Questions On Installing your Own Headliner

[signature65]

Ok I searched and found some good info....but I want specifics.

First anyone out there do this with good success

Using binder clips seems the most cost effective way but anyone have any ill effects from their tension being too great?

What exact glue have people out there been using? People say 3M stuff but there are like 20 levels of 3M glue

Did you put the foam pad back in above the headliner for sound reduction and if yours was destroyed....(like mine is) what did you use in place?

I know I am being a bit anal....but I want this project to go smoothly and I don't have a ton of time for my car to be down while my windows are out.

Oh ya one more thing....the chrome trim in the windshield and rear window.....ideas...tips....tricks. I pulled my back trim out and cant get it back in so I was thinking about putting the trim in before I reinstall the glass.

Thanks guys in advance I will take detailed pics as I do this project and hopefully will be able to share my triumphs and mistakes with this forum.

[carrera turbo]

hello

i have done two both with success. the key is taking your time to fit and stretch gently. i use a bunch of plastic spring loaded clamps from home depot to fit the headliner before i install the little speed clips, if you have to remove one it tears the liner.

as far as the sound deadening i would recommend installing something its not just for sound but insulation to keep down condensation build up on the cool evenings or mornings with heat on the inside of car. i used a roll of some foil padded stuff on one i did and it worked well and was about the same thickness as the nasty stuff took i out. for glue i use a 3m universal contact glue. you just need to make sure its for plastics as if you use the wrong stuff i have heard of it eating up the liner.

well good luck and remember a heat gun is you friend as you can shrink it a bit if you have some small wrinkles.

cheers ed

[RoninLB]

First anyone out there do this with good success
------ yes

Using binder clips seems the most cost effective way but anyone have any ill effects from their tension being too great?
---------- mine was so tight that when I installed inter lights I developed a small tear. Impossible to see and you can flick at it with an index finget and it's still feels tight.

What exact glue have people out there been using? People say 3M stuff but there are like 20 levels of 3M glue
-------- can't remember. most guys use same stuff

Did you put the foam pad back in above the headliner for sound reduction and if yours was destroyed....(like mine is) what did you use in place?
-------- No. I cleaned up the roof and put in Dynamat

I know I am being a bit anal....but I want this project to go smoothly and I don't have a ton of time for my car to be down while my windows are out.
------- it's an anal mentality job. It's worth being anal to get it all taunt.

Oh ya one more thing....the chrome trim in the windshield and rear window.....ideas...tips....tricks. I pulled my back trim out and cant get it back in so I was thinking about putting the trim in before I reinstall the glass.
---------- check that the trim isn't bent. Lay out the glass and lay the assembled trim on the glass. The trim goes into the seal with water and dish detergent. I used a thin plastic to assist opening up the seal to get the trim in.

Assemble the trim & seal on the glass. Insert glass. The glass and seal floats in the frame so it can be kicked out from inside in a crash. It has a tendency to fall to the lower frame exposing a water leak at the top and top edges. You have to center the glass while you still can at installation. My personal act was to use dum dum at the sides and lower frame to help with preventing the eventual sag. I had to install and remove glass 3x to get it the way I wanted being supported by the du dum. Maybe someone knows other ways or maybe I shouldn't have done it? Install has been perfect for over 20k miles.

Text says not to drive car for 24hrs after install

I also spread out new liner for a few days to do my best playing with it to remove as much creases as possible before install.

[dtw]

I believe all the above and more are answered in my install thread:

Restoration Porn: Headliner Install

Not the easiest job. Take your time and ask lots of questions. And don't rush. It does take a lot of time if you're not experienced.

[sc_rufctr]

Has anybody done this on a sunroof coupe? Post up some pics I you have.

[Formerly Steve Wilkinson]

I believe most people do it on a sunroof coupe, since they're so prevalent. The sunroof part is the easiest part of the job.