Headrest Modification

[elseif]

I have foraminal stenosis; I cannot use the Fusion's headrest as it comes from the factory. I drove one for about 10 minutes and my neck hurt for hours.

 

I'd like to buy a 2010-2014 Fusion. What are my options for dealing with the headrest, short of replacing the entire seat?

 

And if there are no good options, what should I know about replacing the seat? 

 

Thanks.

[elseif]

Should this method work? I just found it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWJ4lDIS6SU&start=510

[bbf2530]

Hi elseif. Welcome to  the Ford Fusion Forum.

 

Some owners have simply taken the headrest out of the seatback and reversed it to face backwards. I would try that first. Also, have you tried raising or lowering the headrest to see if that gives you the rearward space you need?

 

The method shown in the video could work. It also would need to be assumed you could possibly wind up damaging the headrest.

 

If removing and reversing the headrest does not work, then the method in the video would be worth a try, if you medically need it.

 

Concerning replacing the seat: The only seats that I can guarantee would would be a direct bolt-in would be Fusion of Lincoln MKZ seats. So you would have the same headrest angle issue with any of them. Not sure about the fit of any other Ford vehicle (Focus etc). However, even if one could bolt in directly, you would encounter the same headrest issue, since they all use the same headrest geometry. Plus, you would have the problem of mismatched seating upholstery.

 

Essentially, any other non Fusion/MKZ seats, wither another vehicle manufacturer or a custom seat like Recaro etc., would need fabrication and modifications to install the seat properly. Then there would be issues of the electrical wiring/ plugs etc. likely not being compatible.

 

Trying to reverse the headrests first, then the video methods, would be far less expensive.

 

Perhaps other members will jump in with some good suggestions.

 

Let us know how you make out and good luck.

Edited November 6, 2020 by bbf2530

[elseif]

2 hours ago, bbf2530 said:

Hi elseif. Welcome to  the Ford Fusion Forum.

 

Some owners have simply taken the headrest out of the seatback and reversed it to face backwards. I would try that first. Also, have you tried raising or lowering the headrest to see if that gives you the rearward space you need?

 

The method shown in the video could work. It also would need to be assumed you could possibly wind up damaging the headrest.

 

If removing and reversing the headrest does not work, then the method in the video would be worth a try, if you medically need it.

 

Concerning replacing the seat: The only seats that I can guarantee would would be a direct bolt-in would be Fusion of Lincoln MKZ seats. So you would have the same headrest angle issue with any of them. Not sure about the fit of any other Ford vehicle (Focus etc). However, even if one could bolt in directly, you would encounter the same headrest issue, since they all use the same headrest geometry. Plus, you would have the problem of mismatched seating upholstery.

 

Essentially, any other non Fusion/MKZ seats, wither another vehicle manufacturer or a custom seat like Recaro etc., would need fabrication and modifications to install the seat properly. Then there would be issues of the electrical wiring/ plugs etc. likely not being compatible.

 

Trying to reverse the headrests first, then the video methods, would be far less expensive.

 

Perhaps other members will jump in with some good suggestions.

 

Let us know how you make out and good luck.

 

Yikes. I'm glad you told me that; the aftermarket seats I saw said "universal fit" and I assumed they were direct-fits.

 

I might get a headrest from a salvage yard and try adjusting it before buying the car. Then swap it into any car, during the test drive, that I'm thinking about buying.

Edited November 6, 2020 by elseif