Installing a Headliner

     Installing a headliner can be a very intimidating part of an interior restoration, but it really isn't that bad.  The nice thing about installing a headliner is that they are relatively inexpensive.  So if you want to try installing one yourself and it gets screwed up you are only out $30.00.  This is why I decided to attempt the install myself.  I had gotten a quote of $400.00 to install one.  I think this number was a little high, but even if it would cost half of that to install a headliner I feel that it is still worth it to try to save a couple hundred dollars if you can.
     Overall the installation went really well.  There are a couple of wrinkles, but they aren't very noticeable and they may disappear once the car is out in the sun.  The following is how I went about installing the headliner in my car.

One thing to note is that the windshield and back glass must be removed in order to properly install the headliner.  Also mark the location of the bows as you are removing them.  This will ensure that they go back in the same spots that they came out of.

Here is the finished Product

The 1st thing that you want to do is set your headliner out in the sun for about 20 minutes.  This will help to remove some of the wrinkles.

Take your old windlace and cut it into short sections about 3" long.  These will be used to clamp the headliner while it dries.  Clothespins will also work.

Before putting in the headliner, install all hardware screws that will end up under the headliner once it is installed.  This will aid in finding where to cut holes for seat belts and sunvisors later on.

Next it is a good idea to install new insulation on the roof.  They make reproduction insulation, but I had some left over carpet padding that worked well.  Just cut to size then use a spray adhesive that can withstand high temperatures.  This will ensure that the insulation will not fall in the hot sun.

Now take your headliner out of the sun and lay it on a flat surface.

Then install the bows.  Make sure that they go back into their respective spots.

The loops for the bows are a little long from the factory.  Cut them so that an inch or two of the bow is sticking out of the loop.

Mark the center of the windshield and the back glass with a piece of chalk.

Then do the same for the headliner.

Start in the back and work your way forward.  The back of the car has tension wires hooked into the roof.  The other end of the wire gets hooked around the bow.  This keeps the back bow in place as you pull the headliner forward to tension it.

This is what it looks like with the back bow installed

Next install the remaining bows in their respective slots

Now check that the center marks of the headliner are aligned with the center marks on the car.  Once everything is centered you can apply the glue.  There are many products that you can use for the.  I used DAP Weldwood and it worked fairly well for me. 

Once the glue is ready.  Pull the headliner tight and glue it to the pinch weld around the windshield.  Use your short pieces of windlace to clamp the headliner until the glue dries.  The windlace clamps perfectly over the pinch weld.

Here's what it looks like with the clamps in place.

Repeat the same process on the back.

This is what it should look like after the front and back are stretched and glued.  Notice that there are still wrinkles in the headliner.  These will come out when you stretch and glue the sides.  The same process is used to glue the sides.  Apply the glue then stretch and clamp the headliner to the pinch weld around the door.  Then do the other side the same way.

Now it is time for the sail panels.  There is a tack strip on both sides that secures the headliner.  Pull the headliner taught and secure it to the tack strip.

There are also tabs on the package tray that help to keep the headliner in place.

Push the tab through the headliner then push it with a screwdriver to secure it.

This is what the sail panel looks like.  The small wrinkles should come out once the car is in the hot sun.  Now go back and carefully cut the areas of the headlines where the seat belts, coat hooks, sunvisors, and dome light go.  Leave the windlace clamps on until you are ready to install new windlace.

Here's another look at the finished product.

If you found any of the information on this website useful please consider donating.  Any amount, no matter how small is greatly appreciated.  Thank You