Cannot Re-Install Front Passenger Donut Headrest

[Mr. Beetle]

I removed my front passenger donut headrest from my 99 New Beetle, now I cannot re-install it. There is an obstruction that will not budge, even when I press the release button while trying to insert the headrest (with great force!). The picture shows the obstruction, just inside the hole on the right side of the picture. The release button does not seem to be connected to this obstruction/lever, though it seems like it should be. Any help would be welcomed - I'd like to avoid an expensive trip to the dealer for this.

[guitstik]

It appears that part of the insert is broken and has been pushed down when you tried to reinsert the head rest. You may already know this but I will say it just the same, the rods for the head rest need to go in straight and true or you run the risk of damaging something (duh). Another piece of advice: Nuttin's Law says, Force is that energy equal to and equivalent with the amount of money it will take to replace the part you are working on. In other words; DON'T PUSH OR YOU WILL PAY.

Now, if you can see better than the picture will let me, you need to try and see if you can move that piece with a small screw driver. If you can, try to take the plastic insert out, remember, NO FORCE, you are not Luke Skywalker. You need to identify the obstruction. I don't have my NB immediately available to me or I would be more specific.

I hope this meager offering is at least somewhat instructive.