Mopar Muscle Association UK

My headliner is split at the seams and falling down.

Is it best to repair, or get a new one? (can you get them anyway?)

I think availability depends on how popular the model was.

I just took delivery of a new one for my Challenger from Sixpack Speedshop. Cost was about 80 euros delivered.

Actually. With your model being pre-66 you will probably have to look harder than most. But Sixpack Speedshop should be able to locate one for you.

Cheers Dave

a repaired original will fit better if you are fitting it yourself

unless you are a trimmer. in which case a repro can be made to fit nice

ive just found that one that has been professionally installed and in situ for many years takes a "set" to the specific car it came from which means it goes back in easier.

new ones can be a pig to get right unless its something you do every day.

its like fitting carpets plastering or laying on decals
if you can do it ..... no probs....... if you can't you got to practice and a nice new bit of trim is the last thing you wan't to practice with

Dave

I am doing mine at the weekend. I will let you know how I get on.

Will wait and see how yours goes before i make a decision either way then

Dave wrote:I am doing mine at the weekend. I will let you know how I get on.

Yeaaaaah thats and episode I'm waiting to watch.

Not sure if I can do a "finished" installation though. I have to take the rear window out (front screen already out) so the area around the rear window might have to wait.

http://nationalmoparts.com/merchant.iht ... 454&step=4

Was there last week.... Could of got you one! £49!

Jeff wrote:http://nationalmoparts.com/merchant.iht ... 454&step=4

Was there last week.... Could of got you one! £49!

Damn Cheers for the link though

I decided not to fit the headliner until after I have fitted the new vinyl top - which should be next weekend at the latest.

I have had a look at the job though and it does not look too bad. It is probably completely different to yours Lee.

The bows fit inside cloth "sheaths" which apear to come fitted two long. I guess you have to cut openings in them to allow the ends of the bow to be exposed and allow room for the material to be pulled tight.

On my car the front and rear of the headliner is held with metal "teeth" at the front and rear screen frames. The edges over the doors probably glue to the frame.

The bit where many installations seem to go a little wrong is over the sail panels where there is nothing much to pull the material tight. I have some ideas up my sleeve if that is the case.

Compared to fitting the vinyl top it looks pretty easy. I am bricking it over glueing that on straight.

I replaced the headlining in the Road Runner with one I bought from DiCarlos, it wasn't the easiest job in the world and although the main part of the headliner looked absolutely perfect, I was never happy with the corners and the sail panels.

I know that in future, I'll clip the entire headlining in with croc clips, warm the whole thing up with a really powerful blow heater, stretch it again, apply the glue and clips to the edges...but the real trick is to get three people to help you I reckon!

whatever you do, make sure you note exactly where the headliner bows fit. Take photos or make a drawing when you dismantle everything.
Work from the back, where the steel retainer wires are and work pulling forwards.
Then fix each side using clamps (work from side to side) pulling the liner tight (very tight) to eliminate creases. When you are happy put some U-shaped spring clips on the edges which will hold the liner in place - I didn`t use any glue. Finally pull the front and then the rear onto the spiky jaws (keep some bandages handy for when you puncture yourself on these beasties ) Sail panel areas are the most tricky, work slowly getting the tension correct and apply some gentle hairdrier heat (not a heat gun which is way too fierce) to eliminate any stubborn creases.

http://www.woolies-trim.co.uk/c-54-edge-clips.aspx

I have a new one to put in.... Probably have some time in 2018!