Re: Headliner on a budget...

Posted by Rusty O\'Toole On 2009/7/5 13:30:05

Headliners are not hard to install. But it is a fiddly job requiring time and patience.

No stretching machine is required. You do not stretch the material that much in fact the less you stretch it the better. More like smoothing the wrinkles out of a bed sheet.

The material will shrink with age and small wrinkles will disappear on their own.

To speed this process upholsterers use a steam hose to steam out wrinkles. I expect you could do the same with a "Shark" or similar home steamer.

Start by sliding the top bows into the pre sewn pockets. Then put the headliner in place.

Staple the front middle and back middle pulling it tight enough to take out wrinkles.

Work your way around the sides putting in a staple every 8 inches or foot.

Before you get done you will have to go back take out staples and move the material a little.

When you are all done the headliner should be in place, stretched taut but not really tight. There may be a few little wrinkles in the back beside the rear window. There should be a staple every 2 or 3 inches.

Now you can trim off the excess material with a razor knife. Install the trim and wind lace around the edges. For the dome light, cut an X with a razor knife and tuck the excess material in before installing the light.

Now you can steam the wrinkles or if you don't have a steamer they will slowly smooth themselves out over the next few weeks as the material shrinks.