Re: 55 400 headliner repair

Posted by d c On 2014/8/12 15:46:05

Im sure the 400 is the same as the 55 clipper. The headliner is attached on the sides by metal retainers with stamped "teeth" pointed up on the inside of the rail so the headliner sides may be stretched and tucked up behind to hook and cover the retainers. Also it is glued frt and back to the windshield frames before the glass and seals and garnish trim are installed. I do not think you will be able to remove it without destroying it and it is usually done as part of a full resto. Having said that, it can be done , with great difficulty and effort without a full resto and paint. I recommend you remove the windlace and buy new,remove all the metal side retainers and bows to sand and paint and remove theold tar board sound deadener and apply new or you will have bleed or staining of the new liner. you need to measure and draw on paper the spaces between the bows from the windshield all the way to the back. I can give you a vendor who will custom sew a liner from your measurements in any style fabric however as a first time I would recommend the cloth as it will stretch and give much better results. You need to be a pro with a steamer to get the perf vinyl and some other fabrics to be wrinkle free. It is one of the most expensive and mysterious jobs of auto resto but can be quite rewarding and transform a car. If you decide to attempt it figure several months (winter project indoors) and the info available here. If you like, I can post pics of mine installed 4 years ago still looks great