Larry Dunlap

Im going to put a Hawks headliner in my 91 formula this weekend. How the heck do you get those plastic trim parts off without breaking something, Any tips would be appreciated

Trickster

just remove the screws holding them in place and where they have the plastic studs holding them, just take a flat tip screw driver. Insert it under the trim at the stud and gently pry the stud out. A stud removal (looks like a small pry bar with a notch) tool works better.

The Trickster!!!!!!!!!

Larry Dunlap

OK. I havent seen a lot of screws to remove. Screw I understand, its the little plastic studs that I don't like. For example on the plastic pieces that go up the sides between the side windows and front wiendshield, those just pry out? The litte studs are like the Christmas tree type clips that hold the door panel on?

It will probably become a lot clearer once I start prying on stuff, I just don't want to f something up.

Trickster

You got it about the studs, also be very careful with the plastic pieces around the shoulder harness at the headliner. They have two retainers at the front that you have to carefully pull the piece down and gently pry the retainers back to release them. The dome light has a lens that pops off and the assembly is held in place by two metal studs with push washers (don't know exact name). You can either remove the washers with a pair of needle nose visegrips or gently pry them off with a 90 degree pick. The first time I took a head liner out, it took about three hours to do (big learning experience). The next one only took about 30 minutes because I found I didn't need to remove everything. Pieces like the big wall panels can be left in the car after the screws and sail panels are removed. They are flexible and can be bent down to allow for the headliner removal out the back hatch. You might also have to remove the rearview mirror, easy to do. Loosen the screw and pull it off. Good luck!!!!!!!!

The Trickster!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

89cmrodriver

i wouldnt be to worry about breaking the plastic thingys (lack or real word) they sell them in most if not all auto parts stores, u get like 5 for $2.99

Trickster

I don't believe those were the parts he was concerned about breaking.

The Trickster!!!!!!!!!!!

89cmrodriver

if he was talking about the a piller trim, which i think he was, that is held by the little plastic clips, they have them usually with the sanding body stuff in advance auto parts.

fireturd350

iTrader: (8)

I didn't have as much trouble with the plastic clips breaking as I did with the actual A Pillar sliders the clips go into. I end'd up just taking the clips out and marking all the spots on the A Pillar getting a drill and putting screws in where every clip went.... looks kind of funny but guess what it's a heck of a lot easier to take them off and put them on now.

Larry Dunlap

Yeah, the little clips would be no big deal, I just don't want to break the plastic trim parts, like the pillar trim pieces as you call them, the plastic piece that goes up the roof support. There is no visible means of connection.

Like I said, It will probabley be apparent once I start pulling on stuff, like when I did the door panels, I just wanted to know about any pitfalls that could lead to pulling the wrong thing the wrong way and maybe damaging it.

fireturd350

iTrader: (8)

Well you just take the screw out of the door trim piece. Then pull that out. You should pull it straight away from the door... I believe there is a plastic peg type push screw thing too, but it should just pull out. There far the easiest piece to remove. After you get that off you want to grab the A Pillar and gentle slide it back by pulling it towards the rear of the car. This should slide the pillar out of the locking position against the plastic clips. It all just reinstalls the same way. Just make sure when you slide it back into position you get it on each clip otherwize it might sag a little. Oh also a good idea to leave the car heater on for awhile or have the car in warmed area. Why? Because all plastic gets brittle once it gets to this age especially when it's cold.

Larry Dunlap

Got it in last night (headliner that is ). No problems, didn't break anything, looks great. Took a little while to figure out how to get the pillar and top of door piece back on. Youve got to remove the three clips on top by prying back a hook in the center with a screwdriver, then pull down. then mount them back in the trim piece and snap them back in over the door. The headliner really looks nice, especially after months of the old cloth hanging down on my head. The only little thing is the headliner is a tiny bit short along the back trime piece. It doesn't leave a gap but its close. Im probably the only one who would even notice it.

Now for the headers, weeee