New Tripod; new to me that is

I had been saving up for my next purchase; the tripod that we have came with the original T1i kit purchase several years ago.
Although the tripod that came with the camera was functional, it was intended for the beginner with very light weight lenses. Putting my 60D on the tripod pushes the limit of the ability of the quick release; mount the 430 EXII on the camera and you better have a safety strap attached.

My father-in-law brought over his tripod as he has very little use for it now; it is a Silk U212, with 3-way pan head tilt. The primary question; can the “speed release” be interchanged with a quick release, ball head style?

He did not have any manual with it, nor can I find much information on the internet other than a parts manual.

Anyone who has experience with this older tripod would be helpful

You can replace the pan-tilt head with any other head you may want. You may need to get a 3/8"-16 - 1/4"20 reducing bushing (available at most camera stores) to adapt your new head to the Slik's 1/4" - 20 thread mounting screw. But the head definitely comes off; you can mount it on the 1/4"-20 screw that's on one of the legs' clamps when it's opened out wide.

Thank you so much Jon...that helps me a ton.

The tripod is not the lightest, nor the most, technologically advanced...but the price cannot be beat.