TheSamba.com :: View topic

Wed Aug 27, 2008 10:49 pm

I am about to install a new headliner in a 71 Ghia coupe, I have new window rubbers, does anyone have any advice or hints ?, the window installation is not a problem.

Thu Aug 28, 2008 1:15 am

It really takes two people to do it right.

Have one person sit inside the car with a heat gun, CAREFULLY heating the headliner as you stretch and pull it into place.
Dry fit it first with no glue, with loads of little clamps holding the headliner in place. The black office spring paper clamps work pretty well.

Do it on a warm day if possible....the headliner material will be easier to stretch. I had never fitted a headliner before, and I reckon mine worked out pretty well with no creases.

Thu Aug 28, 2008 4:34 am

Installing the headliner is doable. Even for a first timer. But it goes way easier with two people. Two things that will help. If it's hot out, open the headliner and let it read on the roof of the car or in the driveway for about 1/2 hour. If it's cold, about 5 mnutes in the clothes drier at low heat will help make the headliner materiel supple enough to stretch without tearing. The other is take your time and be patient. Also be sure you have the headliner bows in the correct order. I trial fit my headliner front to back and reverse to see if it mattered. It didn't but it sure will if the headliner bows are in the wrong order. Here's what mine looked like after about 4 hours of stretching and clamping. I glued everything in place and let it cure up overnight.

Thu Aug 28, 2008 4:38 am

Always start in the middle and work your way out, pulling and stretching as you go. Make sure your bows go back in in the same order they came out. Some people use the metal binder clips to hold the material in place, I used wooden spring-type clothes pins so I wouldn't scratch my paint. Check out Kingkarmann's gallery for some great shots and tips from his headliner installation.