Help w/ Headliner

[roc2002]

Hi everyone! I ordered and received the headliner fabric from BMW this week to replace the original headliner. However, when I brought it to the upholstery place to install it, they said that they need the trim in order to hold it in place (and the existing trim wasn't usable). I called BMW & Pelican Parts to ask about this, but they had no clue as to the correct part number for the trim.

 

Can any of the experts here guide me as to where I might be able to order this?

 

Thank you!

 

 

[Mike Self]

By "trim" are you referring to the pinch welting that holds the headliner in place around the door openings and above the quarter windows?  If so, it's on pg 51-69a in the parts book (look on realoem.com).  I suspect these days it's sold by the meter rather than the individual pieces shown in the parts book, but Paul at Maxmillian or Steve at Blunttech will know.  

 

And if it's NLA, I'll bet someone on the FAQ has some from a parted-out car.  Unless the car was in a fire, the stuff never wears out!

 

mike

[AceAndrew]

23 minutes ago, roc2002 said:

. I called BMW & Pelican Parts to ask about this, but they had no clue as to the correct part number for the trim.

 

 

 

I'd humbly suggest that you use an actual 2002 parts supplier, not generic suppliers like ECS Tuning (aka pelican parts) and the dealership.  Try Ireland Engineering, Maximillian, BluntTech, RogersTii, etc.  These guys actually have restored and drive 2002's of their own.

 

In addition, you'll find a lot of people here have had luck installing the headliner with dozens of clips.  Lots of install threads on the FAQ if you search a bit.

 

In addition, You'll find that the seams of the OEM headliner should be reinforced prior to installing

 

Lastly, Blunt just sent me some replacement welting trim that looks close to the original.  Sold by the meter.

 

Hope that helps.

[Crash513]

I just did the headliner on my '73 tii (sunroof car) so I will share some things I learned along the way. 

 

This may sound like blasphemy, but first off, I would NOT recommend using the genuine BMW replacement part.  I was working with a season veteran professional BMW mechanic in his shop who has done dozens of 2002 headliners over the years.  And even HE was vexed by the problems we had trying to fit the OEM replacement.  The problems we ran into were with the cut (which was off on the first one we ordered, and short in the C pillars on the second one we ordered) and the fact that the welting still requires reinforcement stitching before you can install it.  Solution?  We returned both of them and ordered a replacement kit from World Upholstery and used it (3rd time is a charm).  This is one of the rare times I've ever seen where the aftermarket part was of better quality than the OEM part from BMW.  The fabric is identical to the naked eye (world claims they use the same supplier that BMW uses) and the fit was definitely better.  You can find their part here:

http://www.worlduph.com/bmw/classic/e10/headliner/#* 

 

None of that made the install process any easier, but what helped was having an experienced partner to assist.  But what really helped me be prepared was this article that you can find in the "Technical Articles" section here.  I felt much more confident after reading this, and referred to it multiple times along the way. 

 

Here is everything else I can share:

 

1. I'd recommend using the orginal DAP "Weldwood" contact cement. https://www.dap.com/dap-products-ph/weldwood-contact-cement/  It's a great product and it's very forgiving.  Not as good as the factory glue, but perfect for this kind of job.  You will probably need two bottles to do the whole job. Follow the instructions carefully about allowing it to tack up before you join pieces together. 
2. That said, don't try to use the crappy brush in the bottle cap of the Weldwood.  Take it out and shitcan it.  Get one of these instead: https://www.rockler.com/rockler-silicone-glue-brush  I used cut down soda can and poured the glue from the bottle into it a little at a time.  
3. Be patient.  Make sure you lay the replacement headliner out when you unpack it to give it time to breathe and work the folds out before you start.  Like the article says, take you time and stretch it out as you go.  Don't be in a hurry to glue and go, or you'll just be making adjustments and steaming out the wrinkles later.
4. But a shit ton of razor blades and a good Exacto knife with spare blades.  There is a lot of delicate trimming and corner filleting to do on this job and the blades dull quickly.  You want plenty of new sharp blades to make the cuts.  A good pair of scissors is helpful for the big trimming, but not critical. 
5. As the article states, and everyone will tell you, you will definitely need a bunch of clips.  But don't skimp here.  There is nothing wrong with using binder clips if you get high quality ones.  But I found these little mini welding clips a lot more effective and easier on my fingers.  They cost more, but worth the extra money, IMHO. https://www.homedepot.com/p/ANVIL-3-4-in-Mini-Spring-Clamp-99693/302755763
6.  Since you already have your headliner out, save it and put it in a safe place.  Then make sure you put the screws back in for your dome light, sun visors, visor clips, and window latches.  It will be much easier to find the exact spots you need to cut the screw holes if you have something under the headliner to feel around for.  If you have any doubt, you can always line the old headliner up to the new one to double check.  I used my old one to measure the distance from the windshield to the rear view mirror opening too, so I wasn't just feeling around and guessing where to cut for it.  
7. Phone a friend.  This is a big job that can be done alone, but is much easier with a buddy.  Sometimes it's just a fresh set of eyes on things, but there are also a lot of things where an extra set of hands helps. 
8. Last, but probably most important of all is to keep everything CLEAN.  Lay down fresh masking plastic before you lay out the headliner on anything, including the deck lid.  Buy a box of latex or nitrite gloves and change them frequently as you go. Make sure you've thoroughly cleaned the gluing surfaces once you take off the old headliner.  Dirt is your enemy here and the last thing you want to do is have dirty fingerprints or mars on your nice new headliner.  

 

Don't be intimidated.  You can handle this!  But read the article carefully and follow the steps.  It's a big job, but it's immensely satisfying when you complete it, believe me.

 

Good luck,

 

Crash

 

 

 

Edited June 4, 2020 by Crash513
Missed a line