Installing headliner in 996 cab?

[baloo]

We just had the convertible top on our 1999 996 Cab replaced. (Top was from AutoTop - fine construction, with glass rear window.)

However, the installers (one of the supposedly "top" top installers in the area - Young's, for those of you in the Norfolk area) determined that the new top's zipper for the headliner was installed backwards -- so they simply removed the headliner and went ahead with the top installation. I guess I must really look like a dummy.

Well, after a simple call to AutoTop, it turns out that the "top" top installer was dead wrong -- they simply did not realize HOW to work the zipper. Unfortunately, I know that the technician knew that he had made a mistake, and of course, he started lining up his back up excuses, but never dared to come tell me in person.

Which all leads me to this question: IS IT POSSIBLE FOR ME TO INSTALL THAT HEADLINER MYSELF, OR WILL THIS INVOLVE HAVING TO REMOVE THE NEW TOP AGAIN, WITH ALL THE PURPORTED DIFFICULTIES REQUIRING AN EXPERT INSTALLER?

I'd prefer to fix it myself, rather than go thru the confrontation. I'm a psychologist of sorts, and I can already predict the reaction the installer will have when I dare to challenge him. The factor of "losing face" will override need to admit a mistake any day of the year.

Any help, directions, would be appreciated.

[baloo]

Well, I got the answer to my question.

Despite the local Norfolk "top" top installer's statement that the headliner cannot be installed without removing the top, AutoTop (who installs 2 tops a week in the 1999-2002 996's in CA) stated that the headliner CAN be installed.

Furthermore, they are sending me a zipper-puller, which, of course, the scoundrels at Young's (yes, Youngs, for those of you in the Norfolk area who might be considering them!) either ignored, were unaware of, of just plain forgot -- so that I can install the headliner myself.

AutoTop states that the trick is to get the glass window zipped in, THEN the rest of the headliner can be snapped into place.

It's great to have not only quality parts, but quality service for the parts, as I've been getting from AutoTops.

I have absolutely no affiliation with AutoTop -- matter of fact, I bought their top from eBay and never knew who they were until our local installer screwed up and blamed the manufacturer.

Next step is to actually try to install the headliner this weekend. Will post my progress for those of you with 996 Cabs who get into my predicament in the future.

[baloo]

Wife and I installed headliner yesterday with minimal problems. No need to remove the top to do it (contrary to what our local top installer said). After doing this one, we probably could do it again in 30 minutes.

[levdeb]

Would you by chance have the installation guide for the headliner? I got some great pics from a fellow Pelican, but there are just too many straps, velcro, unstuck glue parts to try and guess...!

Thanks for any feedback!

Best,
Bill