Headliner woes...

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CruiserMax

CruiserMax

Joined
Apr 16, 2004
Threads
49
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413
Location
Seattle
Website
www.seattlecruiserheads.com
I have a nice 1976 FJ55 (see http://www.seattlecruiserheads.com/tech.html)

The headliner is not in great shape though. Most of it is OK but the section just above the front seats now has a hug hole/rip from window to window. The exposed edges of the headliner now droop down and rub the top of my head which is really annoying.

I don't want to replace the headliner with a new stock replacement. They are expensive and I don't want the hassle of removing the window glass etc. I don't want to tack up cheesy carpet up there either.

I was thinking about replacing one rectangular shaped section of material that would run from drivers side window to passenger side window and would be about two feet front to back. This would include the area around the overhead light.

Looking for suggestions on what material to use and what method to use for joining it to the remaining sections of the headliner. I know this is a less than perfect solution but I think this may work. I can then spray the headliner with flexible upholstery paint (done this before) so I can get a smoother transition and even color this way.

Any ideas???

Thanks,

Max
 
I imagine that a smaller upholstery shop could sell you headliner material, or whatever that vinyl stuff is. I usually just hit up upholstery shops when I need hard to get coverings.

The easiest way to join them clean would probably be with sewing and some type of seam sealent. However, I don't think many of us here at mud are good with a sewing needle.

Good luck, I have a sagging headliner because I don't feel like destroying my window rubber for installation.
 
what about other ideas instead of the fragile and nonversatile factory headliner. I was thinking of ripping it all out including insulation, rolling or spraying white bedliner stuff on the supports and then riveting lengthwise aluminum tubing maybe 3/8 inch diameter about 12 inches apart. then using the spaces in between for storage. items held up with bungee cords. I carry so much crap that sometimes its hard to find stuff. ropes, raincoats, mountain gear, fishing gear. I had a camper shell on a pickup years ago outfitted similarly, has anyone any experience in doing something like this?
 
That sounds awesome but it would be a lot of work. Ripping out the headliner is easy. Its all the glue and insulation above the headliner that is a real pain in the ass to remove.

I and many others would love to see pics of your idea if you follow through with it though...

Max
 
Home Depot sells a pretty decent fairly thin black carpeting that I have thought about using for a headliner.. Then somethinkg like a 1/2" carpeting pad.. Then probably something like a 3M glue. I believe they even make a headliner glue. It is not as complicated as we think, 40's have a similar affliction iwth their headliners and a lot of guys I know have also taken the roof carpeting method. Some of whom have used stereo box carpeting (thin and lightly fuzzy) and this looks very good as well. I have a feeling this is the solution I will probably take as well. If I get there before you Max I'll make sure I post pics.. :)
 
Interesting!

Would you remove the padding and the stock ceiling goop that is up there now before proceeding with the install of the Home Depot items? I understand that this is a lousy chore?

Question for ya: can you please begin and conclude this project with a mess of detailed photos by this time tomorrow? I would love to see how it would turn out!

Hmmmm???

CHEERS,

Max
 
dieselcruiserhead said:
Home Depot sells a pretty decent fairly thin black carpeting that I have thought about using for a headliner.. Then somethinkg like a 1/2" carpeting pad.. Then probably something like a 3M glue. I believe they even make a headliner glue. It is not as complicated as we think, 40's have a similar affliction iwth their headliners and a lot of guys I know have also taken the roof carpeting method. Some of whom have used stereo box carpeting (thin and lightly fuzzy) and this looks very good as well. I have a feeling this is the solution I will probably take as well. If I get there before you Max I'll make sure I post pics.. :)
Click to expand...

I want to do this same type of thing except put this under the headliner. http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=260-530

It should keep some heat and a lot of noise out as well.

I have been thinking about how to redo my headliner in this way as well. I just wonder how well glue will hold to the metal. If condensation builds up I wonder if that will break the glue down and then it will sag. Just some thoughts.

Andre when you get pics lets see them!!!!
 
LOL I am going to see if I can get cruiseroutfit to take some pics of his 40. No way mine could be done in the next few months, unfortunately. Looks very good especially in 40s. Max yes I plan on removing all crap and probably the OEM roof support too which is mostly cosmetic as well. I removed it on my last one as well..
 
dieselcruiserhead said:
LOL I am going to see if I can get cruiseroutfit to take some pics of his 40....
Click to expand...

Here are the pics:

top_headliner_1.jpg


top_headliner_2.jpg


It works out very good in a 40. The top doesn't have any ribs to deal with (such as the 55). The top is place upside down, and you can easily fit the carpet before getting the glue out. I have been extremely happy with it.

This isn't outdoor "porch" style carpet like Home Depot sells, rather an actual upholstery carpet used for custom vans, boats, motorhomes, etc. Not sure if there is a difference or not? I got mine in a 6' width at a carpet supply wharehouse. Darrell and I loaded about 40' onto the top of his 45 :D
 
I cut my ribs out of my last piggie FWIW. You could always remove them then if you see fit put them back in after the carpet install.. That would work fine. The ribs in teh headliner are removable rods.. I am pretty sure I plan a similar plan such as kurt for my 55 :)
 
Headliner carpet

My brother used the carpet approach on his 40. He used commercial grade carpet without pad. Just take your time or get a carpet installer do the corners. It really turned out nice and the with the pyle so close, it doesnt look like carpet when its done. We've been thinking of doing the same to my pig.
 
until you find something more permanent, could you use someflexable 1" wide pieces, plastic trim pieces from the hardware store. and spring them into placeto hold the flaps up, atleast they wouldn't rub your head anymore
 
cruiseroutfit said:
The top is place upside down, and you can easily fit the carpet before getting the glue out.
Click to expand...

I'm gonna need help rolling my Pig over to do this. :D

I had thought about filling up the space between the ribs with some type of insulation, then adding the new material, attaching it with some screws to the ribs. I haven't really looked close yet, only pictures online.
 
I made my own headliner from a large sheet of cheesecloth type material. We measured the gap between the rails, then hemmed a loop at the same spacing, then cut slits in the loop (you cant see them from inside the car) so that the rails slid through them and the edges hung down near the windows and doors. Then we tucked the edges into the door and window seals. Not as good as factory, but acceptable we think! P.s no shaping was required, the hems were streight and the material has some stretch to fit into shape. Only problem has been some moisture creep around the door frames -can act as wick if your seals are not keeping the rain out :(
Headliner.webp
 
We bought a headliner from SOR for $126.00. A bit of patience required installing it, but looks oem. I don't think taking out the cross braces are a good option as the roof on these rigs are super flimsy to begin with, then add carpet to it ? We are spraying a color matched rhino-liner (blue) on the top/exterior, to seal and reinforce it. Will share pics by the weekend. Good luck, Mike
 
Last edited:
mike
can't wait to see pics of this...i am gathering parts to start the work on my pig and the headliner really needs some attention...i will be watching for your post

osagecruiser
 
The headliner is like oem. The rhino-liner is on the top/exterior of the truck. The blue is the same as yours, color code 278.
 
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