Headliner How To

[Shaggyracer]

Hey everyone! I have all of the components to install the headliner in my 1974 Charger, but this is my first time. So I have a few questions...

Does the headliner insulation adhere directly to the roof using headliner spray adhesive?

When I cover the sail panels with headliner material, what adhesive should I use?

How do the sail panels go in the car?

My sail panels and headliner were not in the car when I started working on it, so I don't have any reference to go off of!

 

[gkent]

Insulation is glued to the roof. Everything that is glued is done with spray adhesive - like contact cement. The worst part is if you have headliner material with the pin holes in it - the adhesive will show in the pin holes. There is a knack to installing headliners - not a job for the faint of heart. If you're an old guy - not as agile as you used to be - muscles tend to cramp up, etc ... hire a pro to do it !!!

 

[Shaggyracer]

Insulation is glued to the roof. Everything that is glued is done with spray adhesive - like contact cement. The worst part is if you have headliner material with the pin holes in it - the adhesive will show in the pin holes. There is a knack to installing headliners - not a job for the faint of heart. If you're an old guy - not as agile as you used to be - muscles tend to cramp up, etc ... hire a pro to do it !!!

Thank you for the tips! I'm 19...and a girl... and I'm willing to give anything a try! You learn how to do a lot on your own when you're on a tight budget!

 

[6PKRTSE]

They are not really that hard to do. Just very time consuming. I have done 3 in my different cars. Just make sure to center everything from side to side and trial fit to see where it lays up in place best. I pull and hook in from the rear and work forward. Much easier if the front and rear side glass is removed, but can still be done with the glass in.

 

[Eric Pearson]

So I did my first and only one on my bird,I Will say that if the front and rear glass is out it does help. I used 3 m spray adhesive for the sail panels and other things. You can get it at the local automotive supply store. Good luck !

 

[davek]

Thank you for the tips! I'm 19...and a girl... and I'm willing to give anything a try! You learn how to do a lot on your own when you're on a tight budget!

 

[Eric Pearson]

Agreed

 

[Billccm]

I've always wondered how the assembly line installed headliners in around 90 seconds and us DIY guys it takes 6 to 10 hours?

 

[WileE]

I've always wondered how the assembly line installed headliners in around 90 seconds and us DIY guys it takes 6 to 10 hours?

Obviously. OBVIOUSLY, you don't know Newton's 4th law of physics, nor Einstein's 3rd theory of relativity. So... here goes: 4th law= objects get heavier as you get older. ( that 40 lb bag now feels like it's 100 lbs. ) 3rd theory= tasks take longer as you get older. (what used to take you 20 minutes is now an hour and a half ) I am PROOF of both ! Now, all you guys reading this, remember both ! It will explain it all to anyone who questions why you can't pick up the damn thing, or why it's taking you so damn long to get something done !

 

[Runner 68]

Thank you for the tips! I'm 19...and a girl... and I'm willing to give anything a try! You learn how to do a lot on your own when you're on a tight budget!

Trust me, it doesn't matter if you're a 19 year old girl or a fat assed 60 year old man. In fact your youth and agility are an asset. Headliners just need a little time and thought. Not rocket science. Plenty of videos out there on how to get it done. Study them.
Take your time, stretch, glue, clip, take your time again. Think. You can do this.

 

[cosgig]

I’m not exactly sure about the sail panels for a 74, but my 70 had a couple slide in clips that you pushed the sail panels over, and one screw per side that held them from sliding back off. I use the permatex headliner adhesive.

 

[Shaggyracer]

So I did my first and only one on my bird,I Will say that if the front and rear glass is out it does help. I used 3 m spray adhesive for the sail panels and other things. You can get it at the local automotive supply store. Good luck !

Thank you! All of the glass is out and the interior is gutted right now.