Bench seat head rest upgrade

[Eagle_SX4]

6 hours ago, AnotherOldJeepGuy said:

So what are the basic steps to removing the seat back, getting to the skeleton, and then putting it back together since mine seems to have recently broken something inside in this general area (from @Eagle_SX4 pic earlier in this thread).  Knowing nothing about it, it seems like a lot of upholstery sewing skills and equipment might be needed to put it back together, assuming you know how to get it apart in a condition that allows it to be usefully put back together. 

 

Something appears to be broken in the area indicated, I know because pushing down in that area is met with a very noticeable clunk, however the seat back currently looks perfect so apparently the foam is holding the shape with at rest.

My seat had been recovered at some point in the past and the new cover included zippers on the back so it was really easy to remove. I have never taken off a factory cover. There should be either a zipper or some clasps of some sort along the bottom of the frame then the cover will pull straight up and come off.

 

The foam is fairly easy to remove. After you get the cover off, use a utility knife and cut from the back side, a single line across each of the cross bars/springs. It is really easy to see where to cut as most of the foam is on the front side of the frame. Once you have traced/cut along all the frame/springs the gently push it from the back to the front and removes the foam. The foam was injected over the frame so it might be slightly stuck to the frame. Just use you fingers and separate the foam from the metal. 

 

Finally assess the the damage and weld up the broken area. Then add some reinforcement along the back side so it won't break again. I used some angle iron welded across the back. I would advise against adding any metal to the front of the frame as it will interfere with the foam when reassembled.

[AnotherOldJeepGuy]

Thanks, that sounds doable.  I was afraid I was going to have to cut the cover off and sew it back together and that didn't sound too promising.  I don't have any welding gear anymore but maybe I can bolt in a brace and give it some extra support with JB-Weld.

[pizzaman09]

3 hours ago, AnotherOldJeepGuy said:

Thanks, that sounds doable.  I was afraid I was going to have to cut the cover off and sew it back together and that didn't sound too promising.  I don't have any welding gear anymore but maybe I can bolt in a brace and give it some extra support with JB-Weld.

I'm not knowledgeable on the bench seats, but the buckets just used Velcro on the bottom.  

[AnotherOldJeepGuy]

2 hours ago, pizzaman09 said:

I'm not knowledgeable on the bench seats, but the buckets just used Velcro on the bottom

There appears to be an end-to-end zipper across the bottom of my bench seat.  So it appears there exist at least a chance I could repair this without removing the seat back, just only the cover, that's TBD.  It's on the list anyway!

[Eagle_SX4]

3 hours ago, AnotherOldJeepGuy said:

There appears to be an end-to-end zipper across the bottom of my bench seat.  So it appears there exist at least a chance I could repair this without removing the seat back, just only the cover, that's TBD.  It's on the list anyway!

The seat back is only 2 bolts one on each side. It very easy to to remove. If I remember correctly they are T45 bolts. They are hidden under the side covers.

[AnotherOldJeepGuy]

Sounds almost too easy!