Headliner kicked my a$$

[Blue60]

Headliner kicked my a$$ - NOT

Well, me and 2 cans of 3M Super adhesive managed to kick its' a$$ - proof, will be in the weekend "hang" test. Pictures forthcoming


Attempting to finish off my renovation and install the hardtop. While I had it off and upside down on the table I put in an SOR reproduction headliner. I don't know if I got the wrong one but, I had to do some trimming to fit, also despite using a heat gun and hardwood rolling pin, I could not get out some the wrinkles. Anyway - used spray adhesive from the local auto paint supplier to hold it in place, put the hardtop on for initial fitment and lo and behold three days later, approx 2/3 of the thing is sagging down! Took off the hardtop, peeled off and salvaged the headliner, my plan is to re-attack but this time use contact cement.

Any pros or cons regarding using contact cement? Should I stick with the spray adhesive, just use a lot more? Any other suggestions? I had wiped down the interior with cleaning solvent prior to gluing...should I paint first for better adhesion versus fiberglass/resin surface?

Thanks for any seasoned insight...

Dave

 

[Cruiser Clint]

I used the spray on 3M super adhesive, and it has held fine for 8 years or so. There were 2 types and I chose the stronger of the 2. The only thing about it is you have to get it right the first time, or you'll damage the headliner if you have to reposition since it is so strong. Make sure you spray both the hardtop and the liner to get the best bond. Good luck!

 

[amaurer]

I have never had much luck with spray adhesive for headliners. I don't know why, I'm sure I'm doing something wrong, but I just can't make it work, and I consider myself moderately bright.

Liquid Nails spread on with a tile glue spreader works awesome even for a dummy like me, and even upside down.

 

[piecemeal]

my mercedes buddy swears by the 3M adhesive. I've used it twice on a saab and a vw and had no problems in a heavy smoker's vehicle

 

[handcannon]

Blue60

A word of caution about contact cement. In the right location/conditions contact cement holds extremely well, but it is heat sensitive. For those that live where it gets hot in the summer, especially in an enclosed vehicle, heat WILL cause the contact cement to let go. I have worked with spray on and brush on contact cement for over 35 years.

I don't have any direct experience with the 3M spray on stuff or with headliners. My first choice for adhesive would be a good quality construction adhesive like Liquid Nails or the equivalent. Use a glue spreader with about 1/8th" notches something like a floor trowell. A floor trowell will work in the flatter areas, but you will need something short like a putty knife with notches cut into it to get into the corners. Again, I have no actual experience with headliners. I am just saying what I would do going from my experience in cabinet making and installation work.

Don

 

[cronic]

i used 3m super 99. It has held up great so far.

 

[Blue60]

Thanks all...

The product I'm using (purchased from the local auto paint store) is a 3M product - 3M 77 general purpose adhesive. I'm going with it again, but will make sure to coat both surfaces thoroughly, and allow a bit of tack setup time. After reading about contact cement, my sense was not to use it for this particular application. Interestingly, I never considered liquid nails - but it may come to that. I pity the fool who has to replace the headliner next time (probably me)

Again, thanks for all the replies - will post pic upon completion!

Dave

 

[fj404life]

3m77 is not the stuff...use the other 3m stuff its much thicker.
If you use 77 again make sure to soak both the headliner and the top with it then let them tack up a few min then stick em. I have used 3m77 a bunch in other aplications. Always for bonding thin plastic to a smoooooth surface. The 3m90 or what ever the other one is sprays much thicker which will be what you would want on that rough fiberglass.

http://www.wlsheadliners.com/3m-hit...8.html?zenid=0f7d472bf57d1728c29512aa6a492bf1 ???????

 

[tommyt]

I haven't done this personally but I've read in wood working mags about using wax paper between the two pieces. Supposedly they won't adhere to the wax paper so you can place the liner in the proper position with the top off and flipped over. Then you would remove the wax paper slowly flattening the liner as you go. Hope this is good info.

 

[Robert LaDuke]

my vote is for the 3m also...... but not the general purpose stuff. Use the heavy duty. Mine's held just fine since 2002.