69 GTX headliner install first try

[sixsixvette]

Im installing a headliner for the first time in my 69 GTX. Never done one before. I have read alot of threads on how to do it and think I am looking pretty good so far. Just wrapped up glueing and stretching it into place. But obviously I have some wrinkle spots that seem to be a potential issue. Have seen a few threads where they have been very successful with a heat gun in removing these wrinkles. What do you guys think? Are these wrinkles to much to get out with a heat gun? Should I pull it and try again?

 

[R413]

Did you. Have the 2 wires at the rear that hook over the rear bow to hold it in place and stop forward travel? Those are a must, then pull it tight to the front. Then pull to the sides with the goal of removing the wrinkles.

That's a lot of wrinkles. Possibly too many, never tried heat with that many wrinkles.

Hair dryer, not heat gun, can melt it with heat gun if not careful.

 

[Black_Sheep]

It took a couple of attempts to get satisfactory results in my GTX. IMHO the wrinkles are more than you will be able to work out with a heat gun. I guess it depends on what you feel you can live with…

 

[Jerry Hall]

Work with it a little more, you are close.

 

[sixsixvette]

Thanks guys. I did hook the two wires on the back rod prior to pulling forward. Then worked sides from front to back. I will give it some more effort and see what I can eliminate. Possibly trim back the rod sleaves a little more to make sure they are not too close to rod ends.

 

[pnora]

Thanks guys. I did hook the two wires on the back rod prior to pulling forward. Then worked sides from front to back. I will give it some more effort and see what I can eliminate. Possibly trim back the rod sleaves a little more to make sure they are not too close to rod ends.

When you hooked the wires to the rods did you let the rear material hang?

 

[sixsixvette]

Yes, hung until I worked my way to rear. Im thinking my problem may be that I did not trim the rod material back far enough. Could be holding up the stretching from moving all the way down on sides.

 

[pnora]

Yes, hung until I worked my way to rear. Im thinking my problem may be that I did not trim the rod material back far enough. Could be holding up the stretching from moving all the way down on sides.

Its important to have the rear centered as well as the front. The support wires in the rear rod and pulling it forward. The rear should hang until you get all the front and sides fitting good. Then you can glue them and move on to fitting the rear and sail areas.. Myself I would of got it fitting a little better before gluing. There are techniques on working the wrinkles out. A steamer is commonly used. A heat gun may help but be careful it can easily melt into the material.

 

[sixsixvette]

Its important to have the rear centered as well as the front. The support wires in the rear rod and pulling it forward. The rear should hang until you get all the front and sides fitting good. Then you can glue them and move on to fitting the rear and sail areas.. Myself I would of got it fitting a little better before gluing. There are techniques on working the wrinkles out. A steamer is commonly used. A heat gun may help but be careful it can easily melt into the material.

I have a small steam cleaning machine. Might be a way to use it. I'll play with it again tomorrow and see what happens. If I have to peel it back do you think it will ruin the fabric? Or can I apply another coat of glues and streatch it back again?

 

[pnora]

I have a small steam cleaning machine. Might be a way to use it. I'll play with it again tomorrow and see what happens. If I have to peel it back do you think it will ruin the fabric? Or can I apply another coat of glues and streatch it back again?

If its good glue and applied right it most likely is stuck. You could try an area and see.

 

[retractable]

I have issues stretching the sides if the rods are not polished clean. The sleeves will stick on rough rods.
You should be able to pull it loose from the glue and redo it. Take your time.

 

[BigFlo]

Agree with all above. You are close but those are not wrinkles that will smooth out with heat. The headliner was one of the hardest things and more tiring things for me to do on my resto. Working over your head isn’t fun. Keep at it. I also had to trim the sleeves back more than I expected, to get it to sit right. Small steps and take your time.