PORTABLE HEADREST

                          by Ben Prince
             
            
     My bride of forty two years is sometimes uncomfortable when
traveling long distances in our TF.  She suffers from neck
problems, aggravated by the relatively hard ride and lack of head
support.

     I was able to make her ride tolerable by installing a
portable headrest.  The bottom of the headrest hooks over the
"shelf" behind the seat, and the upper end attaches to the rear
bow in the top (hood).  (Yes, the hood must be up for the
headrest to fit.)  The seat is positioned all the way to the
rear.
           
     The headrest may be installed or removed in a matter of
seconds.  No modification is made to the seats or upholstery (no
holes are drilled).
           
     The headrest frame is made from 3/4 inch plastic PVC pipe,
schedule 40 (see figure 1).  Using duct tape, foam rubber is
attached to the top portion, and then covered with terry cloth.  
The cloth cover is fastened with velcro at its lower edge,
allowing quick removal for cleaning.  Foam pipe insulation covers
the bottom legs to avoid scratching the upholstery.  The
photograph in figure 2 shows the finished product.        
            
     From figure 1, the pieces for the frame are:
           
     Label         Description           Cut length     Quantity
     -----         -----------           ----------     --------
       A           Top support              6"                 1
       B           Upper horizontals      3-1/8"           2
       C           Lower horizontal        7-7/16"         1
       D           Legs                        13-1/4"          2
       E           Elbows                                         2
       T           Tees                                             5
         
Although not visible in the drawing, two short sections of pipe
join the upper elbows to the upper tees.  Also note from figure 1
that item A is notched at the top to keep it positioned on the
bow in the hood.

     The frame pieces are joined together with PVC primer and
glue -- with one exception.  The upper tee is not glued to the
pipes labeled "B".  Instead, a little grease is applied at these
fittings to allow item A to rotate.  It is still a stiff friction
fit, but the rotation provides a means of locking the headrest
into position.

     The headrest has only been used in our TF.  I have not
pursued what may be required to make one for other T-cars.  For
that matter, some modification in dimensions may even be required
for other TFs since no two cars seem to be completely alike.  
Perhaps some enterprising soul will construct one for another T-
series vehicle and share his or her findings.

     I make no claims regarding any improved safety with the
headrest.  But it is indeed comfortable.  My wife, Laura, and I
recently traveled over 1900 miles in the car and she experienced
no neck difficulties!