I am going to, in the near future, replace the headliner on my coupe and was wondering about the best way to go about it. I thought I read somewhere that the best method is to remove the back and front windows as this was put on before the windows. Anyone have any input on this? Removing the windows wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing as the weather stripping could use an overhaul. thanks

 

Yes, recommended method is to remove front and rear glass. If the front and rear glass has original gaskets then it's way past time to change them anyway.

 

Call me a sissy, but I did this once, and will never attempt it again. Yes, the windows were out, I had the 3M spray adhesive, but trying to make the flat headliner bend three different ways in the 4 corners was beyond my skills. If you want it to look nice, find a body shop. If you want it too look kinda lumpy, give it a shot. Oh yeah, one other thing. I got my headliner from NPD, and it was nicely jammed into a box thus leaving plenty of creases which I had to very gently iron out. I got that done ok, but it's something to consider.

 

Man.......I tried to do it and FAILED!!!!!!!! Pay the 80 bucks and have someone else do it....

 

$80? I've heard that it can cost several hundred dollars. Judging by how long it took me to do it, I believe it.

I did it in my fastback with the front and rear glass out and it was really pretty easy when all was said and done. It took awhile to get it all pulled just right and glued, but was pretty straightforward. That said, a fastback is a lot easier than a coupe.

Good luck!
Jeff

 

I just finished putting a headliner in my '66 coupe. It's looking pretty good, but it was a pain.

Not only will you need to remove both front and rear glass, but the rubber seal and retainer along the sides of the roof as well. Use the 3M spray adhesive and hold it in with clothes pins. If you screw up, the adhesive is weak enough and stays soft long enough that you can take it apart without tearing the headliner. Use old windlace when you run out of clothes pins. The corners are a pain. I used a bit of weatherstripping adhesive where there was alot of load, but be careful, some adhesives will meltthe vinyl.You will have a few wrinkles, even the pros have some. Hopefully they work themselves out with alittle heat. Other than that follow the article from Mustang Monthly linked to in the FAQ section.

Good luck and sand the rust off your bows so the liner doesn't catch.

 

My wife and I put a headliner in my 67 hardtop. The glass was out. I don't know how you could do it any other way. The key to ours looking good I think was we did it on a really HOT day. We set the headliner on the roof of my T-bird all day to cook. It was soft and easy to stretch. We used the 3M spray glue that is tacky so we could adjust things. We also had a heat gun to help get all the wrinkles out before we put the glass back in. It looks really good I think...
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2842869/2

 

tarafied1
Wow I'm impressed with the work and how it came out! Nice job for a DIY! If the two of you were in my area I'd kidnapp the two of you and make ya do mine! [sm=smiley20.gif][sm=joke.gif]

Thanks for all the advice so far...sounds like its a job that requires patience and more patience with a little touch of handy work involved.

 

Its not too hard with nominal skills. I think the key is to let it heat in the sun to remove the wrinkles. Its easier with the windshields out but can be done with them in. However, if the rubber glass seals have never been changed, then this would be a good time to do that also. Mark your metal rods (bows) as they will have to go back in their origianl place. 3M Super weatherstripe or spray contact works good. The key is "Super" as it works better but cost alittle more. Just don't trim too soon.