Thought id share some tips and pictures of installing a headliner. I just did this on my 68 today (sedcond one ive done). hope this can help someone.
chris

Tools/supplies:
Headliner kit
scissors
super weatherstrip adhesive (2 tubes MAX)
50-60 paper clips (clamp style)
2-3 hours
patience

http://www.garsworld.com/chev/hl1.jpg
get your headliner laid out and warmed up to get all the wrinkles out. also, transfer all the rods into their correct spot.

http://www.garsworld.com/chev/hl2.jpg
most likely the cloth channels will be two long. get the bows centered in these channels and then snip back the cloth about 1/2" past the 90* bend as shown

http://www.garsworld.com/chev/hl3.jpg
make sure to get about 50 or so clamp-style paper clips from any store with office supplies. they will be your many hands!

http://www.garsworld.com/chev/hl4.jpg
take the whole assembly into the car and starting with the rear, put the first bow in whichever holes they came out of. Then make sure the the cloth channel has no wrinkles in it by pulling even on both sides. Snap the bow into the clip. The clips may be very brittle and/hard so dont try anything 'creative' to get them in. Well, actually the way i did it was a little primitive; i layed on my back and pushed it in with my foot. Push on one side of the clip and it should 'open' itself up and feed the rest in. you may need two feet (perhaps a flexible friend/wife) to help get them in. this is probably the hardest part of the entire job! Perhaps new clips are easier but i just reused the originals.

http://www.garsworld.com/chev/hl5.jpg
Pull the headliner forward and back to see if there is enough material (just to be sure its the right one). pull the front really hard and lock it down with a few clips. then pull the back hard and secure with clamps. This should set all the bows/clips into their position.

http://www.garsworld.com/chev/hl6.jpg
Glueing: I used something different this time, its a little metal red tube of super weatherstrip adhesive (pictured in the next photo on the roof) Starting with the front, start in the middle (about 5" section) and pull it tight (and somewhat a little outwards. if you get wrinkles you can work them out when you get to the sides. But dont pulle TOO much to the sides, just enough to keep the wrinkles out of your 5" section. lay a bead of glue on the bottom side (or top OR both top and bottome depending on how much glue you have) of the flange and 'wrap' it around while keeping it tight. Once its wrapped around throw a few clips on it. Next pick a side and repeat the process then do the other side. dont worry about the a-pillar corners yet...

http://www.garsworld.com/chev/hl7.jpg
do the exact same process with the rear. its much easier with the windows out!

http://www.garsworld.com/chev/hl9.jpg
Here is a picture of the rear after i glued it down. there are visible wrinkles but they will come out when you get to the sides so dont think its screwed up.

http://www.garsworld.com/chev/hl10.jpg
Pick a side, any side. Repeat the glueing process by starting in the middle (where the two large clips are). after taking this picture i notices the seams were a bit loose so i just pulled a few clips and pulled a little bit and worked them out. This glue stays workable for quite a while but is not runny. good stuff

http://www.garsworld.com/chev/hl11.jpg
By this time, the front was dried so i took the clips off (becasue i needed them for the sides) and put the front trim on which is basically a BIG, long clip. also, this is when you work the corners into position. By now you understand how to work the material. I used a few screws to hold it tight then piled on the glue.

CONTINUED....

...CONTINUED

http://www.garsworld.com/chev/hl12.jpg
Putting the visors and rearview on are just a matter of finding the holes (we all had this problem once, right?). with the visors, just feel for the BIG hole where the springed end goes into and pke an 'x' in it. then just feel around for the screws and mark their position. the visors will actually pull the HL a bit tighter once installed.

http://www.garsworld.com/chev/hl13.jpg

last pic i took just waiting for glue to dry up. letting it set overnight. Then its trim and sail panels to finish it off.

Hope this helped you in your first attempt or encouraged you to give it a try.

Chris,

Great pics and a very good narrative! A friend and I put in my h-l. in about 2 hrs. using pretty much the same ideas. The biggest thing is take your time! Instead of the paper clips, we used small pieces of old pinchweld welting. They really held the h-l tight.

Nice, thanks for taking your time to show this! :thumbsup:

Thaks for the pics and details. I have to do this for my 64 and 70. :thumbsup:

Thank you!
I'm just about ready to try this on my 67 Malibu Sport Sedan.

Good post! I did the headliner on my 69SS last month and did pretty much what you did, although I used more clips. Turned out great, although now I have buddys asking me to do theirs when the time comes. The next headliner I do will be much easier.

Thanks Chris. Well done. Getting ready to do my 70. Your tips and pics are a great help.

No problem, glad its useful for you all. I'd write up a vinyl top write up also if i had taken pictures... darn

Thanks Chris. nice write up and pics. Almost makes me wish I had a hardtop (NOT!)

Thanks for sharing the detailed narrative and the photos. This will help a lot of us when the time comes to do the task ourselves. I'm about to do this install for the first time myself.

Do you have any photos of the roof without the headliner? What do the sockets in the roof look like, where the bows snap in?

The adhesive you used looks like the 3M brand, which is the best IMO. The black adhesive is better than the yellow glue as it is less visible through the headliner. The Permatex number 82 tube also works well. These adhesives are smelly and the fumes will give you a headache, so remember to keep the windows down and the garage open.

i think the adhesive is the permatex brand that i used. im sure others work just fine, i was just impressed with how well it worked on the weatherstripping. i used contact cement on the last one i did. didnt hold as strong but now the molding is holding it in place in case the cement doesnt...

Thanks for sharing the detailed narrative and the photos. This will help a lot of us when the time comes to do the task ourselves. I'm about to do this install for the first time myself.

Do you have any photos of the roof without the headliner? What do the sockets in the roof look like, where the bows snap in?

The adhesive you used looks like the 3M brand, which is the best IMO. The black adhesive is better than the yellow glue as it is less visible through the headliner. The Permatex number 82 tube also works well. These adhesives are smelly and the fumes will give you a headache, so remember to keep the windows down and the garage open.


only pic i had of the clips came out kind of blurry. but here it is, maybe you can see what you're looking for

http://www.garsworld.com/chev/hlclip.jpg

Good write up Chris! I'm about to attempt this myself on my 70....i knew it would be easier with the glass out, but i just had to get the glass in because the car needed to be stored outside for a few weeks....Do you know if the same clips will work with the glass installed? I just got a quote today on having the headliner installed by a local reputable company, and there is NO way it is even close to fitting into my budget. I almost had a coronary...

Good write up Chris! I'm about to attempt this myself on my 70....i knew it would be easier with the glass out, but i just had to get the glass in because the car needed to be stored outside for a few weeks....Do you know if the same clips will work with the glass installed? I just got a quote today on having the headliner installed by a local reputable company, and there is NO way it is even close to fitting into my budget. I almost had a coronary...


i dont know what you're asking about the clips, but i did the headliner on my 69 with the glass in. it was just harder. its also a lot easier without any interior in!

I'm trying to put a custom black tweed headliner in my car is there anyway to get this to adhear/stick to the old and/or take out the old and put new pad in between the bows and stick the tweed to that. And will the pad stick the the roof with out falling off? Any advice would help. I have tried 3m super 77 and super 90 glue It will hold for about a week then fall off the old head liner. thanks Eric

I'm trying to put a custom black tweed headliner in my car is there anyway to get this to adhear/stick to the old and/or take out the old and put new pad in between the bows and stick the tweed to that. And will the pad stick the the roof with out falling off? Any advice would help. I have tried 3m super 77 and super 90 glue It will hold for about a week then fall off the old head liner. thanks Eric


are you glueing it to the old headliner? i dont think that will work too well.

i dont know what you're asking about the clips, but i did the headliner on my 69 with the glass in. it was just harder. its also a lot easier without any interior in!

Luckily (?) my interior is still completely out..lol No, i was just wondering if the rear and front glass would interfere with the clamp type clips being able to fit in place to hold the headliner while the glue was setting up.....looks like you inadvertantly answered my question though, seeing as to how you have accomplished it with the glass in as well

Luckily (?) my interior is still completely out..lol No, i was just wondering if the rear and front glass would interfere with the clamp type clips being able to fit in place to hold the headliner while the glue was setting up.....looks like you inadvertantly answered my question though, seeing as to how you have accomplished it with the glass in as well


they worked, just had to use the smaller clips (which seem to be the best). the windows only interferred just a little bit

I tried to glue it to the headliner and that didn't work. I didn't know if I could use some padding in between the bows and glue it to the rood and then get the new headliner to glue to that and if it will hold or not.

I tried to glue it to the headliner and that didn't work. I didn't know if I could use some padding in between the bows and glue it to the rood and then get the new headliner to glue to that and if it will hold or not.
Eric,
I'm planning to do a custom headliner too, and have ordered a stock replacement and will either sew the new fabric to it (at each bow seam) or use the stock one as a pattern for the custom one. I wouldn't trust glue to hold much for very long, unless you were going direct to metal or board.
-Bill
(BTW -still looking for those glue strips next to the windshield :) )

Eric,
I'm planning to do a custom headliner too, and have ordered a stock replacement and will either sew the new fabric to it (at each bow seam) or use the stock one as a pattern for the custom one. I wouldn't trust glue to hold much for very long, unless you were going direct to metal or board.
-Bill
(BTW -still looking for those glue strips next to the windshield :) )

:hurray: I still have my stock strips for the windows. I'm now planing on glueing some actuall cpt pad. to the metal roof. then glueing card board the the pad to cover up the bows and then glueing the tweed. crossing my fingers and hoping this works. I don't think the 140+ mph passes I make in the car will help it stay either.

Awsome write up Chris!, This is going to help alot of us. :beers:

Awsome write up Chris!, This is going to help alot of us. :beers:

no problem. its my first 'sticky' also! woo hoo

That was a good job Chris, and very informative, headliners are not easy to do a good job, plus you took the time to write it up and good pictures, appreciate you putting this on. I learned some things here.:thumbsup:

Rob

If you try this do yourself a favor and pull the seats. It was just a ton easier for me that way.

I had a glass guy living across the street from me, he came over and pulled the glass. Much easier, I was installing a new windshield and the rear glass needed to be re-installed anyway. The old tar strip was leaking between the tar and the window. Guy installed them both with some kind of urethane in a caulk gun. Wouldn't work for a show car but great for mine, it's a daily driver.

I bought over 100 of those little clips, they're perfect.

Chris, great job, i too was going to farm this job out until i heard how much it would cost. Can you tell me where you got your headliner?

OUTSTANDING WRITE UP!

I'm looking at doing the headliner myself, I've not attempted one before, so I am very cautious. And the only interior shop in town wants $400!!! :noway:

Can anyone post a pic/pics of the proper locations for the headliner bows? Also, are all five bows of the thick diameter?
I have four thick ones and a thin one (goes right over the dome light).

I have done sooo much kustom work and having had the interior in and out so many times, I just don't know for certain where everything is supposed to go. :confused: The car does have the bows in the same locations that the last interior shop had them installed in. Though that was about eight years ago, they have not been moved since then.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

scott

I'm assuming your old headliner is vinyl. If so, wipe it first with acetone or lacquer thinner. Not too much but enough to strip it of any oils such as armor-all. I will also assume that you do not have a glue spraying gun, so use 3M SUPER TRIM ADHESIVE Spray can. Spay the glue on both surfaces and wait until it gets tacky before applying one to another. You can also buy it by the quart and brush it but it's messy and can easily bleed through cloth. 3M 77 or 90 or any that comes in the black cans will not work for what you are trying to do. The key to glue on most any soft trim is contact glue, and clean surfaces. Use on both surfaces and let set before you stick.

Chris, I just tackled my headliner today. I would of paid someone again if it wasnt for your write up and pictures. Thanks

Chris, I just tackled my headliner today. I would of paid someone again if it wasnt for your write up and pictures. Thanks


so it turned out ok? It nice to save a little money wherever you can

bubba,
if i could share one tip, instead of using your feet to push the bow into the clip take a visegrip and squeze the rod into the plastic clip. you won't push on your roof and new paint job and you won't believe how smooth it goes in. by the way your liner looks great ! i'm still fine tuning mine.

A tip for 67 owners. on a 67 the center BOW is just a piece of wire held in by bending metal tabs over. Pry the metal tabs open with a screwdriver and remove the wire. Insert it into the headliner. This has to be the 1st Bow to go back in!!
Center it up and push the wire and material under the tabs and bend them back down. To clarify, on a 67 you start in the middle, otherwise you can't bend the tabs back over.

My God Chris,

You answered my very first question in this forum.

What do you do if the windows are still in? Also, any tips are being sure the bows are in the right place? My headliner has been our for over 5 years while refinishing the interior. I am hoping I stored the old headliner in a roll with the bows, but not positive until I find them under the other zillion boxes of parts.

Since it appears that several readers have also installed their own headliners, I was wondering if anyone has included soundproofing materials? A Malibu hardtop is rather noisy cruising at about 100 mph (especially if it is raining) and I thought a soundproofing material might really cut down the wind noise. Enough even to listen to the old AM radio stations. :confused:

Any suggestions appreciated. As I understand, the heavy soundproofing for the sides of the car body will not work on the top. Originally the car had some worthless panels glued in that eventually fell apart into dust.

Nice write up. I am getting ready to do my 69 SS and this will definately help. Thank you.

Matt

Chris, I ahve a couple of questions. Thanks for the write-up first of all.

1st, you set ALL the bows in place then clamp it down correct?

When gluing this thing on, you just take a couple of clips off at a time a glue the corresponding area, and repeat for the other clipped areas right? So its take clip off, glue, clip back on...and go to next clip right?

Chris, I ahve a couple of questions. Thanks for the write-up first of all.

1st, you set ALL the bows in place then clamp it down correct?

When gluing this thing on, you just take a couple of clips off at a time a glue the corresponding area, and repeat for the other clipped areas right? So its take clip off, glue, clip back on...and go to next clip right?

Im sorry, i actually put the bows in from back to front and clamped them in once i put them in. about the glueing, i would take off about 6-8 inch section of clamps, glue, then put clamps back on.

Excellent - thanks Chris.

im new to team chevelle, just started my 70 restore a few months ago, question is, can i print your info on headliners from website or could you send it to me?

Hi Greg. Chris's instructions are in the July issue of Chevy Punch.

You can print it off those pages real easy. It's been a very helpful article.

http://www.chevypunch.com/issues/

pick July on the right side of the page.

Al

I just finished mine tonight. Second one I've done. This one was a total BI$%^.
Seems the headliner was sitting in the box for over 4 yrs. It's got creases where all the folds were from being in the box.. I got most of it out and think by next summer the rest will disapear. Chris I noticed you had some too in your pics. I've used a hair dryer which seemed to help but I was afraid of melting the damn stuff. If you leave all the screws in their proper location it's much easier to find them once it's in place. Just use a razor blade and trim them out to remove and install, EXAMPLE sun visors, seat belt holders etc....

I use this trick when recovering seats... Works really good.


Randy B...
69 chevelle SS
67 camaro RS/SS

Thanks Chris! Nice tip using the clips to hold the head liner. :thumbsup:

thanx for the great detail i will remember that for when i do my headliner in a couple of months:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

what a great contribution to the forum.

awesome tutorial/pictorial! thanks for sharing.

hey chris thanks a bunch!!! i wanted to do my own to save money, but was scared to ruin my brand new headliner. what did you guys do for the sail panels? my interior is completly out.. thanks again chris! :thumbsup:

hey chris thanks a bunch!!! i wanted to do my own to save money, but was scared to ruin my brand new headliner. what did you guys do for the sail panels? my interior is completly out.. thanks again chris! :thumbsup:


YOu should have extra material for the sail panels. You can get the hard backings from a supplier and then use a good adhesive and cover them. I used the super trim adhesive (the stuff used for vinyl tops. Super 77 doesn NOT hold up for very long)

yeah im looking for the hard backings. thanks

Hey Chris, I got this link from someone over on the V8Buick board. Good to share some GM A-Body info :thumbsup: Like a lot of folks here, I was apprehensive about doing this job on my Gran Sport by myself for the first time. Someone was also mentioning shock when they were quoted an install at a shop. I'm there! A local shop quoted me $450 :eek: That's when I started thinking about doing it myself again, given the kit is barely a hundred bucks. After reading your post and the fact my glass and interior are out, I'm going to call and order a kit this weekend. Thanks again.

Craig
http://justanothertoy.com/

Hey Chris, I got this link from someone over on the V8Buick board. Good to share some GM A-Body info :thumbsup: Like a lot of folks here, I was apprehensive about doing this job on my Gran Sport by myself for the first time. Someone was also mentioning shock when they were quoted an install at a shop. I'm there! A local shop quoted me $450 :eek: That's when I started thinking about doing it myself again, given the kit is barely a hundred bucks. After reading your post and the fact my glass and interior are out, I'm going to call and order a kit this weekend. Thanks again.

Craig
http://justanothertoy.com/


You'll have no problem at all. I tried not to leave out any critical steps. Just get it in there, dont cut too much, and 'work it' tight and glue down with the clips to hold it in position. Thats pretty much all you have to remember!

Thanks Chris,
I'll be opening my suprise headliner kit for Christmas tommorrow morning and this is some wonderful information!

Tom

There are some readers that questioned the situation of what happens when you don't mark the holes that the bows came out of? I took mine out in 1999 knew I should have marked them, but have ahd the car in paint for almost a year and don't have any clue where they go. WHAT DO I DO?

There are some readers that questioned the situation of what happens when you don't mark the holes that the bows came out of? I took mine out in 1999 knew I should have marked them, but have ahd the car in paint for almost a year and don't have any clue where they go. WHAT DO I DO?

I did the same thing. just take the bows and go inside the car, and move them around till the "fit" you will see where they go once you try putting them in place.

bubba,
if i could share one tip, instead of using your feet to push the bow into the clip take a visegrip and squeze the rod into the plastic clip. you won't push on your roof and new paint job and you won't believe how smooth it goes in. by the way your liner looks great ! i'm still fine tuning mine.
What i did was take a small piece of wood ..1x2 and measured it to length and made a simple lever -one easy push and it went right in ..
I also put a little heat in the car and closed all the windows ..and it was even easier to work with ..As stated great layout ...:hurray::beers:

This is SO cool!! Ive been intimidated on doing mine and dont want to take the car to a shop and leave it.

Ill take the rods outta mine and give it a shot.

THanks for the write up and pics!!!!! :thumbsup:

How do you get the rods out.
all the interior is gone and I have been looking at the rods for 3 years. Every time I monkey with them I get no ware.
Does one side come out first?

How do you get the rods out.
all the interior is gone and I have been looking at the rods for 3 years. Every time I monkey with them I get no ware.
Does one side come out first?
you have to rotate the rods down and then pull each side out

Great post Chris.
I have a question, I installed my headliner a few years back and it turned out good except for the back at the sail panel location. I took my sail panels off the other day to try and make it look better. I am afraid I didn't suceed :(
I am having a heck of a time getting the material to look decent. I am always ending up with wrinkles. How did you stretch and hold the headliner here?

There should be enough material that covers the holes for the sail panel clips. The guy that installed my headliner pulled the headliner tight and pushed just the clips into the holes through the material.

Excellent writeup Chris... I did upholstery work of all types for many years and do the chevelle top very similar to what you do. Only thing I wanted to add is I feel the best glue to use on headliners is Landau Top glue made by Weldwood. (I'm sure there are others... I feel it is the best strength glue you can use. I spray it on when I do the modern type headliners but it works well brushed on too. Also if you guys do your own you will probably get a few small wrinkles but don't sweat it too much as most will come out after a few days in the sun.

I dont remember if I already mentioned it, but heating the headliner to a temp. close to a hot day's sun before intallation will prevent a lot of wrinkles. When warm, you can really stretch the material and once it cools it will be as tight as a snare drum. Works well on vinyl roofs too. I have an old drying machine I put my headliners or vinyl tops in for about 1 minute and when they come out they are very pliable

Thanks Chris
I actually ordered a new headliner today. Frustration got the best of me. I am going to start from scratch. :D
Wish me luck!!

Thanks Chris
I actually ordered a new headliner today. Frustration got the best of me. I am going to start from scratch. :D
Wish me luck!!


you'll do fine. Just remember to use the clips to get it in place. and dont cut too much!

Thanks to Chris and his great write up I tackled my headliner on my '70 today. There are a few differences on my 70 from the 68 Chris did so I thought I would share to help others ( as Chris did ). First of all the clips are different, there are 6 small and 6 large required. I purchased mine from OPG. My Chevelle did not have a "longitudinal" brace, only a side to side one. The large clips attach to this brace, and hold the middle headliner brace which is smaller in diameter than the others. It is also the only wire brace that does not fasten to the sides

http://chevelle.cvpo.com/Resized%20Chevelle%20Pics%20for%20web%20site/hl%201%2025%25.jpg

This shows the large plastic clips which hold the wires for the dome light as well as the smaller center wire. There are two options to clip the small wire into.

http://chevelle.cvpo.com/Resized%20Chevelle%20Pics%20for%20web%20site/hl%202%2035%25.jpg

The small clips hold 3 of the 4 larger wire braces at the ends. The second wire brace from the front does not use these clips. You will notice there is no recess in the body for that wire brace.

http://chevelle.cvpo.com/Resized%20Chevelle%20Pics%20for%20web%20site/hl%203%2025%25.jpg

After inserting the rods into the headliner and trimming the cloth back as Chris mentioned, I started with the small center wire and clipped it into all 6 large plastic clips

http://chevelle.cvpo.com/Resized%20Chevelle%20Pics%20for%20web%20site/hl%204%2025%25.jpg

http://chevelle.cvpo.com/Resized%20Chevelle%20Pics%20for%20web%20site/hl%205%2025%25.jpg

Then I proceded to the rear and clipped the large bows into the holes. The small plastic clips need to be pushed down ( toward the floor ) to "lock them in place. The first pic shows them unlocked, the second locked.

http://chevelle.cvpo.com/Resized%20Chevelle%20Pics%20for%20web%20site/hl%206%2025%25.jpg
http://chevelle.cvpo.com/Resized%20Chevelle%20Pics%20for%20web%20site/hl%207%2025%25.jpg

The rest of the install went as Chris described, I used my propane heater to warm the fabric. It made a huge difference!!

http://chevelle.cvpo.com/Resized%20Chevelle%20Pics%20for%20web%20site/hl%209%2025%25.jpg

I managed to get most of the wrinkles out before I cemented.

http://chevelle.cvpo.com/Resized%20Chevelle%20Pics%20for%20web%20site/hl%2010%2025%25.jpg

I hope these tips help others doing a 70-72 Chevelle. Many, Many thanks to Chris for his great write up!!!

[IMG]

Excellent Dave, that looks great

Thanks for the info on installing a head liner,I just picked mine
up and was a little leery on trying to install it myself but after
seeing your step by step way of going about it I am going to give
it a try. Thanks, Indigo

what all did you need for the install i have a 68 as well an i thought i have most of the materials for it but im not sure i would rather double check

Thanks Chris,
I'll be opening my suprise headliner kit for Christmas tommorrow morning and this is some wonderful information!

Tom

I just finish installing the headliner at it turned out great. The instructions and pictures walked me right through and saved me some cash to pay someone else to do it.
Thanks again Chris!

This may have been asked but I cannot figure out which way the rods go back in...I have a '69 with two longer rods bend at two different angles, and two shorter bent a two different angles, one stright (I know where that one goes)...

Thanks!

do you just glue around the outer edges were the trim goes?? I am going to tackle my headliner soon in a 66

What holds the sail panels in place? the large window frame clips?

What holds the sail panels in place? the large window frame clips?

the top slips behind the long metal trim panel that goes along the roof and the front of it partially goes under the rear 1/4 panel. I also put one of those push-in clips on the back of my sail panels and clipped it into the hole right behind the sail panel.

The part that has me confused is the little piece that goes from the door to the back window and has two screws in it, it looks like it's just holding the card board in place but in your pic it looks like you glued the top to that part as well.

Im not sure which part you are talking about. I dont remember any screws

The horizontal strip in this photo,
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/gregs_photo/Picture008.jpg

OK, yes I just glued the headliner around that horizontal piece. Make sure your sail panels will cover that seam. Mine did. The forward section of the sail panel will tuck behind the rear 1/4 interior panel and the rear should butt-up against the rear window lace. Again, I opted to put a push-clip in the rear of my sail panel (epoxied it on) and push it in the hole under that bar (as seen in your photo)

Got it, thanks that should wrap up that job and thanks for the rest of this write up too.

Thanks for doing this, Chris. I'm gonna' need it.
Any chance on you re-covering your seats?:)

I have been going by your installation guide for the headliner and it is going pretty good,is there a good way to start doing the sail panel's.I have it all stretched out and clipped to let the heat straighten the wrinkle's out but,I'm not sure if there is a special way to start the sail panel's after i get the top glued.Thank's,kevin

I found gluing and clipping one edge at a time then allowing dry time worked best for me on the sail panels.

2cool,That dif.cover on the rear end is to cool.I have one myself that i got off of e-bay and i really think it look's good.I'm trying to get finished with my inside so i can start on the outside but,ran into a little trouble with money so it has to go on hold.

ok. my 70 does not have the clips on the bows on each side.only the center bow across the roof has clips.I am sure my headliner was original and when I removed it there were no clips.do I have to have them???wanted to install tonight.thanks
eric:beers:

I only had the center ones too, I used a little Teflon gun oil to get the rods to snap back in.

You don't wont to break them I think they sell for about $35 bucks.

thanks.didn't see the point of the side clips as the headliner should hold the rods from moving front to back
eric:beers:

Mine went in fine and i didn't have the out side clip's just the center one's,I'll be finishing mine up in the morning.I'm just worried about finding all the hole's for the dome light and seat belt hanger's on the top.Thank's to the fellow chevelle head's on this sight I've redone all mine all by my self,from changing out the dash to doing the headliner.Thank's,kevin If i knew how to add some picture's i could let you see my project piece by piece.

I still haven't found my dome light screw holes, I marked the side holes with a black marker.

I finished installing mine yesterday and the hardest part was at the back rod down to the sail panel's,trying to get it to look smooth were it come's down to the sail panel's was hard.Next is a nother hard part like you all have been talking about,trying to find the hole's for the seat belt clip's on top and the dome light.I just received my new mirror and dome light and will be trying to get all of that in this coming week.Wish me luck..............

well my buddy and I installed headliner tonight.installed in car and clipped in.will let the florida heat bake it smooth while I'm at work tomarrow.hopefully finish it after dinner.only hard part so far was getting rods through the fabric.what a pain in the @#$.seamed like the chennels were just a bit too tight.is this normal???my interior kit is from pui.
eric:beers:

well my buddy and I installed headliner tonight.installed in car and clipped in.will let the florida heat bake it smooth while I'm at work tomarrow.hopefully finish it after dinner.only hard part so far was getting rods through the fabric.what a pain in the @#$.seamed like the chennels were just a bit too tight.is this normal???my interior kit is from pui.
eric:beers:
Yes that is normal, Ive done 3 of them and they were all like that.

thanks I thought it was just me:p.your write up is a big help.have a printed copy laid out in the car for us to follow the steps:thumbsup:
eric:beers:

I finished installing mine yesterday and the hardest part was at the back rod down to the sail panel's,trying to get it to look smooth were it come's down to the sail panel's was hard.Next is a nother hard part like you all have been talking about,trying to find the hole's for the seat belt clip's on top and the dome light.I just received my new mirror and dome light and will be trying to get all of that in this coming week.Wish me luck..............


I don't know what Chris will say about this but on my first side I realized it was going to be a PETA to find those holes so I pulled the glue loose and marked the holes with a black felt pen.

I kinda like the idea of putting the screws in first but it may hold the fabric out some.

Putting the screws in helps alot, or if you know roughly where things go, you can gently poke around until you find the holes. The visor, for example, have a large hole in the middle (easy to find) so you take a blunt tool (I used one end of some needle nosed pliars that wasnt too sharp)

your headliner looks great. I have a 72 and need photos or diagrams on the installation of shoulder straps on the seat belts.

That's what I'm fix'n to try.I need some picture's of the top of the car with no headliner where the dome light goes.It is even harder to find the dome light hole's.

Great info from this forum. Was just wondering if im going to run into problems with my front and rear glass still installed? Can I use small clips? I hope to take on this project on my 70ss soon thanks...:thumbsup:

Great info from this forum. Was just wondering if im going to run into problems with my front and rear glass still installed? Can I use small clips? I hope to take on this project on my 70ss soon thanks...:thumbsup:


Yes, you can use small clips. Its a little more difficult, but it can be done with the same results

After lurking for too long, this write-up has me convinced to try it on my car. One question I do have, though, is in regards to the plastic clips. On my '70, I do not have the clips for the end of the rods (not there when I bought the car, and can't see anywhere to use them). Has anyone else had a similar situation? It looked like this was brought up previously, but no definitive answer. Thanks to all for the help.

~ Jason

The more and more I read over this thread, the more and more I want to attempt this. I pulled my original green (dyed black) dry-rotted headliner out on Monday (didn't know any other way than to just rip it to shreds) and was thinking about taking it to the local interior shop to get a quote, but not now. Chris, you've made this look so easy a caveman can do it, lol. I'm going to buy the headliner kit and all the materials I need this weekend and try to get it done all next week (seriously taking my time with it). Question though, I've read about people using this glue, and that glue, and everybody has their preferences...what is the absolute cheapest and best glue to find in a local hardware store such as Lowe's? Also, what would be the easiest heating method for the material if one only has a blow dryer? Would that be good enough? More questions to come....thanks for any responses

The more and more I read over this thread, the more and more I want to attempt this. I pulled my original green (dyed black) dry-rotted headliner out on Monday (didn't know any other way than to just rip it to shreds) and was thinking about taking it to the local interior shop to get a quote, but not now. Chris, you've made this look so easy a caveman can do it, lol. I'm going to buy the headliner kit and all the materials I need this weekend and try to get it done all next week (seriously taking my time with it). Question though, I've read about people using this glue, and that glue, and everybody has their preferences...what is the absolute cheapest and best glue to find in a local hardware store such as Lowe's? Also, what would be the easiest heating method for the material if one only has a blow dryer? Would that be good enough? More questions to come....thanks for any responses

Id suggest using the super trim adhesive that comes in a tube. As for heating its best to have all of the material iniformly heated. Use a space heater if you can

Ok, Im failing miserably here. I dont see any clips for the rods, only 3 groups of 3 holes each side. There are hook clips near the front and rear, what do these hook on to?

I dont have the money to take it somewhere and have it done.

There's a write up in the chevelle magazine that has all the pics in it and his story for each page, I printed it out and had it in the car with me that helped a lot.

ready to install my headliner of my 70 soon. great write ups and pics. The only question i have and see a few others do also is that i only have one of the bows that have a hole for the clips that hold the bows in place. The rest just have the 3 holes where the bows go into. Anyone else run into this problem? hope i explained this well. thanks

If youre using just use some good contact cement the spray adhesive will come down after a month or so even sitting in the garage-found that out the hard way. I got some super lightweight neoprene like insualtion I wish coulda put up there spray adhesive would work fine there.

Tried it myself and wound up paying a pro after watching all the cuts he had to make there is no way mine would have come out anywhere near decent.

I did the headliner in a 71 and I didn't use glue or clips. The metal strips around the doors and front had little metal hooks on them and it was just a matter of stretching the material and setting it on the hooks. That held it until I put the lace back on. You did an excellent job with yours.

ready to install my headliner of my 70 soon. great write ups and pics. The only question i have and see a few others do also is that i only have one of the bows that have a hole for the clips that hold the bows in place. The rest just have the 3 holes where the bows go into. Anyone else run into this problem? hope i explained this well. thanks


Please explain again...

Guys,im doing mine on a 66 and the headliner is about 10" longer than the bowes.I ordered it from year-one.Do i have to cut the sides to fit?

Guys,im doing mine on a 66 and the headliner is about 10" longer than the bowes.I ordered it from year-one.Do i have to cut the sides to fit?


Yes, once you get it positioned cut and leave about 2" hanging over. You can tuck most of that up over the side.

Chris, does a 66 have the plastic clips for the bowes to snap into also.Mine didnt have any in there when i took out the old one?

Chris, does a 66 have the plastic clips for the bowes to snap into also.Mine didnt have any in there when i took out the old one?
Im not sure about that. I thnk they would have something to keep them in place.... maybe a 66 guy could tell you

hey chris nice job,would you happen to have a write up on the vynal top install,fixen to get it done soon,saw where yuo said you didnt have pics just wondering if you wrote anything on this thanks robert

Great write up and pictures... one little hint regarding, dome light. sun visor etc. mounting holes. install the Screws only. Finding them is easy , a quick X cut with a razor blade on the head .. presto . no more searching for the predrilled mounting holes :)

Thanks for the write up. I plan on doing this in the next couple of weeks:thumbsup:

I'm getting ready to do my 69 chevelle. These are great pics and instructions. Thank You very much.

Dave or someone, do you think that you could post more pics? I just purchased a 70 Chevelle without a headliner and all the trim in a box... I dont know what goes where.
Thank You very much.

Another thanks for you, Chris. I just replaced a headliner in a '67 Chevelle and after first checking out your great write-up, especially the photos, the job went a whole lot smoother.Even after 2 years, your advice still works!!

I just installed the visors yesterday, thanks for the tips!

:beers:

Dave or someone, do you think that you could post more pics? I just purchased a 70 Chevelle without a headliner and all the trim in a box... I dont know what goes where.
Thank You very much.

Kent, do you still need pictures? I have my headliner out and going to start installing it later today. I'll probably only install the bows today as I haven't been able to find a good adhesive to use yet. I can take some pictures as I go to show you where the pieces fit.

Hey Chris great write up and pics. We put one in our 68 ss using your pics and directions and it sure went alot smoother. For anyone scared of doing it yourself it really wasn't that bad and like Chris said getting the clips to snap in is one of the worst parts. Thanks Again!

Chris,
Appreciate the tips and pics. I installed the headliner in my 67 a couple of weeks ago.
Looks fantastic.....and saved me a bunch of money.
Herbie

Hey Chris-Thanks much for the A-One pics and advice! My '71 coupe arrrived with no interior to speak of- my rod holes are all rusted and I can't tell which ones were used.I can figure out the order of the rods from front to back, but can't tell which holes. Should they be a certain distance from the roof etc.? Please give me any clue you can think of! I'm pretty much flying "blind" here. Thanks Ken

Ken,
Look at the holes and see which one on each side appears to be wallowed out a little.
That will probably be the hole that was originally used.

Thanks much! I'm a real good wrench man, but this interior episode puts some butterflies in my middle! This bucket seat,bench seat,carpet etc. has really pushed my personal growth--but the journey was well worth it--I didn't start this adventure to "farm" it out to someone else!! KEN

Thanks much! I'm a real good wrench man, but this interior episode puts some butterflies in my middle! This bucket seat,bench seat,carpet etc. has really pushed my personal growth--but the journey was well worth it--I didn't start this adventure to "farm" it out to someone else!! KEN

I hear you! I recovered rear seat and both buckets. Working on the headliner now. Just glued the front edge down, back is already done, next is the sides. All of my bows went in the top hole except one. The second one back from front has one side in top hole and one in middle. Just no way both ends will go in the top hole. I looked at the holes and the marks on the side where the bows rubbed to see where they were. Also make sure the metal around the hole is flat. If it's bent from inserting and removing the bows the bow will slip in past the 90 degree bend. Put a small philips screwdriver in the hole and try to straighten it out.

What a pain in the A**. I glued the rear then the front. Today I did the sides. Everything except the rear corners between the quarter windows and rear window. It looks great, except the rear corners, haven't finished them yet. Found out they sent sail panels for a 69 instead of 70.

Couple of tips. Use the 3M super Weather stripping adhesive. Put a bead on the bottom, inside edge, of the metal strip only. Spread it out with your finger or what ever, then let it set for awhile. I have a saddle interior and it will bleed through if it's very wet. I did about 1/2 the side rail at a time. Wrap the headliner where you want it and work yourself along the edge. If there is a wrinkle go back, pull it loose and adjust it. You can pull it loose days later and still stick it back down.

After you've pulled all the wrinkles out, clamped it and let it sit for awhile, pull the excess down from the backside and trim it. Cut it so you have 3/8" to 1/2" to wrap around. Spread some adhesive on it and wrap it around and clamp it in place. If you put adhesive on both sides to start with it's hard to pull loose and adjust to get the wrinkles out. It's a pain but I'm really pleased with how my turned out, well I still have to do the rear corners.

Chris, thanks for the writeup and advice, really helped a lot.

Thanks to your tutorial Chris, my first headliner installation came out nearly flawless. Those binder clips were just the ticket and I couldn't have done the job without them! I saved the $600 my local severely overpriced and overrated upholstery guy wanted to charge me!

Thanks to your tutorial Chris, my first headliner installation came out nearly flawless. Those binder clips were just the ticket and I couldn't have done the job without them! I saved the $600 my local severely overpriced and overrated upholstery guy wanted to charge me!

:eek: :sad:

Thanks to your tutorial Chris, my first headliner installation came out nearly flawless. Those binder clips were just the ticket and I couldn't have done the job without them! I saved the $600 my local severely overpriced and overrated upholstery guy wanted to charge me!
:thumbsup:

Whatever I could do (or attempt to do) myself, i did. Saved a whole lot of money doing my own headliner, vinyl top, engine, trans, etc etc etc

Where did you get your headlner kit & how much did it cost?

Finding the holes for visors,mirror,ect.. is a pain.So i install the screws before the HL.Sense i kind of know where they are i just feel for the head of the screws.
Saves me alot of time second guessing :thumbsup:

Thanks for the tips. VERY helpful!

Finding the holes for visors,mirror,ect.. is a pain.So i install the screws before the HL.Sense i kind of know where they are i just feel for the head of the screws.
Saves me alot of time second guessing :thumbsup:

That's a great tip, thanks. I did that when installing mine and it was pretty easy to locate them with the headliner in.

My 70s Got a Dome light, what will happen if its streched and then I cut an "X" for the Dome Light? Im nervous it will start ripping.

It shouldnt rip.
But just in case,I dont use a normal "x" cut as theres 4 ends that could keep going.I cut one slice going left to right and the other 2 are small cuts,about 1/2".Use caution when you push the razzor blade through to start the cut as it will slice the HL about 1" just from pushing it through.
If you didnt put the screws in for the lamp before you installed the HL you should find those holes first so you dont cut the HL outside the lamp base.

Just finished installing my new headliner using all the tips here. Looks good, tight as a drum. I'm surprised it turned out so well. Much easier than I thought.

My Dome light broke is pieces for my 70. Where do I get a new one?

Vince

My Dome light broke is pieces for my 70. Where do I get a new one?

Vince

Ground Up (http://www.ss396.com/), one of the forum sponsors sell them.


Bezel (http://www.ss396.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=chevellecamino&Product_Code=ICC-0089) Lens (http://www.ss396.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=chevellecamino&Product_Code=IBB-0138)

Thanks man. I was just about to make a post asking about this after being quoted $250 + my parts to have one installed professionally. I'm thinking I'll try it myself. The one I have in was fine, until some mice got to it. Do you think I should need to replace the backing board or just the material?

My 70s Got a Dome light, what will happen if its streched and then I cut an "X" for the Dome Light? Im nervous it will start ripping.
Maybe a safer way would be, once the location is found, to poke two or four tiny ROUND holes with an awl or sharpened nail; then "connect the dots" with a razor. Lessens the chance for the razor cuts to keep going.

I wouldn't worry about cutting a small x and then pulling the wires through. I think a small circle would be better as it would have no sharp corners to pull apart from.

It's pretty tough stuff. I don't think it will pull apart anyways. But all I did was put a small cut, pulled the wires through and then put the dome light on using a small phillips to find the holes.

Hello all,:)
I'm working on my '71 Camino again getting everything ready for putting all the new interior back in...
The Head liner had been out for some 19 years, I now have the new Head Liner ready to go in but do not remember what holes were use, there are three holes in a triangle... :o
The complete inside of the my Camino has been re-coated so you cannot tell what holes were used anymore...

Plus there are three bows and they appear to be all the same size/length, is this the case on the bows... :confused:

Much Thank's for any insight on my lack of memory...

John... http://www.nastyz28.com/ubb/icons/Chevy_anim.gif

Hello all,:)
I'm working on my '71 Camino again getting everything ready for putting all the new interior back in...
The Head liner had been out for some 19 years, I now have the new Head Liner ready to go in but do not remember what holes were use, there are three holes in a triangle... :o
The complete inside of the my Camino has been re-coated so you cannot tell what holes were used anymore...

Plus there are three bows and they appear to be all the same size/length, is this the case on the bows... :confused:

Much Thank's for any insight on my lack of memory...

John... http://www.nastyz28.com/ubb/icons/Chevy_anim.gif
Post moved by caminonut...

Thanks Chris for the write up.

I just finished the install on my 64 and it turned out real nice and only took me about 3 hours total work. I did it about 1 hr a day for three days so I wouldn't be rushed.

Local shop wanted $400 to install.:eek: I did it with help from this write up for less than $100. Now . . . what other parts can I spend all that saved money on?

Need to change the headliner on my 81 four door but it might be more tricky. It appears to be glued to a foam backer board. I have not looked further than that but have the idea that maybe a completed unit could be just popped into place. Would be tight with the small doors (4 door). Any comments?

i need help locating the seat belt holders locations for my 71. Does anyone have a picture or know the location. I have the bolts in the seat belt holes but cant find the set for the four chroem holders thanks in advance.

dale

i need help locating the seat belt holders locations for my 71. Does anyone have a picture or know the location. I have the bolts in the seat belt holes but cant find the set for the four chroem holders thanks in advance.

dale

Here is a pic of my 70, should get you close.

http://www.chevelles.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=21720&d=1245803248

i have a 65 chevelle and im planning on doing this this weekend ... do i have to have the windshield out ????

No you do not need the windshield out (that was posted somewhere on this post) But i have to tell you after just finishing mine, it you have made life easier to remove both front and rear windows.

I could not get it tight enough in the front. I am hoping after the sun-visors are in and the mirror, this will help tighten it up a little.
It looks good, i just bet i could have gotten it tighter (not loose enough to notice, but i am picky) if i had the window out to pull it forward.

But ya having the windows out would help If it were a show car i would go that route.

Hey what happened to the pics in the first post ?

Hey what happened to the pics in the first post ?

Just noticed they got wiped out on my server. I put them back.

Nice job theres one thing that I do is to put all the screws in there spots before installing liner that way u can feel the screws afterwads. Then i use a small punch and heat it hot to melt the holes in the liner this works gr8 perfect holes.. U can use the punch to burn the holes in ur carpet for the seat belt holes. Just find the hole with an ice pick stick it through and then pull out and burn ur hole This works gr8 just have a fan blowing the smoke away.. Hope this helps everyone..

So, would it be easier to take out my windows just for the headliner purpose, or try a new headliner with them in?

I failed miserably on my SS El Camino trying to install the headliner. After reading every diy blog and all the gluing and trimming I was not happy with my job and could not get the headliner tight.

Had to rip it out, buy a new kit , and went down to my hombre who amazed me how perfect he got it installed for around $160 . Worth every penny being he does that sort of stuff every day.

Believe me I tried my darndest. And everyone warned me. Learned the best lesson on that one, how some things are best left to the pros.

SK

Hello!
Worst case has come real: a mouse decided to move into my car (ī68 Camino). Due to a longer "winter break" I havenīt recognized this fatal change.
The mouse seems to be there for several months.
We killed her, but the car suffered even harder! I donīt want to give you more details, but my interior is kinda wrecked. Everything smells like urinated...
Itīs a complete horror and I have to restore the interior, what means: new bench, new carpet and new headliner.
While checking all the offers in the internet I found different options for the headliner:
a) original (or similar): textile stuff
b) "modern": something like solid plastic or similar (one piece).

Who has experience with those materials?
I found extremely different prices: 56,95 $ to 97,89 $ (Original Parts Group, El Camino Store). Is there such a great difference in quality or what could be the reason?
I HATE MICE!!!
:angry:

What order do the rods go in? Mine were completely missing when bought my 70 Chevelle. Thanks.. Im not sure...

thank for the write up. I am going to try to put the h l in my 64 sedan, it's pretty much the same process right? thanks jeff

Thanks for the pics and detail.I will be installing my own soon and i will use your info for a reference.

any thoughts on cleaning a sticky spot out of the headliner? looks like a soda exploded in the driver seat and wasnt cleaned up, and i dont want to wreck the headliner with the wrong chemical.

Thanks!

Looking forward to doing mine! Thank You!

Tom:hurray:

Im about to give mine a try. On the center bow that is held in with the clips, do you cut the slots in the fabric or do you try to install fabric and rod in the clip.

Im about to give mine a try. On the center bow that is held in with the clips, do you cut the slots in the fabric or do you try to install fabric and rod in the clip.

I just pulled my headliner out yesterday... The center bow had the fabric intact, with fabric and metal bow snapped into the clip...

Mine had been replaced sometime in the past though, so not sure how the factory did it... My was near-perfect shape, but I am doing a color change so it had to go...

PO'd at myself, as I was a little cheap, and didn't get the new bow clips for the center bow... And would you know it, two broke during the removal...


I am a little worried, as I laid out the headliner on top of the old one, and the panels are slightly different widths ( between the seams)... Overall , it looks the same, but not sure how the bows are going to line up...

Yea, the cloth and bow snap into the clip. I just didnt know if it would go in. My old one was so rotted away that there was no fabric left and every clip broke taking it out. The new clips are the ticket. It went right in.

Is spray adhesive ok?

You need to use contact glue and put some on both surfaces let it sit a few mnutes then clip that small section in, I took about a week to do mine letting each side done dry a full day before moving to the next window section.

Is spray adhesive ok?

yeah, I don't know. If I recall, use something that can be contained and directed on a specific area. I think I used the yellow stuff in the orange tube. Is it a permatex brand? I can't remember it was a few years ago.

:thumbsup:THANK YOU . My '67 ss is bare, just came out of the paint booth, [ marina blue ]. I was not looking foreward to h/l install, you made it look do able, thanks for the tips. Marshall

Thanx for this sticky Chris. Just finished the headliner in my 66, came out perfect! The clips made it soooo easy. I used the weldwood landau contact cement and had no idea that stuff would hold a tug like it does with just a little surface area glued. I set the headliner in the bows, installed the liner and stretched it as you described. I clipped it without glue all the way around, tensioned it up a few times over the course of a day. This really stretched the wrinkles out. Really happy with the results and would do this again in exactly the same method.
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll25/jerw55/100_0996.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll25/jerw55/100_0997.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll25/jerw55/100_0998.jpg

Jerry

Chris, you clipped your h-l to what? I can't really see in the pics. Was it clipped to the lip that the windshield lays on? What about the sides? You also mentioned the clips the bows clip into. I guess I didn't see those in my car. Are they on the ceiling or or you talking about the 2 end holes the bows fit into? I am new to this and want to do my own so I tend to ask a lot of questions. Great write up and pics. Thanks!

Yeah, thanks... I did mine about 2 months ago, and it wasn't really that hard with Chris's great write up...

I have a '70, and still had the front windshield in, but the rear window out...

I guess I had 5-6 hours total ( including trimming), but I work slow...


DOH! I did rip my headliner. I ended up slicing the headliner between every binder clip, so I could remove 1 or 2 clips, and coat the headliner with glue, then move on to the next sets, without worrying about it getting loose in the mean time...

Then I forgot to install my new shoulder belt anchors (1.5" long stud), so after a few days, I tried peeling the headliner loose enough to slip my hand, bolts and bracket into place. First side went well... On the second side, as I was trying to pull the headliner from the glue, I pulled a little too hard, and when the glue let go, the headliner ripped (right along one of the slices I made for the gluing)...

Someday, I'll replace it, but for now, its fine...

After reading this post and hearing all the success story's, I think I will attempt to do my own headliner.
I looked online for the Weldwood Landau Top Glue but could only found it in 5 gallons. Can anyone advise me to where I might be able to purchase this product in a smaller amount. Or should I just use weather stripping adhesive?
Also did anyone insulate the roof before putting in there new headliner? When I inquired on having the headliner installed by a local shop they said they use bubble wrap. I don't think this will work very well and probably will trap condensation. Any thoughts on insulation. Maybe gluing a thin layer of jute padding would work...

I picked up the insulation for my camino from http://www.chevelles.com/sponsors/yearone/yearone_.jpg Had to buy one for a Chevelle and only used the two front pieces, It worked out real good...

The bubble wrap sound's like a bad idea...

KMD, I recently searched for the same and found they sell it in 5 gal. and 1 gal containers, the 1 gal is maybe $35. I just went to a local upholstery shop and offered to buy a pint, they just gave it to me as I've done some business with them in the past. I ran out and just went to my local hardware store and bought a pint of Welwood contact adhesive, not landau. It worked just the same and cost only a few dollars.

Jerry

KMD, I recently searched for the same and found they sell it in 5 gal. and 1 gal containers, the 1 gal is maybe $35. I just went to a local upholstery shop and offered to buy a pint, they just gave it to me as I've done some business with them in the past. I ran out and just went to my local hardware store and bought a pint of Welwood contact adhesive, not landau. It worked just the same and cost only a few dollars.

Jerry

I picked up the insulation for my camino from http://www.chevelles.com/sponsors/yearone/yearone_.jpg Had to buy one for a Chevelle and only used the two front pieces, It worked out real good...

The bubble wrap sound's like a bad idea...

Thank you both for the information. I will order my new headliner next week. I currently have the rear glass out so maybe it will make things a little easier. Thanks again, -Kenneth

Great job. I have a 71 to do in the future. I'm not going to remove any glass so do you still have something to clamp on to?

I did mine from this thread and I would hate to have to do it without removing the glass.

I did mine using the thread and while I still have lots of wrinkles at the corners(my screw up, not the write up) but think most will come out with a little heat. It hasn't been over 60 here in a month, so I'm going to use a hair dryer after the dome light is installed. Thanks for the excellent write up! I'll post pics after I"m all done with it and happy enough for government work.

Nice, thanks for taking your time to show this! :thumbsup:
Thanks for the great write up! I am starting today on my 69 El camino.

I need to do my 67 - Does the headliner material wrap completely around the pinchwels at the front window and rear window? If it does, Is it glued top & bottom? (inside & outside) - Wil 3M Super weatherstrip adhesive do the trick? I am thinking that is what was used but just want to make sure.

Thank you.


LK

I need to do my 67 - Does the headliner material wrap completely around the pinchwels at the front window and rear window? If it does, Is it glued top & bottom? (inside & outside) - Wil 3M Super weatherstrip adhesive do the trick? I am thinking that is what was used but just want to make sure.

Thank you.


LK

I used the 3M stuff. Not completely sure on the '67 ( been a while since I looked at the '66), but IIRC, it does wrap onto both sides (it does on the '70)...

I used the 3M stuff. Not completely sure on the '67 ( been a while since I looked at the '66), but IIRC, it does wrap onto both sides (it does on the '70)...

Just my thinking but when the window is glued in, Is it glued to the headliner material? I'm thinking the material is trimmed back but just want to make sure.

Thx.

LK

[QUOTE=bubba68ss;1206654]...CONTINUED

Great pics and a very good narrative! A friend and I put in my h-l. in about 2 hrs. using pretty much the same ideas. The biggest thing is take your time! Instead of the paper clips, we used small pieces of old pinchweld welting. They really held the h-l tight.

First of all great job! You have put to rest a lot of peoples fears about doing this job. After reading all twelve pages one question asked on page 3 or 4 was not answered by anyone. What about putting sound deadener on roof before installing headliner? Most everyone including me is gonna install sound deadnener in shell and most everyone has thought about roof. I cannot at this time see a problem doing it but I would like to avoid a headache. Has anyone done this?

I'm glad a lot of you have found this write-up helpful. I check back on it from time to time to see what new ideas helped you.

I guy who I'm going to hire for install headliner said I need to remove a windshield and rear window before he can install it. Is it necessary? Removing a windshield and rear window is a big thing, cost money and time. Please advice, thank you.

I guy who I'm going to hire for install headliner said I need to remove a windshield and rear window before he can install it. Is it necessary? Removing a windshield and rear window is a big thing, cost money and time. Please advice, thank you.

I installed my own headliner using the directions on here with the front and back glass both in. Probably would have been alot easier with them out but I did my own by myself in about 6 hours and had never done it before.
Turned out wonderful.

your not just going to cover up those rusty looking panels without at least doing a little sanding and primer to slow down the cancer?

:thumbsup:Great pics and write up. I am getting ready to put a h-l in my 69 Chevelle and this really will help. I put a headliner in my '55 Chevy about 4 yrs. ago and it looks pretty good but not as good as yours. Thanks again.:hurray:

I have started putting the head liner in my 67. The only thing that hasn't been mentioned are the strips around the windshield and back glass, for no better choice of words I call them tack strips., metal strips with teeth. How do these fit into the install? I am kinda stumped on how to attatch these.

Thanks
Robert

Chris, I am going to do my '72 headliner. But, I don't have lips on the sides like you do for the clips to clip on. A '72 is just rounded and too wide for any of those style clips to work. Any ideas on how I can hold the cloth to mine while the glue dries? Anyone else out there did one on a '72 and know what I am talking about? thanks, Steve

I covered the entire inside of the roof with Dynamat on my '66.

First of all great job! You have put to rest a lot of peoples fears about doing this job. After reading all twelve pages one question asked on page 3 or 4 was not answered by anyone. What about putting sound deadener on roof before installing headliner? Most everyone including me is gonna install sound deadnener in shell and most everyone has thought about roof. I cannot at this time see a problem doing it but I would like to avoid a headache. Has anyone done this?

I just installed my headliner by following this thread. I'd put in a pic but it looks just like the one done by Chriss. I also put sound deadener on the roof. Scraped off all the old original stuff and put new in the four large panels. Couple tips I could share if anyone is interested.

1. Took some scotch brite to the bows to remove the surface rust which made them a lot smoother. Also covered the leading two inches ( the hook and an inch or two beyond) with masking tape which I think might have made them easier to slide through the fabric channels.

2. Tried several methods to get the bows to snap into the clips. Ended up using a large rubber mallet but was holding it by the head and used the end of the handle to push the bows into the clips. They popped right in.

3. Used 3M super weatherstrip adhesive which is a contact cement so it needs to be put on both the back of the headliner and the metal tack strips. That stuff sets up fast and holds pretty good. It holds so well I almost could have gone without the clips and didn't even use a full 5 oz. tube on the entire headliner. First glued up the front and used a magic marker to mark the back of the headliner where the adhesive needed to be applied. I glued from the center of the front to the end ( half the front edge ) all at one time as it doesn't take much time to pull it tight and put on the clips. Did the same thing ( glued half at a time ) when I went to do the rear. After the front and rear were glued and stretched in I did the sides. When I did the sides I glued one entire side at a time. It only took maybe ten minutes to tighten up and clip in one side after the glue set. As a matter of fact I think I glued up both sides at the same time.

4. Used a heat gun to warm up the headliner before I stetched the sides in. It really heated up the liner pretty quickly. I did have a heater running in the garage so it was pretty comfortable when I was doing the install and the headliner was at least room temperature.

Still have to put on the sail panels and put all everything back on such as visors/dome light etc. but it turned out pretty good and doesn't really have any wrinkles in it. Was easier than I thought it would be.

This is the next thing on my 69.Is it still pretty doable with the windows in? Great job on photos an instructions will be my first one.:yes:

I asked if its doable with the glass in? I have the back glass out but front is in.Can u still put the clips on front or is there another way to hold it til glue dries?

Tony: All the glass was in when I did mine. No problem. I would imagine having the glass out would be easier but really don't think it makes much difference.

this thread made the install of my headliner as painless as it could have ever been considering what i was working with...here is a pic, it still needs to get pulled to the sides in the back, i haven't done that yet, will do it when i put the "earmuffs" in
which honestly, my car had no interior so i'm not positive at all how they attach, hopefully i can find that info in here too...THANKS AGAIN!!!! for your time and effort on posting this method, it was a lifesaver!!!!

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww38/troynitrous66/006-6.jpg

Thanks for the awesome thread and info!

Got the hl all in but its wanting to pleat or wrinkle in the middle in the center right at the back. Looks like my rod may be pulled toward the back.Gonna pull it loose an try to adjust rod. Any more suggestions? This post was VERY useful thanks a million.

Woud have been easier to pull tighter in the front with the glass out. We managed though.

No you do not need the windshield out (that was posted somewhere on this post) But i have to tell you after just finishing mine, it you have made life easier to remove both front and rear windows.

I could not get it tight enough in the front. I am hoping after the sun-visors are in and the mirror, this will help tighten it up a little.
It looks good, i just bet i could have gotten it tighter (not loose enough to notice, but i am picky) if i had the window out to pull it forward.

But ya having the windows out would help If it were a show car i would go that route.


Same here really ciuld have pulled tighter with windows out.

Got the hl all in but its wanting to pleat or wrinkle in the middle in the center right at the back. Looks like my rod may be pulled toward the back.Gonna pull it loose an try to adjust rod. Any more suggestions? This post was VERY useful thanks a million.

if its a pleat from the original folding of the material, it should release after a few hot-cold cycles from the weather.

Your right it has relaxed some looking better.

Any tips on how to locate the coat hanger holes? I marked the location on the drip rail from the outside,but not how far in the hole is. Head liner to tight to push up to where you can feel the holes. Could any one measure theirs from the edge of the trim to the screw head an give me an idea where it is?:noway:

Any tips on how to locate the coat hanger holes? I marked the location on the drip rail from the outside,but not how far in the hole is. Head liner to tight to push up to where you can feel the holes. Could any one measure theirs from the edge of the trim to the screw head an give me an idea where it is?:noway:

Can't help ya . Its a little late but what I did was put the screws in where the coat hangers are and the dome light makes it easier to find later

If any of you guys have a 69 an have a few minutes measure from the drip rail to the screw head on the coat hanger and let me know the distance.Would appreciate any help i can get.

I see a lot of pictures of the headliner install, that part was easy, is there any pictures of the sail panel install? on the 70, does the pointy end tuck into the rear side of the headliner, or does it just lay on top of the headliner? Searching the internet for pictures, no one seems to have any pictures of the rear corner of the headliner/sail panel/package tray. Can someone please help? Thanks

Doing the headliner for my 66. The car came with the bows not in their holes. How can I tell which hole of the three to put them in? They haven't been in the car for years so I can't see any marks where they were. Any ideas?

Thanks for the write up.I am about to put a new headliner in my 71 Chevelle SS and i notice there is only 4 places for the rods to go ,but i see yours has 5.There is a thin rod that runs through plastic clips in the center of th roof where the dome light is located but there is only 4 places on the new headliner.The headliner seems way too wide for the rods.Is this right or did i get the wrong one.It is a PUI liner and according to the box and the liner itselve it's for a 70 to 72 Chevelle.Any help would be great.:(

im having the same issue as jason. I have these sail panels here laughing at me. any tips on getting these in? i have a 68, not sure if they are alot different from the 70. any ideas or help is appreciated. thanks.

Here are some '66 Sail Panel Pics of the removal sequence on what appears to be the original headliner.

Second pic: the sail panel board was glued to the upper strip which is held on by clips and by a u-clip in the pic on the lower left of the sail panel

Third pic: The metal tack strip held on with two screws has a fiber board insert about 3/16 thick that the headliner was stapled to.

I'm planning to seal all the card board/fiberboard pieces with exterior latex house paint or maybe replace with cardboard laminated rigid foam exterior sign board.

I wonder if I can get a commission of all the sales of metal office clips this thread probably generated :) Who make them, 3M?