Hey guys,

Should I consider installing the headliner and windshields myself or subcontract out??

If so, can someone recommend a good place in San Diego area for upholstery and windshield installation??

Do the windshield and rear window break when removed??

Thanks in advance.

 

I tired to install the headliner myself, it went ok but I don't like it and I will have my body/interior guy redo it this spring. I gave it a shot but it appears that this is one thing I don't have the patience and skills for. I will also have him do the front windshield install at the same time, probably expecting around $350 or so to have it done. That is the cost of the front windshield too, I need a new one because mine has a star in it.

 

Can't really answer that. It is up to you if you want to tackle it and if you feel you have the ability. To give you an idea of what is involved, look at this link

If done right, the windshield and rear window should not break during removal

 

Neither project is difficult. But they both take patience and attention to detail. For the windows, you really need two people to do the job. There are many step by step articles out there on how to do both. One of the problems with hiring someone to do the windows is that they are generally not experienced in installing older car windshields. The technique is different than today's cars. If they haven't done old mustangs before, they are likely to leak.

The headliner is prettyu straight froward. Especially if you remove the windows. If I were you, I would review several articles and give it a shot your self. Rmoving is not a problem (again, you need two people) and if you somehow screw up the headliner trying to install, hey there cheap anyway. You can always have someone install the windows if you are not comfortable with it. Just make sure you find the right person who has experience with classic cars.

Give it a shot. And, good luck.

 

I did our headliner and as stated about.. its all about patience and attention to detail. Its not had to do. A steamer helps but isn't required. It gets glued at the front windshield and the rear window while the sides and held on using the windlace. The original FORD SHOP MANUAL has some decent instructions and photos as well as a Google search.

You'll need clips! I bought these Medium Binder Clips from Staples and found they worked great! I used about 80 to 90 of them in total going all the way around. I'd open a box and clip 30 or so up and down my shirt to have them close by and not having to reach down to search for them while working the headliner. Plan on 2 or 3 days for a good install.. it all depends on how good you want it.

Day one will be several hours getting the rods slipped through, hung in the car and then the initial stretch and clip. Let it sit for a few hours then stretch it a bit more. The next day do the same and if it's to your liking glue the front and rear window edges then attach the windlace along the sides.

I did sub out my front and rear windows.. unfortunately! The guy was a reputable installer who has installed many windows in older classics.. 4 or 5 classic owners I know personally had this guy do their windows. He hadn't done a mustang before though. Both front and rear windows leak at all 4 corners inside! Took the car back to him and then both still leak.

I'll be pulling both windows out and doing them myself at some point soon. Read and learn how to do it yourself so its done right!

 

I just (about an hour ago) had my windshield replaced by a local guy who has been doing glass in old cars for about 30 years. $275 for everything. After watching him do it in about 2 1/2 hours I'm glad I didn't try it myself. He had lots of tools and tricks that made it easier. Not saying not to try it if you want to, but it would have taken me much longer with not as good results. Some things are best left to the professionals. IMHO

 

parden a quick question, I've heard of people that replace the headliner without taking out the windshields... is that a bad idea? I am about to do my headliner in my 69 coupe and don't want to mess with the windshields since they are both leak free and in great shape. I don't care about concours show car, just want a headliner that isn't all torn and saggy so a few wrinkles isn't a huge deal to me.

 

I just pulled both the front and rear glass AND installed my headliner by myself this week.

Its not bad.

For the glass, just used a utility knife, cut all the way around (removing the outer lip of the seal. Then gently pushed out the top from inside the car slowly working left to right right to left until it was free. Picked it up and out, no problem.

The headliner:

Pull the onld one out starting at the back working forward.

Install by gently running the rods (in correct order) through the new headliner. Install the first bar and then using spray on headliner glue, glue the front to the windshield lip evenly as possible. Once that dries, start pulling that first bar back tight. Then the next, then the next till the end bar with the 2 clips.

I then went back and unstuck and reglued one area at the front that wern't as tight as I wanted them.

Then you can lock down the back with glue on the rear window lip and begin to work the sides.

Also, crank the heat in the garage to soften the headliner. This will also help it stay tight at all temps.

Hope that helps.

Oh yea, watch out for dead mice and poop falling from your old headliner....apparently mine spent some time in a barn over the last 43 years