC Bill
07-08-2021, 09:28 PM
I used a wheel chair calf pad with some roll bar clamps.
I used 1/8" alum piece for the backing plate and polished it
I like your set up for those headrests. Very clean looking. Does your head touch them, during your normal driving position, or do you need to lean back? Ever tried them with a helmet on?
So how is the bolt that retains the aluminum cross plate, retained in the headrest itself?
Are they the 2" roll bars? Where did you purchase the clamps, and what were they originally intended for, driving lights?
I have a pair of calf pads that I had thought of using for headrests for several years. Still haven't come up with a solution to hold them in place. They already have four threaded nuts inserted in what I presume to be, the pad's wood backing from the factory. I may be able to incorporate those on something similar to what you are using, with machine threaded bolts, (or machine screws, which what they were used with originally on the wheelchair bracket).
I like your set up for those headrests. Very clean looking. Does your head touch them, during your normal driving position, or do you need to lean back? Ever tried them with a helmet on?
So how is the bolt that retains the aluminum cross plate, retained in the headrest itself?
Are they the 2" roll bars? Where did you purchase the clamps, and what were they originally intended for, driving lights?
I have a pair of calf pads that I had thought of using for headrests for several years. Still haven't come up with a solution to hold them in place. They already have four threaded nuts inserted in what I presume to be, the pad's wood backing from the factory. I may be able to incorporate those on something similar to what you are using, with machine threaded bolts, (or machine screws, which what they were used with originally on the wheelchair bracket).
To answer your questions...
No your head will not rest against the pad, there is a small gap.
Have never tried them with a helmet on.
The backing plate is bolted to the clamps (two stainless button head) which holds the calf pad in place as well. The cover of the calf pad is removable with the four screws in the back center of the pad.
These are the rollbar clamps I picked up from Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CHW9L86/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Also, this was not my original idea got this from a user by the name of Skidds on this forum. I did change up the aluminum 1/8" mounting bracket but definitely am not taking credit for the calf pad idea.
AC Bill
07-09-2021, 04:33 AM
The backing plate is bolted to the clamps (two stainless button head) which holds the calf pad in place as well. The cover of the calf pad is removable with the four screws in the back center of the pad.
Thanks for the info.
So what does your button head bolts thread into on the back of the pads? Did you install nut-serts? What is the pads hard backing made of, and did you make them, or are they original to the pads?
The difference with my pads is the back of them aren't removable. As mentioned, I believe there is a wood backing plate for the pad. I can't tell, because it's completely upholstered. I suppose it could be a nylon plate, or even fiberglass. I need to figure out a method to attach the bar clamps to the pad. I'm not sure if Nut-serts work in materials other than metal..?
I actually may have been the originator of the idea of using calf pads as headrests, back about 10 years ago. I posted some comments about the idea, on the FFCars.com forum on a discussion about headrests.
https://www.ffcars.com/threads/mounting-headrest-on-roll-bar.299470/#post-2740120
ggunter
07-09-2021, 07:42 AM
Thanks Fman that is perfect. Amazon has the clamps and pad. This couldn't be easier. Thats why I love this forum. Ask and ye shall recieve. Parts are on the way.
Thanks for the info.
So what does your button head bolts thread into on the back of the pads? Did you install nut-serts? What is the pads hard backing made of, and did you make them, or are they original to the pads?
The difference with my pads is the back of them aren't removable. As mentioned, I believe there is a wood backing plate for the pad. I can't tell, because it's completely upholstered. I suppose it could be a nylon plate, or even fiberglass. I need to figure out a method to attach the bar clamps to the pad. I'm not sure if Nut-serts work in materials other than metal..?
I actually may have been the originator of the idea of using calf pads as headrests, back about 10 years ago. I posted some comments about the idea, on the FFCars.com forum on a discussion about headrests.
https://www.ffcars.com/threads/mounting-headrest-on-roll-bar.299470/#post-2740120
Your welcome and hopefully this helps...
I found a couple more pics... as you can see buttoned is on inside of plastic headrest and goes outward towards the rear of the 1/8" alum backing plate. The four smaller black button head bolts hold the actual pad onto the plastic piece.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=150555&d=1625839157
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=150556&d=1625839167
LOL, I just got a PM from someone who's name I will not mention telling me to give him credit for the calf pad idea... crazy, huh? Unfortunately for him he was not the person I actually got the idea from... :D
jrcuz
07-09-2021, 01:12 PM
I used the same parts to assemble my headrests and I found that I used a combination of the rubber spacers to make the clamps fit well. I also used longer screws. Be careful screwing the clamps together, the clamps are aluminum and the threads will strip very easily. I used clamps to squeeze everything together and then inserted the screws. I have a cushion that I've had for several years don't remember where I got it and I went to a craft store and got velcro strips and leather straps and they work great holding the cushion to the headrest. I only had 1 cushion and I searched online for the manufacturer with no luck.so unfortunately I don't have another for the p/s headrest.
JR
AC Bill
07-09-2021, 02:05 PM
Your welcome and hopefully this helps...
Fantastic.. that first picture clearly explains exactly what I was questioning. Thank you for that.
Unfortunately, I can't use that same method with my pads, as they are currently. This thread may stimulate me to work on them again..:)
Well, I certainly can't take credit for being the first to actually successfully install calf pad headrests, on a roll bar..lol..:D I know a couple of builders ran with the idea, and made them work, and look good too. I can't recall them ever being used, previous to my post at FFCars. Any headrests I recall seeing prior to that, were available commercially, or were builder one-offs. Some of those were very well done, using custom made upholstered pads.
Avalanche325
07-09-2021, 03:05 PM
I did a 65/55 Mustang headrest kit from TMI. It takes a little basic fabrication work. What I like about them on the seats is that they visually go away. No one has ever really mentioned them. They are also where they are supposed to be. If a headrest isn't within 2 inches of your head, it won't help with whiplash. They look pretty much like what alexmak has.
I did a 65/55 Mustang headrest kit from TMI. It takes a little basic fabrication work. What I like about them on the seats is that they visually go away. No one has ever really mentioned them. They are also where they are supposed to be. If a headrest isn't within 2 inches of your head, it won't help with whiplash. They look pretty much like what alexmak has.
I have not measured the distance from the back of your head to the actual pad, it is probably in that range. Personally I will take whatever resistance this pad will help with than nothing at all behind you. Definitely not a "perfect" setup but imo better than nothing.
Another option is it easily could be spaced out more towards the front of the car to take reduce the distance from your head to the pad.