How do you remove front headrests from a 1996 Jetta?

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JM_newsgroups - 07 Jun 2009 01:46 GMT

I'm tearing down the front seats to swap the foam rubber/cloth, as the
driver's seat is shot. I don't feel like shopping for replacement
seats at this time. I've removed the cloth partially, and I see
various springs, rods, clips, etc., keeping the assembly together. I
love that horsehair-looking back pad (not). It doesn't smell too
great inside that seat. Anyway, I was hoping to remove the springs
that connect to the metal frame and slide the whole thing off, but I
can't due to the headrests. Do they have to be disconnected from the
inside? The rods won't come out, and I see no way to pry out the
plastic receptacles from the outside. Thank you!

P.S. - The foam is badly cracked. Can anybody recommend a glue to
seal it up a bit?

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Nate Nagel - 07 Jun 2009 02:18 GMT

> I'm tearing down the front seats to swap the foam rubber/cloth, as the
> driver's seat is shot. I don't feel like shopping for replacement
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
> P.S. - The foam is badly cracked. Can anybody recommend a glue to
> seal it up a bit?

There's a trick to removing the headrests, but I can't remember what it
is. (tilt them forward while pulling? maybe?) check your owner's
manual if you have it. Later cars you remove the headrests by squeezing
a tab on the plastic trim at the top of the seat, but I don't know if VW
adopted that, and if so, when.

I know that I removed the center rear headrest from my '02 GTI for
better visibility, but I don't have the car anymore and don't remember
how I did it...

nate

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JM_newsgroups - 07 Jun 2009 22:02 GMT

Answer:

The black receptacles have narrow slots visible from the sides on the
seat back top. I subconsciously knew they had to be for something,
and that would be for hidden cotter pins. You need to push the cotter
pins out with a slender screwdriver. Then, the receptacles can be
pinched and pushed thru from the inside of the seat back. VW REALLY
didn't want those headrests to be easily removed. (Safety/lawsuits/
etc.?)

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JM_newsgroups - 07 Jun 2009 22:05 GMT

> Answer:
>
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> didn't want those headrests to be easily removed. (Safety/lawsuits/
> etc.?)

To clarify, you can pull the headrests completely off after the cotter
pins are removed. Then, the receptacles can be removed. Hmm, I
wonder if I'll remember to put the cotter pins back in.

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