Coupe Headliner Reglue

[Peter M.]

I am about to proceed with regluing my original headliner vinyl back to the original foam backing. The headliner is now removed for the car (1966 Coupe) and laying vinyl side up on my workbench. Both foam and vinyl are in good condition. I understand that 3M Super Trim Adhesive part # 08090 is the spray adhesive of choice. Has anyone else had experience at accomplishing this task and if so - any helpful tips for the uninitiated?

[Bill Stephenson]

Re: Coupe Headliner Reglue

Peter,

------In all the years I have been doing Corvette interior stuff,I have probably tried to glue 10 headliners back in position.No matter what type of spray adhesive I tried I was unsucessful.Even if the foam appeared perfect,when I would try to press the headliner(extremely carefully)to the foam,the foam would self destruct and the end finish would be lumpy.On top of that,the over the counter glues(including 8080 and 8090)would not last for any significant length of time.
------Hopefully,others will pipe in and give you some better news,but if you ask me,"call Al K".Hope this helps in some small way.............Bill S

[Wayne W.]

Re: Coupe Headliner Reglue

I agree with Bill.

[Peter M.]

Re: Coupe Headliner Reglue

Wayne / Bill - The facts is what I need so your input is very helpful - Assuming I skip the reglue and go for a repro headliner - is Al Knock the best and closest to original?

[John Fowler]

Re: Coupe Headliner Reglue

From an article by Mike Antonick on his 67 coupe in the Winter 1996 issue of the Restorer –

“My car did develop the dreaded drooping headliner syndrome, caused by disintegration of the vinyl’s foam backing. I removed the vinyl, dead foam and fiberboard, and carefully remove bits of foam and old glue from the vinyl and fiberboard. I took it to an upholstery shop where new foam was glued to the fiberboard, then the original vinyl was glued to the foam. Time consuming, but it looked like new again.”

[Peter M.]

Re: Coupe Headliner Reglue

John - This is encouraging news - My foam does not appear to be disintegrated at all - nice and pliable and resilient. Seems like it may be worth a try at the very least. I'll report back results to all - but this might take a while.