I think it could be helpful if I write a thread on how to replace a headliner. I've some replaced myself and I have a good bunch of pictures to go with. Would you be interested?
At first, your best friend is pictures. Take a lot of them, to locate screws, bows location etc.
I'll be short on the old headliner, we will start with the new one installation. The headliner in this installation come from NCA, it's direct fit to the Canadian Pontiac from Chevy. The car is a 53 Pathfinder deluxe.
Remove the seats, and carpet. Remove all the window trim. Locate all the screws on a cardboard, because they are not all the same length, you'll be happy to find your screws quickly.
All the trims are removed, and secured. Take pictures! Now cut the headliner to get access to the bows. Remove the bow one at the time and take care to get them in good order. Most of them are not identical, even if they look. I suggest you to build a box and place it in order, you'll love yourself when it will be the time of the reassembly.
-- Edited by Fitz on Monday 17th of August 2015 08:24:43 PM
-- Edited by Fitz on Monday 17th of August 2015 08:27:28 PM
Now the headliner is removed, take a look at the top light wiring and the insulator. It's the right moment to fix, add on etc something since it's the only time you'll get access to it.
Andre, you are now officially my hero but where were you when i needed you 19 years ago, when i did the liner in my 57 Pontiac. Great idea Andre and looking forward to your professional advise. Cheers. George
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1957 Pontiac Pathfinder Deluxe sedan restored 261 six
1974 Chevrolet Caprice Estate wagon low mileage original 400 V-8
Now, the insulator is glued (urethane glass is the best choice to me), I would suggest, while the top is open, run 2 wires from the front to the back. It can be useful for a rear accessories like electric fan, speaker etc. Most of the closed car the wiring harness run in the top left of the car, take a look at it carefully, and if everything is fine, glue the harness in the top channel. It will prevent rubbing, but, probably you'll save you from noise or rattle.
It's the moment of real progress, you are now ready to install the windlace. There is, over the doors, tab to hold the windlace. Place the windlace to get enough material at front and rear of the doors (if a 4 doors car is made, you need to do this 4 times).
You fit at best your windlace on the tab above each door, now to know where is the right place you've got two things to look at (front doors on a 4 doors), the A pillar cover at first.
After, take note on the windlace where to stop for the front lace support, by put it temporary on the front door jamb. And slide it inside. It maybe tough..
The windlace front door support is ready to be bolted to the lower A pillar. Now screwed the claw bar over each top door. The purpose of this piece is to grip the headliner side.
I think it's my longest thread for something already done, sorry..! The last autumn was a busy one, mostly because I've sold my small liftruck service company to my first employee. It's a small cie but it's a lot of everything to do for the transfer. 4 Saturday was needed to help the new owner to deal with all the paper work. After many work days, help again with all the emails that had to be transferred to him, with explanation why this, why that... and not to mention the resto end of the Pontiac and the Hemmings meeting (photo week end etc). Ouf!!
Now I feel the differences, I've got more times for important things like CP forum, car guys, and... cars, oh! and family...
Ok back to the headliner, now the front is positioned, over the door the windlace lay on the tab, staple the vinyl patch where is the body recess. Use a ordinary staple gun for this. The staples must be put in the rubber strip.
