2.7 Headliner

94teener · 07-06-2007, 10:57 AM

Hi all -

Okay - ever since I purchased my '77 911s the headliner has been in abysmal condition. I am now in a position to have it replaced. I would love to save the money by DIY, but I am afraid it looks a bit fiddly. Anyone done this job? If I out-source the job how to find a competent shop to do the work? I am in Portland, Oregon if anyone happens to know a good upholstery person in my area.

TIA!

Dan in Pasadena · Dan in Pasadena's Garage

Just as information: I bought an Auto's Unlimited sunroof headliner from their booth at the '05 German Autofest in Ventura for only $55. My buddy bought a non-sunroof one for (I think!) $50. My car was in the paint shop at the time so when I EVENTUALLY got it back I took it to this little tiny upholsterer in a marginal part of town and he quoted (naively) $150 to do the job. It kicked his ass - and he does auto upholstery every day!

I ended up giving him $180 for the job and I know he regretted doing it so cheap. I had estimates of up to $450 to do it from other local shops. I think you could likely get it done if you shop around for the mid $200's. Just make sure they will stand behind their estimate. Good luck!

P.S. Mine came out very good to excellent.

jpnovak · 07-06-2007, 01:12 PM

The job to install the headliner is relatively easy. The hard part is removing all the glass, trim, door seals, etc to get to it. Of course, this means you should replace all those window seals and other rubber bits while your in there.

The actual headliner should take about 5 hours to install. Much of that is waiting for glue to dry.

Make sure to hang the new headliner in a stretched position for a week or so to get rid of the wrinkles from packaging.

RoninLB · 07-06-2007, 01:13 PM

I hung it in sections waiting for each section to set up before going on to the next. Took about 4 days.. The liner is now and forever taunt.

Dan in Pasadena · Dan in Pasadena's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by jpnovak
The job to install the headliner is relatively easy....

Yeah, if you're an octopus!

Seriously, I didn't take it on because I thought it would be too frustrating but I have heard the key is p a t i e n c e - not my long suit. I think Ron and jpnovak have it right. Doable but only you know if you're up for it. Alas, I was not...but $180 looks cheaper and cheaper in 20-20 hindsight.

94teener · 07-07-2007, 11:22 AM

Thanks guys for your responses. I am going to try and find someone locally who can do the job. I have no problem digging into mechanical jobs, but these type of "cosmetic" jobs usually lead to fear, frustration and loathing...

And removing the glass, etc does not sound like much fun.

jazzbass · 07-07-2007, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jpnovak
The job to install the headliner is relatively easy. The hard part is removing all the glass, trim, door seals, etc to get to it. Of course, this means you should replace all those window seals and other rubber bits while your in there.

The actual headliner should take about 5 hours to install. Much of that is waiting for glue to dry.

Make sure to hang the new headliner in a stretched position for a week or so to get rid of the wrinkles from packaging.

My experience exactly.