Re: 1941 120 headliner installation

Posted by HH56 On 2017/1/19 10:40:19

Clippers are done the same way -- barbs and tack strips. I believe the barbs face inward and are not readily seen because they are covered by the headlining material pushed up over them. You may be able to slide a small flat and wide tool in the space between the headliner and the windlace. If so by prying outward slightly you can force the retainer strip out to open the work area and by pushing up at the same time possibly lift the headliner off the barbs.

Done carefully in conjunction with forceps or something to grab the folded over piece of the headliner while you push up it is possible to release the headliner from the barbs. If the headliner is old and rotten fabric there is a good possibility that manipulation will also cause the fabric to split so not advised if someone is planning to keep an existing headliner. Usually once a fabric headliner is installed it is very difficult to remove one without damage and even harder to try to try and reinstall it and get it back in the same position so unfaded or damaged edges do not show.

I was able to remove and replace an original vinyl type headliner from a 54 Pacific that had fallen in the center due to rotted bow pockets. Those appear to be a vinyl coating over some sort of base and fairly strong -- although they can tear if not careful. The upholsterer sewed new pockets onto the good portion of the old and then using vinyl dye I was able to recolor and then reinstall. Turned out quite presentable.