Headliner install - tips or lessons learned

[wareaglescott]

79 SC Sunroof car - glass is out, interior is gutted

Been avoiding my headliner install on my build because I’ve never done it and somewhat intimidated. However I do like learning new skills and have no intention of hiring the job out. I am to the point now I need to get it done.
Been reading threads here and watching any relevant videos I can find. I bought plenty of clips and have had the headliner loosely clipped in place for a couple weeks stretching it out.

Would appreciate any tips or lessons learned from anyone who has something to offer. Please keep in mind this is a sunroof car so I don’t need any info about installing the bows since I don’t have any.

Thanks in advance!

[Harpo]

Either buy lots of binder clips or join the binder clip club. This is also on my list.

[AG81]

Man I see the time you posted this Scott. I remember the 5:30 am Saturday mornings that went till 9:00 pm. Kind of missing that........ Good luck. Wish I lived closer so I could help.

[Quinlan]

While you are doing the install remember that you can manipulate the metal bows to take out some slack. I started at the front and worked toward the back, getting each section smooth before I went on to the next. By moving the middle of the bows I could remove wrinkles in a given section.
Don't try to stretch the fabric - just pull it enough to keep it taut.

[AG81]

^
No metal bows on a sunroof car............

[wareaglescott]

Originally Posted by AG81

Man I see the time you posted this Scott. I remember the 5:30 am Saturday mornings that went till 9:00 pm. Kind of missing that........ Good luck. Wish I lived closer so I could help.

I wish you were close also. I’m in the hotel all day. Thought I would get an early post in and see if I got any useful info. I’m gonna work on it Monday.

[Pedro '84 Coupe]

Make sure you use a very good glue. I like the Weldwood contact cement. Also if you need more binder clips let me know. I have several hundred in various sizes.

[motomiata]

I just did this very exercise. Not as intimidating as it sounds, but take your time.

Study this video in details https://youtu.be/XR-QK5CcGxo

Mike is a very giftet mechanic and his videos are great.

[wareaglescott]

Originally Posted by motomiata

I just did this very exercise. Not as intimidating as it sounds, but take your time.

Study this video in details https://youtu.be/XR-QK5CcGxo

Mike is a very giftet mechanic and his videos are great.

Great video. Thanks
Sure would like to find one on a sunroof car install

[wareaglescott]

Originally Posted by Pedro '84 Coupe

Make sure you use a very good glue. I like the Weldwood contact cement. Also if you need more binder clips let me know. I have several hundred in various sizes.

I have Weldwood also. Thanks

[motomiata]

I believe the sunroof version actually is simpler than the non-sunroof as there is no support beams to deal with.

1. Make sure to clean the flanges where the liner will be glued to very thoroughly
2. Take great care to align the liner left/right and fore/aft. Especially the zipper for the sunroof motor must be in the right position. Use the old headliner as templatee
3. Make templates for the holes and cutouts for the interior lights etc. I taped some paper slips to the roof and folded them around the flanges and marked the holes. After the liner is installed you can fold the slips back and locate the holes. Be very careful with the cutout for the interior lights, not to cut too big.
4. Cut the sunroof section last
5. Don’t overstretch the liner and use the method for stretching as outlined in the video
6. Go slow, don’t rush it!