Headliner/Windlace question

[Joe Flanagan]

I was going through some old threads here about headliners and it seems like there is supposed to be a sleeve in the fabric for each headliner bow. If I recall correctly, the bows on my headliner were exposed and just sitting below the fabric, supporting it. But then again, everything was badly deteriorated, so maybe that is not how they started out. Can anyone tell me if there are supposed to be inserts in the fabric for the bows?

Also, should you install the windlace before the headliner or does it matter.

Thanks.

[Eneto-55]

Yes on both questions. The windlace goes on first. (Actually it needs to be installed before the dash is installed, as the dash mounts over the A pillar upholstery, which hides the windlace edge. The A pillar upholstery pieces cover the edge of the headliner as well.

The headliner should have (muslin originally, I believe) sleeves sewn in at each panel joint (but not as wide as the headliner itself), and the ribs slide in through there.

Do you know of a source for the windlace that has the metal reinforcement made into it? I have never found a source for it, and the windlace was not just for looks, it was also part of the wind noise prevention, so it really needs to press firmly against the door frame when the door is closed, at least for it to do what it was intended for.

Edited December 28, 2012 by Eneto-55

[DJ194950]

Yes windlace goes in first.

Yes there are (pockets sewed into headliner for bows to go Above) headliner.

Any experienced interior person can make all parts of an interior with the bows. The best luck on headliners has been with when i had the old just as a pattern for the spacing.

Sure others can also chime in with Co's that premake headliners for do-it-yourselfer's. Do a on line search on headliner install as i have seen before!

Best to ya,

Happy new year!

Doug

[Joe Flanagan]

OK, thanks for all that. Told me tons of stuff I didn't know. I was going to take a shot at making my own headliner but now I don't know if that's realistic. And like a dope, I installed the dash already--with no windlace, etc. I guess I can always take it out if I have to.

[Eneto-55]

I replaced the headliner in my 72 Dodge (smoker's car) years ago, and after that experience I was going to make sure I cut darts, or made marks, to help get the separate panels lined up properly again before I took the old one apart for my 46. Then I put it away, and later took it apart, and forgot to make the alignment marks or cut darts (I think that's what the ladies call those little wedge shaped cuts they make). That was the biggest problem I had when I did the 72. It was harder than I thought to tell where the center of each panel was (because although I cut mine exactly the same size & shape as the originals, there was not the same amount of extra fabric on the two sides), and I ended up with one or two of them off a bit to the side in relation to the others, and so it was a bit short along one side in those areas where I had shifted that panel to the opposite side a bit. So maybe one thing would be to make sure that you leave lots of extra fabric on both sides. That way at least you will for sure have enough to fasten it properly along the sides. (I didn't do the sewing myself - my mom did it for me, as I was still living at home then (1980).) Another thing was that I used an ink pen to mark the fabric - vinyl in the case of the 72 Dodge - and after it sat in the sun awhile the marks showed through. It was that way for some time, but eventually they faded away. I was pretty sick when they started coming through....

[Plymouthy Adams]

if making your own headliner and you want to install the sleeve..the proper name for that material is called listing it is not expensive and can be bought through your trimmers supplier..if no supplier..odds are a upholestry shop will seill you some also..

[desoto1939]

I got my 1939 Desoto headliner from Restoration Supply in Windber, PA.

It came as one complete unit and had the pleats or holes for the rods that hold the headliner up inthe top of the roof. They also have windlace and also the wire on style and also the style that has a falp to tack onto the car.

The headliner was installed by the gentleman that painted my car and I helped him install it. It is better to have two people when doing this job.

The headliner was installed in 1997.

Buy the premade headliner and save yourseld the headache for trying to get the seams correct and the loops and getting it centered.

Rich Hartung

desoto1939@aol.com

[Rodney Bullock]

I just had my 55 Chevy interior redone(sun fade blue) They made my headliner and wndlase as well. The windlace in my car was installed after the headliner. I think because it is supposed to hide all stiching and staples. My Plymouth it was the same thing. I remember this because after they installed the headliner you could see all these little metal tracking parts that the headliner was caught on. I had to go back to the garage to find all of them. They scewed in at the edge of the headliner then the windlace was installed and flipped over it and hides all that hardware. My car is a prewar car so it could be different. The 55 Chevy has these windlace tracks that are seen however they are painted. The headliner in it has meatl(Chrome) bows that are on the outside of the headliner.

[Robert Horne]

On my Coupe, I bought my headliner material at Walmart, a blanket.

The blanket has ribs sewn in about every 2 inchs or so....

The blanket has a double layer..

[Jeff53]

Sorry I just found this board and can see it's been up here a while. Has anyone ever posted a video on "How to install everything or both the windlace and headliner on a vintage sedan- ( 40s). I see a ton of trucks and muscle cars- with headliner installation--- But can't find anything concerning both on vintage cars ( pre50s).

     Problem is- one gent says - windlace goes on "top" and another says underneath the headliner-- and both may be right- However no one seems to be talking cars of the 40's and we all know there were a lot of changes in the '50s- One other question--- do they make an aftermarket ABS headliner for cars with bows ( if I want to do away with my bows- craftsmanship is getting hard to find ( around here their now talking 3k-5k to install a pre bought kit,and bending and stretching and contortion is a big no-no at this age my cars a '48 ( 4 door) and modification is not out of the question anymore.

[48ply1stcar]

I have only installed one headliner in my life.  I think it came out pretty good.  I installed a WLS headliner in my 48 P15 4door.  I did install the windlace first, once you remove the headliner it be be ovious.  I also took the opportunity run new wires to the back and a 10 guage wire along the other side for 12 volt accessories. 

 

[Bobb Horn]

When I put my blanket headliner in, I installed an insulation material, from a Ford, to the ceiling with windshield adhesive.

 

After trimming a couple inches off each side of the blanket, I inserted the bows, attached one end of the blanket with small clamps, 

 

and stretched the material, and placed small clamps of each side and the other end.     Each day or so, I tightened the material for a

 

week or so, until it was very tight.      Has been in many years now, and still looks great.       Not bad for a $25 blanket......

 

If I do another install, I would placed the blanket on the roof, and stretch the material for a couple of weeks before install.