Re: 56 400 headliner

Posted by HH56 On 2015/3/7 16:20:39

It helps to have a second body but can be done alone. If you are alone you are going to have to figure how to hold the fabric and bows in position while you work. Strong magnets might work for some of the places across the front. I remember using some string tied to the bows and stretched to keep them from falling down -- and they will want to flop down -- almost anytime you touch the headliner.

If you have a 4 door then the windlace has to go on first unless the old is already on and will be reused. The retainers have to be removed to install windlace. If they are not off already, suggest you remove them and clean any rust -- also clean and paint the bows and check the retainers to make sure all the little barbs are exposed and none are bent over. Might also paint the retainers before reinstalling.

Install the clean and painted bows into the headliner pockets and make sure the headliner is centered side to side and front to back so there is enough to glue to the windshield header and it will extend down past the rear window and quarters. Don't remember exactly how it fastens in the rear -- glue I think but maybe tacks or staples. A chalk mark at the front and rear on the inside of headliner to match to a center line on the car helps find and keep center. As I said, the bows will want to flop around and fall so can be a general pain. They need to be kept more or less vertical.

There is a small curved but dull bladed tool made for the purpose of inserting the headliner in the retainers. As you said, it is just push up past the barbs and let those catch the fabric. -- The tool is not totally necessary but just make sure whatever you use is relatively thin and not sharp or you can tear the headliner. You will have excess material on the sides that has to be trimmed. You will have to decide when to trim and what the best method is for you. The retainers will not handle much bulk though but I would make sure the headliner is straight and where you want it before trimming much. If you are careful you can reposition slightly but once the barbs tear into the fabric then you are committed. Also try hard for no wrinkles because they are hard to remove after the fact.

If you have a two door, it is mostly the same except I believe the windlace is mostly not present and the chrome moldings go on after the headliner is inserted in the retainers.