65 barracuda headliner install

-
S

swing69

fightin' socialism
Joined
Jul 28, 2008
Messages
3,930
Reaction score
1,842
Location
Central Socialist NJ
Never did one....how bad is it to install a 65 barracuda headliner?

Also: please don't tell me the front and rear window have to come out to do it.........

Thanks!
 
So you can put one in without taking the windows out, however it is a pain because of the little teeth that grab the headliner front and back. It is really easy to do though.
additionally you need to have the a pillar trim and all the upper door frame seals completely out as well...

1) lay it out in the sun to warm it and smooth out the wrinkles/folds. Also find the cent front and back and mark with a chalk mark (tailors chalk is best, usually from a fabric store, Michaels, Hobby Lobby...whatever you have
1a) You may have to use a heat gun for stubborn wrinkles....

2) I always put the screws in there holes to be able to locate them through the headline once it is in. It is way easier to feel a screw than to try and feel the hole the screw goes into!

3) This is a good time to make sure your insulation/sound deadener is good to go!

4) lay out the bows and just cut through the sheath that the bows go through (keep bows in correct order!!!)

5) Place in car (usually from back to front) hook the tension spring/hook then work your way the other direction and hook over the "teeth" in the window channel. You will work forward and smooth and pull (lightly) ensuring it is aligner left and right

6) Double-check your side to side alignment and eveness

7) ensure the "slack" is pulled out front and back. This may be a slow process, be careful and just take your time, it is a really really good idea to have a heat gun handy to smooth out stubborn corners, and compound curves.

6) Once you have all of that done you are ready for the sides. I use the trim adhesive that comes in a tube and the small lime green spring clamps that you can get from Home Depot. Good quality clothes pins work okay to.

7) You will need to start in the center of the door frame between those two bows and pull the material (helps to do both sides with a helper to ensure it is pulled evenly) then glue and clamp as you go. Move to the next area between the bows (both sides again) and continue this until you have it glues and clamped....

You will also have to make sure that the material is spray glued to the sail panels...if yours are bad/broken you will have to make some out of heavy upholstery board (cardboard..)

let me know if this helps. I may be able to get some picks since I am getting ready to do another 66 Cuda soon...


randy
 
No problem, I will make a thread with step by step instructions and pictures while I put the next one in. I ight work on it this weekend if I have time. I am actually doing two soon, a 64 and 66 cuda
 
I did two of the myself so far, been a few years, though. I found an artical in both hot rod and Moperformance mags that gave step by step instructions oh how to do it. I used Jute insulation above it like the factory did and used 3M spray adhesive to adhere it. I didn't take the wondows out, although it would have been easier. I used little squeeze clamps to hold up the headliner on each side of the car while I was working on the other. I am paralyzed from the waist down, so if I can do it, than you can do it. Headliners still look great and look professionally installed. I did have one done with the front and back windows out and it was easier to do, but a pain in the butt to get the glass guy scheduled to come twice.
 
@ cuda65vpt....I know right. I used to do auto uphostery when I was younger and I was taught on the job.
There are some pretty good articles here and there online that have pretty similar instructions. I did my 69 Fastback with the windows in and it was a pain.
If anybody does it that way here are some goodtools to use:
1) the free wooden paint stick from Home Depot are pretty good for making a gap in the inside windshield seal to push the headliner into.
2) Another cheap good tool is a frosting knife with the rounded end, it can get into tight grooves and push the fabic in.
3) You can also get a cheap plastic putty knife and round the corners and lip and use that.

I have used all three and keep them in the drawer
 
great instructions. maybe make a trip to Midwest for headliner work??? we pay with food and lodging!! LOL
headliner install is a job I've done quite a few times on my cars and NEVER developed a love for it!!!! maybe why I have 2 cars without... makes them look....? whats the word? sorry!!! LOL
 
worst job I ever tried, but I did it and wont do it again. I was told to start from the center and work your way back and forward, but I think your way makes way more sense. Take windows out, they take 15 minutes to pop out, really. You wont break the rear one I promise. There are dragon teeth under the gaskets that the material pulls over and onto. Get the back glued and set and then work forward as described, get a partner and pull taught from side to side, and finally get teh fronts pulled and glued. The rear sail panels are a mystery to me, I put the jute back there but it still looks a little saggy. Can I heat gun it and tighten it up a little or does it make it stretch out? My fingers hurt for a week.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
-

Back
Top