I am planning on installing a new hardtop headliner in a 58 hardtop. I purchased an Al Knoch headliner and have disassembled the fibreglass skin from the hardtiop frame as it looks to be a lot easier to install the headliner with the skin removed from the frame. Questions: What glue should I use? 3M weatherstrip adhesive in aerosol or should I use a brushable adhesive? How about DAP weldwood brushable? Do you need to heat and stretch the headliner when pressing it into place? Do you start in the middle and work toward the perimeters while stretching the headliner via heat? The difficult areas appear to be at the perimeter and this is where a lot of headliners "wrinkle" if not installed properly. Any tips or suggestions are appreciated.
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Re: C1 - install hardtop headliner
You took the skin off the frame assy????????? to put the headliner on???????? That's a new one on me and now I can't think straight. -
Re: C1 - install hardtop headliner
Roy,
When your head stops spinning, read on. I didn't remove the skin just to put the headliner in. My point is that it will be a lot easier to install the headliner since it is apart. As a matter of fact, Glassworks installs their headliners with the skin removed from the frame and Al Knoch told me if you have it disassembled it is easier to install the headliner. By the way, I had to remove the skin to replace 6 broken rivets and it also allowed me to remove rust on the frame. Back to my question, any advice/suggestions/tips on how you installed a C1 headliner?Comment
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Re: C1 - install hardtop headliner
You din't say that . But now that it's apart .yes it would be easy, I just never heard of some one taking the frame apart to do it. Well sorry! I just use a hair dryer to smooth it out.Comment
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Re: C1 - install hardtop headliner
Kraig; I hear this can be a very hard task, and especially getting the corner's to lay down right. Calling Al Knoch might be very helpful, I do not know whether they have a video. If you are doing it yourself you might consider buying a couple of spare's just incase. My first dash pad took 2 to get it done right. Rot's of ruck johnComment
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Re: C1 - install hardtop headliner
Kraig... This IS a project. My input: Material sold is "Yard Goods"... In other words, it comes off a roll. I believe OEM was heat press molded to fit the contour of the top. Not the case with what we buy today. I DO NOT have all the answers, but would use the H.D. spray from 3M ( Not the 8080, but, I recall something like 9090/ H.D. stuff). Hair dryer might help - I'd think about using a heat gun. There is little margin for error. Best to assume there is NO margin for error because the trim hides very little. Maybe, could work better without using HD glue to give you time to work the material into place w/o wrinkles. Good luck. Us hard top people gots to stick together.Comment
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Re: C1 - install hardtop headliner
Thanks to all for your advice, I'm going to paint the top this weekend and will attempt to install the headliner within the next couple of weeks. I'll let you know how it goes.
I've spoken to a number of people about installing these headliners and it's apparent to me that most don't really know how it should be done or they don't exude much confidence with their advice -- and I've talked with Vette companies that sell/service hardtops as well as 2-3 auto trim shops. I've been quoted $125 to $300 to install the headliner. I might as well try the installation based on the prices and lack of confidence in these companies.
Dennis, I believe you are right that the headliner was installed via a mechanical jig type device; not installed by hand. I believe the key is to not stretch the headliner very much if at all on on the "flat" areas and that the perimeter areas will need to be heated and slightly stretched. I'm going to use the Heavy-duty 3M spray adhesive.Comment
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Re: C1 - install hardtop headliner
I have heard that the "Glass Works" - who specializes in hard tops, is willing to give/share advice on hard top stuff. They advertise in The Driveline. Might be worth a call for some "hot tips"...
Also, be cautious about your fresh paint when you flip the top over to work on it. I wouldn't just leave it laying on the paint overnight, etc. Even on a very soft blanket, it can leave slight imprints. Will usually buff out if it does. Now aren't you glad you got 1 more thing to worry about. Good luck. DCComment
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Re: C1 - install hardtop headliner
Kraig... You're main challenge will be in the right and left rear corners. Do some dry runs without glue. I'm really not sure if a perfect installation is possible. You strive for perfection and take what you gets. If it was easy, everyone would have the simple answer... Best, DCComment
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Re: C1 - install hardtop headliner
Kraig...
Recently completed the dash pad on my 59, and I plan on installing a headliner
shortly. I learned a lot while working with the dash pad, it boils down to a heck of lot whittling, small cuts and many, many, dry fits before any adhesive is laid down. I expect the same for the headliner. I like 3M Weather Strip adhesive, but almost every adhesive will require some type of weight applied to
it overnight. I haven,t order my headliner yet, but I can't imagine there would be any stretching going on. Just a lot of prefitting, laying it in, taking it out, making certain it's centered, then spread the adhesive using a small trowel like tool doing half a section at a time.I would suggest you hold off painting the top until the headliner is installed. TomComment
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Re: C1 - install hardtop headliner
Tom,
The top's already painted and in fact the hardtop is 95% reassembled. I met with disaster installing the headliner and put the old one back in. I never want to see another hardtop in my life. These things are terrible to restore! tComment
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Set aside a couple of hours for
CURSING practice.Comment
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Re: Set aside a couple of hours for
I believe I invented some new words!Comment
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Re: C1 - install hardtop headliner
Tom; You are asking for one of the most altmate task's. The dash pad is a cake walk compared to the headliner. I would highly recommend that you would have Knoch or Glass Work's install your liner since they have done many of them. Knoch goes to most major meet's and I talked with a man that sent his off to Glass Work's and he said they did a beautiful job on the liner. A very good friend of mine took on the task, and I really thought he could get it installed because he does everything to perfection, BUT the headliner bug bit and the liner ended up in the trash can. I think liner's are a a couple hundred now so consider the cost. GM probably had a special heated press to put these in, they could have not messed around for hour's doing each on. johnComment
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Re: C1 - install hardtop headliner
Guys - Again, I will only speak to hard top liners from 56 - 62. The problem you/we face is that GM heat moulded these liners. We, to this point in time, are trying to deal w/running material off a "bolt" of material. It is NOT going to fit very well. Hard tops are a pain in the butt, but worth it... SorryComment
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