TheSamba.com :: View topic - Headliners, Easy Install v. Original Style

Tue Oct 20, 2009 7:30 pm

das64bug Wrote:

Quote: well how much does an average headliner install cost and where would i go about finding somebody to do it?

You should find a good shop in your state. You have some great VW's up there. Ask around the VW community. We are own our own here in North Texas. The people that once knew how have either left town or died.

The highly recommened shop here, in business since the 60's, wanted
$ 475 and I already had my headliner. This was in '06. Owner said " We haven't done one of these in a while, but we'll take a shot at it" I'll take a shot myself for $ 475. Also was a place I would not leave my car overnight.

Lou

Tue Oct 20, 2009 9:03 pm

What is the difference between the "easy install" type and the original ones? I'll have to do this eventually.

Wed Oct 21, 2009 10:17 am

Culito wrote: What is the difference between the "easy install" type and the original ones? I'll have to do this eventually.

It's not easy, no matter which way you go. This winter i'll hopefully be able to get to doing an 'original' style multi-piece headliner-- and popouts.. We'll see.

Wed Oct 21, 2009 6:22 pm

das64bug wrote: well how much does an average headliner install cost and where would i go about finding somebody to do it?

One shop quoted me $500 and the other was $750! Mind you I had the headliner, it was all labor! Try it yourself, you can do it.

Wed Oct 21, 2009 8:13 pm

I've done one (vinyl) and had one done (cloth). Mine had a few wrinkles that only I knew about, but they bothered me enough to pay a professional $1100 to do my bus. His job was definitely poor quality compared to mine. Never again. I'll always do my own. Just allow lots of time and stop whenever you get too frustrated. Take a break and come back to it. You'll be glad you did your own.

Thu Oct 22, 2009 7:24 am

Can this be done without the windows being removed?I purchased a one piece from mid amer motorworks and want to do it myself.

Thu Oct 22, 2009 7:35 am

w.mainhotrods wrote: Can this be done without the windows being removed?I purchased a one piece from mid amer motorworks and want to do it myself.

No.. Your side and rear window must be removed. If you are careful, and the rubber isn't too deteriorated, you may be able to ge them out-- but it's not a bad idea to just cut the rubber and put new weatherstripping in. You'd hate to get a new headliner in, then put the windows back in with crappy rubber, and water damage your new headliner.

Thu Oct 22, 2009 7:54 am

The window rubber is all new.

Thu Oct 22, 2009 9:38 am

personally i like the way the "easy install" headliner looks. probably because that is how my 74 super came with from the factory and am used to seeing it that way. but having installed both the original style is easier to put in. with the pieces being seperate it is easier to pull each piece tight and make it look good.

but if i pay a shop to do it i have a 1 piece style headliner installed. it just looks better being all smooth around the back window

Thu Oct 22, 2009 9:48 am

John7 Wrote:
Quote: but having installed both the original style is easier to put in. with the pieces being seperate it is easier to pull each piece tight and make it look good

I've never done the "easy" or later style vinyl, but I think your right. The 9 piece lets you do one section at a time. The top on the 9 piece can be a bear trying to keep the plastic strip from flipping on you.

Thu Oct 22, 2009 10:36 am

What is recommended to put under the headliner?sound proof heat barrier....Best for the $.

Thu Oct 22, 2009 7:43 pm

I installed my multi piece headliner myself. After reading all the warnings here about how hard of a job it is, I prepared myself for a nightmare, but to my surprise, it was much easier than I expected.

It IS a time consuming process, but by no means is it hard.

I realize this isn't "stock", but I just didn't like the plain looking folded end. Thought this add a nice touch.

Fri Oct 23, 2009 6:30 pm

Was that your first time?? Very nice work!

Fri Oct 23, 2009 10:41 pm

shano63 wrote: Was that your first time?? Very nice work!

Thanks. This was my first.

Sat Oct 24, 2009 5:25 am

Culito wrote: What is the difference between the "easy install" type and the original ones? I'll have to do this eventually.

Let me know when you get ready. I've done a few and I'll come out and lend a hand.

Sat Oct 24, 2009 10:23 am

Yellowbeard wrote: Culito wrote: What is the difference between the "easy install" type and the original ones? I'll have to do this eventually.

Let me know when you get ready. I've done a few and I'll come out and lend a hand.

This is a generous offer you REALLY should take. After doing one by myself I can honestly say that if I had a second set of hands it would have made the job SO much easier.

Of course, I'd look like a little odd with four hands.

mwaahaha I crack myself up.

Sat Oct 24, 2009 9:11 pm

Headliners are a pain and a little daunting, but you can do it yourself.

The EZ-Style has a few drawbacks. The look of the thing behind the quarter window to where it meets the rear window is a little funky...not too bad, but certainly not like the original.

There are some tricks, but mostly it is patience. I did my beetle in about 6 hours and it turned out great.

be careful when you pit your windows back in that you don't pull out the headliner where it attaches at the sills.

Sat Oct 24, 2009 9:21 pm

doggawn wrote: I'm trying to installed an original style. 9 pieces in total. I thought it would be easier to deal with in seperate peices rather than one huge piece.
It's not an easy job but not something that can't be done. Mine has a few wrinkles also but it looks good for my first time.
Always better to do the work yourself no matter.

NICE JOB!!

Sat Oct 24, 2009 9:23 pm

if you really think about it.. a headliner is 40 bucks from jbugs... My buddies spent more money in beer last time we put in a headliner.. give it a whirl, worst case scenario, you get to take another shot at it

Thu Jan 06, 2022 10:02 am

That really was a nice job, especially for your first time. Perhaps you should change vocations, Good beetle upholsterer’s are rare now