Type 3 accessory headrest

Volkswagen4me Slammed & Awesome Dubber

92 posts · joined Dec 2013 · 12 Jan 2015, 3:19 pm

#1006790

Just reading the November 2014 Volks World magazine today, and saw these headrest add-ons for type 3 lowbacks. Does anyone know what brand they are or where I can get them from? Also any experience with these headrests or any other add-on ones? Are factory highbacks better?

Thanks

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'70 VW Type 3 Fastback

Canni. Wolfsburg Wizard

471 posts · joined Sep 2003 · 15 Jan 2015, 10:14 am

#1006927

I haven't seen those type but you do see these at swap meets every so often... (like this http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=1633307)

Possibly best way to find one is to put up a WTB add or just keep watching ebay/thesamba etc and just see if a set you like comes up. They aren't cheap - my cousin has a set in her bug and I found them ok - in long drives I find the ridge in the middle of the seat a bit uncomfortable. In terms of safety they are probably a lot better (whiplash bad with low back seat I imagine)... factory highbacks are probably more comfortable/safer. These are cool in that they are easily taken off if you decide to go back to lowbacks.

Heidi - 1960 White Beetle
'65 Kiwi Ghia

Volkswagen4me Slammed & Awesome Dubber

92 posts · joined Dec 2013 · 17 Jan 2015, 9:39 am

#1006980

Thanks Canni. Didn't realise the price of some of them! I'll keep an eye out for both, but will probably aim for original highbacks.

'70 VW Type 3 Fastback

eXraycer Seriously Crusin Dubber

166 posts · joined May 2012 · 28 Jan 2015, 1:27 pm

#1007462

You'd want to check if they are tall enough before shelling out $. From what I see, low back seats with accessory headrests are still too low to provide any real whiplash protection.

Volkswagen4me Slammed & Awesome Dubber

92 posts · joined Dec 2013 · 2 Feb 2015, 10:59 pm

#1007716

Yeah, good point eXraycer. I think I'm now set on finding original highbacks considering safety, comfort and also that they look better than the accessory headrests to me.
Cheers.

'70 VW Type 3 Fastback

68BUS Wolfsburg Wizard

485 posts · joined Jul 2011 · 3 Feb 2015, 9:02 am

#1007725

I had them for my bus lowback seats and they did nothing for resting your head. They were litrally for stopping whiplash in an accident I think (but I also find modern car ones the same).

They were a bit different to that though, but not much.

I unfortunately do not have any photos anymore.

1966 Aussie 11 Window

Volkswagen4me Slammed & Awesome Dubber

92 posts · joined Dec 2013 · 7 Feb 2015, 8:54 pm

#1008039

Good to hear from those with experience. I guess it just re-affirms my decision to find highbacks 👍

'70 VW Type 3 Fastback

eXraycer Seriously Crusin Dubber

166 posts · joined May 2012 · 9 Feb 2015, 8:53 pm

#1008153

I collected a set of old replica porsche 356 barrel type headrests for my lowback seats and discovered that they would still be a bit too low for my liking. Not exactly sure of the brand. Looks like an old empi style headrest with rad looking metalfake gold vinyl.

Might put them in still just for looks (after a re-upholster) but they require welding in two small plates inside the seat frame to accept the thumbscrew clamps that bolt to the back of the seat. It's a lot of trouble for not much gain IMO.

Volkswagen4me Slammed & Awesome Dubber

92 posts · joined Dec 2013 · 8 Mar 2015, 4:03 pm

#1009480

Metal flake gold vinyl - didn't know anyone made that but sounds awesome. Yeah, not super great safety seems to be the overall opinion for add-on headrests.

Also, I'm still searching for highbacks if anyone has any! Thanks

'70 VW Type 3 Fastback

grumble Son of Jim - Creator of Good

2,672 posts · joined Jun 2008 · 8 Mar 2015, 5:42 pm

#1009483

I fitted tubes inside my Ghia seats and used Datsun 1600 headrests(if you are particularly anal about VW parts you could probably use T2 headrests),the tubes run the full length of the backrest and are welded each end the headrest is adjustable for height and if you spend a little time working out the position it will be good. A good upholsterer will fit a couple of grommets for you to tidy the fit.