Headliner replacement question - no ribs??

[Tommy Z]

Howdy All, every window seal on my 79' SC has deteriorated and needs replacement. As much as I would like to be the guy who heeds the warnings about what a crap job it is to replace the headliner, I can't justify NOT doing it while replacing all of the glass seals. I've read the threads I could find on the job but before I order the appropriate liner I need some guidance.

My existing headliner does not appear to have any ribs in it at all. I have not seen this mentioned in any of the headliner replacement threads yet. Is it possible that 79's did not have ribs or is it more likely that this is not the original and that whoever did it last, used a ribless headliner? Seeing that I have no ribs, where can I source another ribless headliner? Any help is appreciated.

[SBell]

I'm pretty sure sunroof cars don't have the rods in them. You tighten it around the sunroof cutout in the middle when installing. My dad's 71 sunroof car did not have them.

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[Tommy Z]

Thanks SBell. I wonder if that means I just order a headliner for a sunroof car and that's it?

[catuck]

No ribs in a sunroof car. I just did the headliner in mine - not as bad a job as many make it out to be. Just take your time and work carefully. Use 3M Super Weatherstrip adhesive. There are some good YouTube videos - look for "Mikes Restoration" videos on headliner.

[catuck]

Originally Posted by Tommy Z

Thanks SBell. I wonder if that means I just order a headliner for a sunroof car and that's it?

Yes, that's it. The kit comes with a sunroof headliner panel in addition to the main headliner.

[PeteKz]

Plan to take several days to do it too. And buy at least 50 of the really small binder clips.

Install he headliner with the binder clips, working it as tight as you can easily get it. Let it sit for a day or two. The vinyl headliner will relax and sag a little. Then pull it tighter and let it sit for another day. If it stays tight, then snug it up some more, and use the glue.

[john walker's workshop]

Get a liner with fabric on the inside surface. The all vinyl ones are difficult to keep glued as you do the install.

[Tommy Z]

Originally Posted by john walker's workshop

Get a liner with fabric on the inside surface. The all vinyl ones are difficult to keep glued as you do the install.

Thanks John, Where does one find a headliner with fabric on the inside? I have to admit, with so many options it's hard to know which headliner source to go with. Would love a recommendation from John if you would?

Thanks!

[techweenie]

Originally Posted by PeteKz

Plan to take several days to do it too. And buy at least 50 of the really small binder clips.

Install he headliner with the binder clips, working it as tight as you can easily get it. Let it sit for a day or two. The vinyl headliner will relax and sag a little. Then pull it tighter and let it sit for another day. If it stays tight, then snug it up some more, and use the glue.

If at all possible, do it in direct sunlight. Uniform heat is your friend.

[Cloggie]

Did this on my car a year ago....it is a pain.

I did find out that if the window flange is very shiny, as in new paint in my case, the contact cement will not stick all that well.

Strongly recommend a thorough clean with something like M600 and use a light scotchbrite to put a bit of "tooth" for the contact cement to stick to.

Also, wait on trimming as long as you can, get it close - maybe a few cm from its end dimension, let it sit for a bit, check out the wrinkle situation and then you still have enough material to grab hold of if you need it a little tighter.

D.

[Tommy Z]

Thanks All, So many places offer headliners but I have no idea where to source it. Anyone have a good recommendation for a headliner that worked well for them?