two-if-by-sea

iTrader: (22)

I have been looking for YEARS for a decent headliner, and I just picked one up. Its not perfect.







A few general questions so I don't destroy this thing.

1. The fabric is the wrong color, not to mention that it's stained pretty badly. The fabric is not original, and seems to be some sort of stick on stuff. How do I go about removing it? Heat gun? Any advice? This will be my first time.
2. Once the fabric is removed, I plan on coating the board with fiberglass resin. Is there any brand or type I should look for? I see this at WalMart http://www.walmart.com/ip/Bondo-Fibe...-1-qt/17056866 and I'm guessing it will work? Apply with an old paint brush? Coat both sides?
3. I plan on having the board recovered at an upholstery shop. Will the new headliner cloth adhere to the dried resin?
4. The only bad spot is the one corner. All the parts are there. Should I use a piece of fiberglass cloth on this corner piece?

mantaguy

iTrader: (5)

Me personally,I would just buy a aftermarket one with the cloth already done,that's a lot of work and money to restore a piece of pressed cardboard.That's just me tho
1A has them,Classic has them,1A has free shipping.

two-if-by-sea

iTrader: (22)

I don't think they fit very well. Too many install horror stories, and even when the install goes well, the gaps around the edges are just not right.

mantaguy

iTrader: (5)

I don't think some of the people use the clips that come with it,mines fit pretty good.but it could be a little better.

two-if-by-sea

iTrader: (22)

So, what is the best way to get this old headliner off? Heat gun? Hair dryer?

And if I "paint" the backer board with fiberglass resin, will it cause adhesion issues with the new headliner?

MAC_87

iTrader: (3)

you're pretty much wasting your time imo, these headliners are too old, and are made of very bad material for restoring and endurance. just get a ttop headliner at 1Aauto for $150...yeah there are horror stories but from what ive heard they dont have bad customer service.

1Aauto

Here's a link to them on our website. You HAVE to follow the directions when you install these. They fit decent if you take your time and read the instructions.

Camaro ABS Headliners

mantaguy

iTrader: (5)

Just remove the sun visor screws,speaker covers(sail)panels,courtesy light,rear trim(on top by the hatch)and the two pieces L/R for the seat belt trim(be careful with them,pry them gently out,they may be brittle)

two-if-by-sea

iTrader: (22)

I meant removing the fabric from the board. I know how to remove the entire thing from the car.

mantaguy

iTrader: (5)

OH sorry about that.Just peel it off slow,the glue should be all dried up,it's going to be dusty.

mrrman

its easier to just buy a whole new one...I installed one in my 87 TA...no problems at all...CI has 20% off on products now

two-if-by-sea

iTrader: (22)

Again, that's not the route I'm looking to go.

cdoyle

I tried fixing my old one, tried to stiffen it up with fiberglass and then recover it.
It just didn't turn out really good. Looks fine with the tops on, but with them off, you can see where it still has a little bit of sag, and also the curves are tough to get fabric around. You can see it in the pics you posted, they tried to cover it up with an additional piece of fabric. I bet they tried to put slits in it, and they showed. I had to do the same thing, because the slits showed.

So I'm buying one of the aftermarket ones.

Eightyninef

is ebay the cheapest for aftermarket ?

mantaguy

iTrader: (5)

I don't think so,maybe for a used one.Your better off buying it from someone on here(used one)at least you kinda know who your buying it from.Sorta.

82tarecaro

iTrader: (4)

I hear too many horror stories with those repros. My headliner backing is in good shape and I am just going to have it recovered. I may give it a coating of resin for strength, but that's it. Look at WhitedevilTA's resto thread. He had his recovered and it looks great. If the backer board is shot, then you don't have a choice.

Mac10

I finally got rid of mine , the black steel of no liner looks awesome . Trust in steel !

Dusk2600

my headliner is in Wayyyy worse shape than this, im using spray glue (loctite) and a foam based insert behind the headliner to stregthen it.

punkmaster98

iTrader: (5)

Im actually almost done redoing my headliner, im on the fourth day right now. mine wasnt too bad but i wanted it a bit stronger cause i had tape holding the fabric up. driving with the ttops off ripped straight through the fabric lol. I fiberglassed it and just finished sanding it. because after sanding it is still rough in some parts im putting a thin layer of fleece in between the fabric and headliner.

82tarecaro

iTrader: (4)

How much weight did that add to the backing material?

punkmaster98

iTrader: (5)

id say in total 2-3 lbs maybe less but im not positive, its a lot stronger though and still flexible

82tarecaro

iTrader: (4)

I am sure it is plenty strong, but do you think you will run into any issues when you put it back in now that it is a bit heavier? I am wondering if the hardware that holds it up can support the extra weight.

punkmaster98

iTrader: (5)

well we ll find pretty soon lol, i should have it in tomorrow once i finish putting the cloth on. hopefully the hardware holds it up

am muscl

im goin the same way you are but dont remove the old fabric it works the same way as fiberglass matting. i laid mine out the same shape as if it was installed and i spread the fabric with fiberglass resin. but im not putting a new fabric back on im going to smooth mine all out and paint it. never have to worry about the fabric again.

punkmaster98

iTrader: (5)

its almost done. I just got to iron out the wrinkles and cut out the holes. Its gettin there though.

mantaguy

iTrader: (5)

How's that headliner coming out!!!

two-if-by-sea

iTrader: (22)

I somehow managed to talk my wife into allowing me to buy an 89 low mile, one owner RS convertible. I've had the Sport Coupe for over 20 years, but looks like it's gonna find a new home soon, complete with a bad headliner.