Headliner Rant

[hohlamazoo]

Sorry folks, but I have to tell someone to blow off some steam.

Earlier today I decided to get started on my one piece headliner kit. Everything was going well. Slow and frustrating, but it looked good. I got everything tight up to the pillar, then, it went downhill.

My neighbor, who did a great job painting my car, decided to help (or take over). He approached the project with complete confidence, as if he had experience with headliners. Besides, he has worked in a restoration/body shop for as long as I've been alive. Anyway, that isn't so. From the pillar back my headliner looks like a raisin.

So,when I finish my car, we'll all be able to admire the handy work of my neighbor. I can't say the outcome would've been any different if I had continued, but at least I would have been responsible.

Hopefully, I'll finish it in time for Gilmore's.

[Dustin]

I havent had the opportunity to do a headliner yet but I hear they are quite difficult to get smooth. That does suck you didnt get the chance to mess it up yourself though lol

[hohlamazoo]

Thanks for listening. I shouldn't complain, he has done miracle work on the body and paint. I'm just excited to start driving it and I want everything to be as close to perfect as possible.

[bren]

I put mine in my car. Well, I put it in with help from my entire family. I used the one piece also. Assuming it is a vinyl headliner, you can carefully heat it and it will pull tight. And I do mean carefully! I used a heat gun. Hairdryer might be better. Get it a little warm then get the heat off it, if I remember right I waved heat at it quickly then turned it off. As it cools it pulls tight. Do a small area at a time and experiment. Maybe start in the middle and work outwards.
I have only done one and am not an expert!
Have fun!
-Bren

[hohlamazoo]

Thanks! I'll definitely try it. I bought a heat gun, just to have, and have been waiting to use it. Though, maybe the hairdryer would be a better choice.

[bren]

Glad to help. I would try the hair dryer first. Go easy! Next to no heat first and go from there. If you over do it you will stretch it way too tight and it will be ruined. Those little tiny holes become huge if you are not carefull. Don't ask how I know.

[TaylorMutts]

Funny timing on your post--I just started to install a one piece headliner in my '70. I only installed one of the door post pieces so far, but have high hopes for a successful installation. Just keep your neighbor away from me, OK?

[Chris]

Jason, I hope it looks good when your done. Since your daily driver is not a full resto...haha

[Ruffuss]

I'll just add my 2 cents with ever think about just putting it out in the sun with the windows closed? It ought to get the heat you need without the worries of too much in one spot. It helped with the vert top on Ruffuss and with the folding sunroof on my 55'(use to own).