Different Headrests 1978 vs 1979

[SteinOnkel]

Hey guys,

I'm putting new covers on everything. I have a 1978 car and a 1979 set of covers. The rears went together no problem so I thought I'll do the headrests next. The '78 ones seem to be much beefier, I see no way to slip the '79 covers on them. Are they different? Does anyone have a set for sale?

Also - please tell me the front seats are the same.

Edit: the plot thickens. My car does have the shoulder belt on the front seats, so that's good. Perhaps someone installed '79-'82 front seats, but reused the older style headrests. Very strange this.

Cheers
Steiny

[PaulC]

Even the 79 headrest with 79 covers it was like stuffing 10 lbs into a 2 lb sack.
Maybe try the vacuum method to shrink the foam?

[SteinOnkel]

I don't see how this will work. Unless I chop up the foam.

I mean, look at the difference:

https://rustybuttrusty.files.wordpress. ... terior.jpg

https://static.cargurus.com/images/site ... 0x480.jpeg

[PaulC]

See what you mean. Looks like they went with a different shape, so, no the other probably wouldn't fit.

[PaulC]

Maybe find 79 versions that have roached covers for cheap??

[SteinOnkel]

Yep.

Took the rest of the front seats apart today. Bottom covers slip right on, perfect fit. Rear cushion is a different story. Gotta stubborn bolt that wants to be drilled out and the principle of how the seats go together are a little different, but I think it can be done.

[SteinOnkel]

Well, passenger side seat is done. It fits, but there's a few unsightly things and the seats have lost a lot of their shape. I suspect the cushions from '79 onwards were a tiny bit bigger.

I'm going to keep an eye out for a set of '78 tan covers for the back rests. If I can source them for cheap, great. If not, so be it. Nothing's perfect, except Columbo.

The interior smells SO MUCH better now that all the mold is gone. I had the seat cushions hung up on my clothesline and sprayed them down with vinegar every day for a week.

[manoa matt]

Yep, 78 to 79 was a big transition year. My late in the year production 78 has the 79 "Alfa" door handles. Head rests, window cranks, drivers and passengers seats are slightly different from 78 to 79. Its been reported, and I've seen that the 79 and on seat back frames are weaker and more prone to twisting. Good luck getting all the upholstery parts to match and wrinkle free.

[SteinOnkel]

Wrinkles are not the issue, fortunately. A little bit of padding here and there (had to butcher and old sleeping bag) and all is decent. It's just the shape is gone.

Oh well. It beats the moldy, torn and disgusting covers I had before.