Cabriolet head lining replacement

1Gunner · 1Gunner's Garage

Has anyone got advice or recommendations on How-to replace the head lining in a Cabriolet? Specifically an 87 Cab

After miles of "top down" driving with the boot on, the black lining has worn through at the fold points and looks like CR/-\P.

Thanks for any and all....

motion · 04-30-2002, 10:27 AM

I just received a replacement headliner from Tw$$ks a couple of days ago. $65. It looks as good as the stock piece. I looked for it on Pelicanparts but couldn't find one in their catalog. I'm planning on taking it down to the local high-end top shop to see if they can install it for me. Will let you know what I find out.

piedogger · 04-30-2002, 10:47 AM

My car is in the upholstry shop as we speak. I don,t know if power and manual are the same but there is two elastic straps that pull one of the frame pieces up and down with the top, they are sewn onto the bracket and on the outside of the headliner. Those straps are like 56.00ea from dealer I don't know if you can reuse, mine where shot.

At dif. shop than I went to they said 2-3 hours on headliner (on top of 12-14 for top ). The one I went to didn't charge any xtra for headliner since it was part of the top install as far as he was concerned (he also charges by actual time not book) His average is 10-12hrs (record is 9hrs)

1Gunner · 1Gunner's Garage

I guess mine should be here soon, as I ordered one from TwEEks 2-3wks ago and it was on backorder at the time. I also checked out Pelican with same result. DNS.

I'm curious how it turns out.

1Gunner · 1Gunner's Garage

so curious that I posted the same message twice?
huh...

vesnyder · vesnyder's Garage

I recently installed a new headliner in my '83 Cab - same issue, running with my top down without the boot tore up the old one. Ripped out the old one being careful to tear it out completely. Thought about taping the new one in - that was the way the old one was in - but decided to glue the new one in. First cut the liner, leaving abit more than the one I removed. Glued the front with the top up. I placed spots of glue every 4-6 inches or so. I used fabric glue I stole from my wife. Be very careful. I ended up getting some glue on the new liner which did not come out. I was very disappointed because the top came out very good. I then tucked the back in making it as tight as possible. Before I put glue on it I opened the top so it pointed straight up. Standing in the back seat it provided easy access to the rear bar that the liner glued onto. Having the liner in place I placed a line of glue on the back and moved the liner back an inch or so so it was that much more taught. After placing the glue on and moving the liner back an inch or so, I pushed the liner onto the glue by pushing on the top. I continued to push on the roof for about 5-10 minutes sealing the liner with the top partially open. I then closed the roof. The closing action of the roof pulled the liner to the front making the liner just taught enough. The movement of the roof also spread the glue.

Woked out good. Any questions let me know

Joe Bob · Joe Bob's Garage

Two questions....does the Tweek replacement headliner need cutting?

AND

Why is it needed? I just pulled mine out and do not notice any change beyond that it is a tan color.....

rob911 · rob911's Garage

Anyone got a pic of the before and after?

My liner was long gone when I got the car.
I need to see those straps in action because I always need to manually sort out the bar when folding down the hood.

The hood bag really smartens up the appearance though - expensive but essential. I am hoping for good weather so that I do not have to have my (tatty and worn) hood up after the car gets back form the body shop.

1Gunner · 1Gunner's Garage

Why is it needed? I just pulled mine out and do not notice any change beyond that it is a tan color..... [/B][/QUOTE]

Mikez,
Just a hunch, but the wear and tear the $65 liner is put through is now happening directly on your much, much more expensive top. That can't be good.

vesnyder · vesnyder's Garage

Can't speak to the Tweeks headliner being cut - I bought mine from somewhere else, found them in ?? (can't remember).

Aside from the wear that is occuring on the top vs the headliner, I think it is a bit quieter with the headliner. Maybe it is just psychological? But it does not look a lot different.

I had already purchased one before I tore the other out. I think if I would have ripped the other out before I bought it I would have never spent the $60!

BlkBird · 05-01-2002, 12:37 PM

I don't know about the headliner, but those two elastic straps are critical! Ever notice the number of cabriolets with a small half inch tear right above the door frame?

Those two elastics pull back on a frame member whose function seems to be to "push" the roof fabric away from the rest of the frame. Otherwise the fabric gets caught up in a scissoring action by the collapsing frame. Really bad.

But worse yet is the 2" spike that is part of the frame and punches a hole in your roof. Remember that small half inch tear? Spike just pokes right through.

So make sure your elastics are tight. If they get old, go buy a new elastic strip at the local fabric store for a buck. Put the roof half-way down and sew a new length of elastic in place. Just like being a student again using a needle and thread. This teeny investment will save the roof in the long run.

Oh yeah. One more thing. Unzip the window. Every time! And I like to put a nice clean towel over the window as the roof comes down. Stop those nasty scratches on the plastic.