Perlon headliner install

[Dan Morton]

After much debate with myself, I bit the bullet and went with a perlon headliner for my '68 as suggested by Dave at TRE. The PO had already installed RSR flares so no need to go stock for everything.

The install wasn't too difficult, maybe a 4 out of 10 stars for difficulty. It took two of us to get started. First we started with the front half starting at the middle of the roof and aligning with the windshield. I used the brush on contact cement and started with a small 6 inch patch to test. Then we got brave and glued a swath to the windshield and then out to each side. Once the front half was in place, we moved and completed the rear in sections.

The most time consuming was finishing out the edges and trimming just enough to tuck some under the window gaskets. All-in I would say I had maybe four hours into the install.

Overall I'm very pleased with the outcome and if I tire of the look, I can still easily install the regular headliner leaving this in place.

The pictures make the headliner look much lighter than it really is. It blends nicely with black interior.

[POORSH]

That looks good! I am preparing for a similar project. Did you have to remove any windows as suggested by Wayne in the 101 book?

[Dan Morton]

No window removal needed.

[RWebb]

nice - reminds of the red fuzz on the 911R

what are the advantages of the perlon over the stock style?

is this lighter in weight?

easier to install?

or just a different look?

[whiteSC59]

post more pics of the car's interior plz. got any before and after pic? what about cost of this and where sourced? ive got perlon carpet going in so i wonder if it would match it? looks good Dan!!

[Dan Morton]

I don't think their is any weight savings. I tried it for a different look and I believe it is much easier to install than the stock headliner.

I didn't really take any pics of the before but here are a few shots of the rust that was fixed and you can see the old headliner that was brittle, yellowed, and torn in some areas.









Rust is fixed



Engine going back in



Houndstooth seats much better than what was in there

[Mark Morrissey]

Looks great Dan. I may have to do the same thing. I have a stripped interior and really have the tin can affect. Love the houndstooth seats too.
Mark Morrissey

[Elombard]

Wow I really like that vs the stock. I did not know this was even available. No ribs or foam right just glued right to the metal?

Its sort of a low cost alcantara look.

Also, how the heck do you do it with out removing the front and rear window? Just pull the rubber gasket down and tuck it up under there?

I will have to look on Dave's sight does it come all pre cut or is it just a big square?

I would think an extra inch of headroom

[RWebb]

"low cost alcantara look" - good description

one fly in the ointment - the rear vent is covered over, so no flow-thru ventilation (not that it is great to begin with...)

[Dan Morton]

Correct, no ribs or foam. You can install foam according to Dave but I opted to just glue to the metal roof. I was concerned that gluing to foam could result in drooping later on. Dave just cut one large rectangular piece that was long enough to incorporate the C pillars too. I think it was about $90 for the piece plus the foam which I didn't use.

As for the windows, yes I simply tucked it under the rubber gasket. The material is too thick to wrap around the window seal edge like the original headliner does.

Definitely gives you more headroom and I really like the clean look. Now that I have the interior back in the car is much quieter!

[Dan Morton]

Originally Posted by RWebb

"low cost alcantara look" - good description

one fly in the ointment - the rear vent is covered over, so no flow-thru ventilation (not that it is great to begin with...)

I thought about that as well, however I never drive with the windows all the way up. It never gets cold enough here to worry about and chances are I would be gassed out anyway with the windows up

It wouldn't be too difficult to cut out those vent areas. I would think the material would probably breathe well enough too.