Author Topic: headliner, diy or outsource?  (Read 1202 times)

Offline black71

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headliner, diy or outsource?
« on: February 16, 2012 - 09:47:03 PM »
Considering just putting it in myself...what do you all think? Go for it or is it somewhat difficult? Do you have to have a steamer to get the wrinkles out? What order do the bows go in?




Offline Topcat

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Re: headliner, diy or outsource?
« Reply #1 on: February 16, 2012 - 09:55:04 PM »
Could the wrinkles be ironed out first with a steam iron without hurting the material?
Mike, Fremont, CA.


Offline usraptr

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Re: headliner, diy or outsource?
« Reply #2 on: February 16, 2012 - 10:09:25 PM »
 :popcorn:
1970 Plymouth 'Cuda.  Matching numbers 440 U Code, 4 speed pistol grip, Rallye dash, AM 8 Track, Shaker hood, 15 inch rallye wheels, Dana 60 4.10, Super Track Pak.  One of 134 - 440 "U" coupes codes built in 1970 and one of 100 - 440 Super Track Paks built in 1970.

Restoration pictures at:  http://spanks4thememory.smugmug.com/Cars/70-Cuda/7240639_M24oi#465274575_2MBqW
(Edited 8-1-17)

"usraptr" = United States raptor - bird of prey = United States Bald Eagle.  FYI, somebody else thought of it first so I had to drop the "O" in raptor.

Offline footin70rt

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Re: headliner, diy or outsource?
« Reply #3 on: February 16, 2012 - 10:10:55 PM »
I did the headliner in my Dart years back and it wasn't too bad to do. Just take your time and get it right. If I remember right the wrinkles where gone in a couple of weeks, but I did mine in the summer.
Thomas
Driving the same 70 R/T since October 1985
Native of Bozeman, MT

Offline NCtrueconservative

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Re: headliner, diy or outsource?
« Reply #4 on: February 16, 2012 - 10:12:39 PM »
don't know if they have this in your area, but they have a service off the mountain here in NC, that will come to your car while your at work or home or wherever and put in the headliner for you for pretty cheap.
1973 Dodge Challenger Rallye (pictured), 340, Slap Stick

1998 Dodge Ram, 5.2, Black, tinted windows, dual exhaust, blackout headlights, tailights

Offline Topcat

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Re: headliner, diy or outsource?
« Reply #5 on: February 16, 2012 - 10:53:59 PM »
Mike, Fremont, CA.


Offline AARuFAST

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Re: headliner, diy or outsource?
« Reply #6 on: February 16, 2012 - 11:03:07 PM »
Its a snap. Liner should come with instructions.
Hope u have old liner.  Makes it easier if seats are not in car.
I have replaced my AAR headliner twice. 1985,2006.
Lay out the new liner in a warm room ,  over cloth line if u have basement couple days or lay out in the sun half hour.
I wouldn't install in cold.  Liner should be warm and flexible when installing.
 If u have the original headliner even if ragged.
Lay old liner on new liner, line up bow inserts.

 Cut the new liner at least 4 inches larger than old, all the way around.

Have the top front and top rear trim ready (painted) when installing liner, screws, bow clips.
If u don't know where bows go put them back into slots in the car for lengths.
Place bows in liner.
 start installation in middle of roof (dome light between bows)work to front and then to back.
Do not cut out the dome light until it is installed. make sure the wires and bracket are for dome light are in correct spot.

Don't cut until u are sure of fit, snug it up Front and rear. then start on sides.
Install side trim don't cut until everything is smooth and fits.
U will need another hand (s) to help if u don't have the old liner.

1970 AAR Cuda
1970 Gran Coupe Ragtop. 1 of 66
Gran Cpe Convertible 1 yr only.

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Offline dodj

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Re: headliner, diy or outsource?
« Reply #7 on: February 17, 2012 - 11:04:39 AM »
I agree with AAR, it is not difficult, just be patient and go slow. As for the order of the bows, I marked mine 1-4 when I took out the old one, I have no idea how to identify each one out of a pile.
To help get the wrinkles out before installation, I left mine out on the picnic table in the sun. Got rid of most of the wrinkle.
There are two locating wires that go from the rear most bow to the roof edge. They position the 'front to back' location of the bows. Make sure you have them. Can't be done without them.
I bought a box of those black spring steel clamps from an office supply store to clamp the material at the sides until I has confident enough to cut the material.
I found the sail panel area a little tricky, A very light touch with a heat gun tightened it up.

http://www.moparmusclemagazine.com/howto/mopp_0608_mopar_car_headliner_replacement/viewall.html

« Last Edit: February 17, 2012 - 11:12:34 AM by dodj »
Scott
1973 Challenger  440 4 spd 
2007.5 3500 6.7 Cummins Diesel, Anarchy tuned.
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Offline mojavered

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Re: headliner, diy or outsource?
« Reply #8 on: February 17, 2012 - 12:40:13 PM »
If there was no headliner and the bows were already out, what is the easiest way to see what bow goes where? 
Jason

Offline LAA66

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Re: headliner, diy or outsource?
« Reply #9 on: February 17, 2012 - 10:22:04 PM »
 Good info. Sounds like another one of those test your patience projects.