Headliner help?

[BillMurphy]

I've been looking for a "how to" book to replace the headliner in my 50 Desoto 4dr. I've researched the net, bought a generic interior book, which is fine if I'm working on a 55 Chevy, but cant find a how to do Chrysler products of this vintage. One of the things that stumps me is what holds the headliner/windlace over the doors? Are they just shoved into the metal strips that are screwed in there?  (doesn't seem right).  Any publications you guys can suggest? Thanks!

[knuckleharley]

The best way to replace a headliner is to pay a pro to do it.

 

I will even go so far as to say it is the only sane way to replace a headliner.

[BillMurphy]

That would work, but I need to do this myself.

[DonaldSmith]

The metal strips over the doors have internal teeth which grab the headliner material.  

 

 

The blue metal strips are blue because I removed them and primed them.  The teeth are on the back side. 

 

(edit:) After reinstalling the headliner, I never got all the wrinkles and sags out. You can do a headliner job yourself if you settle for less than perfection.  Much less.  But maybe new material works better than reinstalled.

Edited April 26, 2016 by DonaldSmith

[BillMurphy]

So you do just push the headliner into the metal strips? And the teeth hold it? Is there a tool to do this? I'm not worried about perfection because any headliner is better than none which is what I have now. Also at the top of the windshield there looks to be what's left of a felt strip. Is this what is referred to as a tacking strip? Is the headliner just tucked into this? Thanks for your help!

Edited April 26, 2016 by BillMurphy

[Branded]

So you do just push the headliner into the metal strips? And the teeth hold it? Is there a tool to do this? I'm not worried about perfection because any headliner is better than none which is what I have now. Also at the top of the windshield there looks to be what's left of a felt strip. Is this what is referred to as a tacking strip? Is the headliner just tucked into this? Thanks for your help!

The tool is called a tucking tool, and the tack strip is just what it's called. You staple the headliner to the tack strip.

[DonaldSmith]

If you use a petty knofe (that's a putty knife) as a tucking tool, the corners can rip the fabric.  How do I know?

The windshield molding covers the tack strip. 

[casper50]

grind the corners round.  

[busycoupe]

I put the headliner into my coupe some years back. It came out OK, but is no where close to as good as a professional job. If I were to do it again I would take it a professional trimmer. It seems to be the kind of job that takes practice and experience; like installing drywall. The first wall of drywall I put up and finished looked like s..t. By the time I worked my way around the room the fourth wall looked pretty good. Maybe you should volunteer to put headliners in three friends cars, then go back and do yours.

[knuckleharley]

... Maybe you should volunteer to put headliners in three friends cars, then go back and do yours.

Only if you are a masochist.

 

I used to replace windshields in my modern cars and trucks too,then one day I had a pro replace one because it was covered under the insurance. He replaced the damn thing while smoking a cigarette and talking to me in less time that it always took me to remove the glue fingerprints all over the dash and the new windshield,and was gone. I will never again replace another curved modern windshield myself for the rest of my life.

 

IMHO,there are some jobs you just need to leave to the pros,and instead spend that time doing things you can do well.

[BillMurphy]

There was a time when even the professional had never done one before

[Branded]

There was a time when even the professional had never done one before

Well then get off the computer and get r dun. It ain't going to put its self in.

[JerseyHarold]

I read that the factory would put the headliners in a bucket of water and install them while wet.  As they dried, they would shrink into the right shape and tightness.

[James65]

There was a time when even the professional had never done one before

I recently did my first headliner install, was interesting but still enjoyable. I would recommend reinstalling any screws such as sun visor screws ect. before  doing the install. This will help locating thier locations after the install.

Edited July 13, 2016 by James65

[knuckleharley]

I recently did my first headliner install, was interesting but still enjoyable.

Remind me to never go on vacation with you. You and I clearly have different ideas about what is enjoyable.

[James65]

On Sunday, July 10, 2016 at 8:43 PM, knuckleharley said:

Remind me to never go on vacation with you. You and I clearly have different ideas about what is enjoyable.

LOL

 

[48ply1stcar]