body and interior Headliner install help

[nbcbird]

I am finally installing my headliner, but am not satisfied with the fit--which looks to me that it needs to be shifted at least an inch rearward (see pic).  Initially I thought I got the wrong factory headliner, but it has only two rear sleeves (about 11 inches apart) which is the sunroof version.  I was meticulous in constructing a new masonite panel with the clips for holding the front bow.  When fully stretched I have about 3 inches of excess fabric in the front and about 1-3/4 inches in the rear.  I can pull the C pillar material into position, but it requires a fair amount of stretching.  Is this typical?  I assume that the rear bow is oriented to the front when in the correct position.  Blunt mentioned that there was a problem with some headliner seams last fall.  Can anyone offer some insight on how to proceed?

[jgerock]

Where did you buy the headliner? Think mine had more than that at the rear.

[esty]

it's not a walk in the park installing a headliner...start at the rear and work forward using a ton of clips to hold it in place as you glue...a proper fit does requires a fair amount of stretching

[nbcbird]

Which way does the rear bow orient--I have mine to the front, but have recently read that it faces the rear? That might be the difference.

Edited July 2, 2015 by nbcbird

[esty]

it's been a while but iirc they all get pulled to the front as you install the headliner...they have to be in a somewhat locked down position...i've had them flip back and loosen the headliner after it was installed...the last one i did i used zip ties to hold them forward before i glued the end at the windshield

 

http://www.bmw2002faq.com/topic/126157-headliner-installation/

[rms_sandiego]

When I did mine a few months ago, I used the zip tie method described in the post Esty linked. I loosely oriented the bows straight up and down rather than pointed more frontward or backward, and then stretched evenly from both front and back with widely spaced clips until I was satisfied with the overall placement. Then I went and evenly stretched all of the gaps.

 

That approach worked well and I was able to keep it wrinkle-free. The only tricky part was getting the right tension and stretching at the rear quarters. Taking it slowly and making sure the overall fit is what you want is key.

 

PS: Mine is not a sunroof car, but I don't know that it matters.

[jgerock]

Rear bow in sunroof car should be flipped "up" and slightly turned toward the rear of the car.  The original foam sound deadening in my 69 showed evidence of this.  I had to cut the bow slots so the headliner could wrap down to the C-pillar but my installation is sub-par.  Will add pics either tonight (after work) or AM tomorrow (or you could look at my build thread).

[nbcbird]

SUNROOF OWNERS BEWARE!! I have come to the realization that the factory headliner (55.44.1.804.085) does no match the original pattern.  The flaps for the C pillar are positioned too far to the front by at least an inch. My original headliner as about 6 inches of material (installed) between the window frame and the rear bow sleeve. The new headliner was only 7 inches--there should be more material to work with.  Might have someone check to see if there were problems with factory panels or seek another source.  Sunroof headliners are a different animal for installation.

Edited July 2, 2015 by nbcbird

[jgerock]

Original headliner remnants in the rear of my 69.  Note the rear bow pocket (sleeve) position

 

New headliner (sourced from Rob Torres @ 2002Haus a few years ago).

Clipped to rear window (nothing trimmed yet)

Rear bow in sleeve 

2nd bow.  Note how long this sleeve is. I trimmed (slit) both sleeves for a better fit but still didn't get the proper look after stretching.

Trimmed and ready for some gluing.

Be careful at the A-pillar points.  Don't trim/tuck the edges in too much since adding the sunvisors will push the liner upwards as you screw them to the roof.

Also try not to trim too much in the corners of the sunroof opening (as Mike Pugh warned me).  I'm too close in both front corners here which makes it tough to glue the flaps down.

[nbcbird]

JG--Thanx for the pics, which confirms my suspicion that my factory headliner is incorrectly patterned.  I can't get enough material to cover the real lower corner of the C pillar.  Will probably try an aftermarket dealer like headliner express.  Everyone comments on how much they like Riviera blue.

 

BTW, I might cut/glue the sunroof opening before gluing the front, since I can't get enough stretch from rear to front. Or do you recommend installing entire roof before cutting sunroof?

Edited July 3, 2015 by nbcbird

[jgerock]

Install headliner to rear, front then sides. Glue to perimeter and let dry. Last is cut roof opening and glue in place. If you cut sunroof opening first, the liner may not fit correctly elsewhere.

[chargin]

“Install headliner to rear, front then sides. Glue to perimeter and let dry. Last is cut roof opening and glue in place. If you cut sunroof opening first, the liner may not fit correctly elsewhere”       

I stretched the liner in place with clips (400) before starting to glue. I worked all the way around and pulled out 98% percent of all wrinkles.

 

Then I cut the sunroof opening to leave 3” all around. When I stretched it up to the actual opening I only had 3/16” in a 2” section.      

 

Now that the car is done I’m seriously considering pulling all the glass and redoing the liner.....   

 

 

 

[jdt10768]

can y'all comment on reinstalling the oh-shit grab-handles for back seat passengers? After headliner install, there is close to a 2 inch gap between liner and screw in points for my handles. I am afraid that re-install may tear the headliner - any feedback on that aspect? Thanks

[nbcbird]

My handles are on the B pillar, but I understand your dilemma with the stretch needed to install those over the quarter window (the same problem exists for the mounts for the sunvisors).  Is the side glass in or can you undo the headliner a little?  I would try a hair dryer to give the vinyl more flexibility--the vinyl is fairly durable so it should give enough to complete the install.  Heat while pushing gently with your fingers.  Or leave the handles off as an option.  

Edited October 29, 2015 by nbcbird

[jdt10768]

Side glass is installed and headliner is nice and tight. I did consider the hair dryer, seems like a good solution, but I'm a bit skeert to do it. 

What about installing grab straps? I heard that all cars have mounting points for those. Are those straps and hardware still available?