69 Head Restraint (A82) Repair

[Wes G.]

How is the head restraint locking mechanism suppose to work when the head restraint is moved up or down?
My head rest restraint doesn't lock in any position and easily slides up and down and can be pulled out of seat back quite easily?
Can someone clarify how the seat restraint mechanism should work? Can this mechanism be restored/repaired?

According to the 68-69 NCRS 'Corvette Operations Manual & Performance Verification Test Guide', it states "Travel is about two inches and the head restraint should hold position any place in the range of travel due to friction. There are no notches for height adjustment. There is a stop at the upper end of the travel range."

The chrome post on my head restraint has two holes with a 5/16 inch ID spaced about 1 1/4 inches apart (center to center).
Located on the top edge of the seat back is a rectangular tube which receives the chrome head restraint post. About half way down the inside of this rectangular tube is a protruding spring loaded cone shaped tip sticking out.

It appears to me that the 'spring loaded cone' should pop into one of the holes of the head restraint post when moved up and down??? Any comments would be appreciated.
Thanks
Wes

[Lawrence M.]

Re: 69 Head Restraint (A82) Repair

Hi Wes,
Since no one has answered your questions I'll give you some observations on how the head restraints work in my 69. When in the full down position and pulled up the restraint stops at a "detent" about half way up it's overall travel. Going past the half way detent the restraint will travel up to its full height and stop. It does not feel like it is being held at its full up position by a detent, but it is being stopped from going any further up and stays there. Maybe there is a detent at the full up travel and I can't feel it. The restraint takes some effort to slide it up and down. It feels more like a stop than a detent. The restraint does not pull straight out of the seat. It can be removed from the seat as I did remove one of them many years ago, but I can't remember how I did it. Hope this helps you. By the way. The description of the head restraint operation in the owners manual pretty much follows what the PV manual states. No mention of detents or predetermined heights. Just up or down.

[Wes G.]

Re: 69 Head Restraint (A82) Repair

Thanks Larry for taking the time to reply.
I appreciate any info I can get as I'm still in the 'wanna-be-stage' in my restoration