tips on installing headliner?

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Joined
Sep 22, 2006
Threads
26
Messages
106
Location
tunica ms
Been trying to install my SOR replacement headliner and am having a lot of trouble getting the wrinkles out. It is stretched very tight front to rear and I can't seem to get the wrinkles worked out side to side. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
 
do a search for it, there have been a few topics up in the near past. I heard that it is necessary to tuck it underneath the window trims or something of that sort to properly install it, which might be what is restricting the side to side pull.
 
To do it right you should remove windshield and cargo glass. The seams that the bows go into need to trimmed/relieved where it is sewn to the headliner, maybe an inch on both sides of each one to help it stretch from side to side. Spray adhesive on outside of upper window channel area and windshield and back of liner so its not glued to the inside of channel area. It will look alot smoother this way. Use a hairdryer on low with a spray bottle to mist, or a steamer(steamer works awesome) to get the wrinkles out. The use of some small spring clamps are invaluable doing the headliner. Good luck and be patient. Mike
 
You got it?

Evan Jenkins here did a thread on headliner replacement a while back. Might be on the Birfield site.

Pics!
 
Hey, I know it's been awhile, but it seems to me from reading this thread that you installed your headliner without taking out the rear windows... care to elaborate, show pictures?

thanks :)
 
As long as there is another question I'll add yet another (which I think I already know the answer to) : Are the headliner clips sufficient to keep the headliner in position or do you need to go ahead and replace the door/body molding at the same time as doing the headliner?
 
have to replace mine also and have the same two questions........my rear window rubber is fairly good but hate to try to take the 30 year old seals out and clips...............what clips:crybaby:??? mine came w/o any headliner or bows:bang:

Lou
 
Hey, I know it's been awhile, but it seems to me from reading this thread that you installed your headliner without taking out the rear windows... care to elaborate, show pictures?
I did take out the rear windows, as well as the windshield.....I don't think it would be possible to install without doing so.
Are the headliner clips sufficient to keep the headliner in position or do you need to go ahead and replace the door/body molding at the same time as doing the headliner?
No and No- The headliner clips probably would not hold the headliner in alone. The roof bows hold the headliner up, and weatherstripping cement hold the edges down. I put the clips on after the cement dried. Old body molding will be ok, because it doesn't really hold the headliner on.

FYI- The headliner was a PITA, but it is worth the trouble. Set aside a full day, take your time and be patient. It takes some massaging to get it smoothed out and you have to be very careful when you trim for all of the pillars and windows. It seem like I did it over a few days working slowly, first hanging it with the bows then gluing the rear and working my way forward. It is also helpful if you have 20 or 30 spring clamps to hold the edges while the glue dries.

Take my advice with a grain of salt- I have never done auto uphosltery before and probably never will again. Apart from a few minor wrinkles I am very pleased with the results.

Hope that helps,
paul
 
Did you buy the $200+ side window rubbers from online, or did you find another supply? I am wondering if an auto glass shop could come up with something...
 
I bought the side window gaskets online, but can't recall where. Seems like there was only one source for them. They were expensive, but are a good, quality product. I'd buy em now if you think you are gonna need a set; seems like everything pig specific is getting harder to find...
 
I bought the side window gaskets online, but can't recall where. Seems like there was only one source for them. They were expensive, but are a good, quality product. I'd buy em now if you think you are gonna need a set; seems like everything pig specific is getting harder to find...

Only source I know of is PV cruisers and if his site is still up and he is selling I would get them...and they are excellent. Really not bad if you go to a dealership and look at prices for some of the rubber (say just the window rubber on one door on my wifes camry is 180.00). So, 230.00 for two cargo windows is a steal especially considering the cost of start up on new manufacture.
 
I had a glass shop put in my glass after the painting and interior was done.

That was a hell of a 30 minute drive down the freeway with no windshield :lol:
 
Cement/Adhesive?

Any suggestions on the cement or adhesive used to glue the headliner to the metal lip in the roof???? Trying to come up with an alternative to the original clips (hard to find I'm guessing?) but wanted to make sure I wasn't using a damaging cement.

Thanks in advance everybody!!!
 
Lil' John's thread suggested contact cement---is this a small can of "brush on" or a spray on application? TIA, Dave
 
Any suggestions on the cement or adhesive used to glue the headliner to the metal lip in the roof???? Trying to come up with an alternative to the original clips (hard to find I'm guessing?) but wanted to make sure I wasn't using a damaging cement.

Thanks in advance everybody!!!

Dave:
Just replaced my headliner (had the SOR replacement installed professionally, didn't have the patience or want to risk screwing it up) and have a bunch of the clips, probably about a cupful, I pulled while removing the remnants of the old one. Yours for shipping cost and they'll fit in a small priority mail box at $6. PM me an address...think I've sent you some parts before but didn't save it.
Jim
 
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