Headliner installation tips

I getting to the point where I need to get my headliner installed. I was thinking of doing it myself. I have the windows out of it and the old headliner out with just the bows on. I have some 3m spray adhesive and a new headliner. From some old threads I've looked at I'm supposed to start from the rear and leave all the screws on for an easier install of the visors etc.. Also, did the heavy duty paper clips work for those that installed the headliner. Any other recommendations for the install.
thanks

 

We've installed quite a few Maverick headliners and it can be challenge. First thing you must have is patience. This is not a job you can rush through. If possible we lay the headliner out in the sun for a few hours so it can soften up a little. We take the bows out and mark where each one goes by which hole the ends came out of, plus we number the bows so they don't get mixed up. To hold the headliner in place around the edges we use everything from clamps to cloths pins. They all work equally as well. We also use a heat gun set at the lowest setting to help shrink as many wrinkles as possible. It will go easier if you have a helper who can help pull the headliner in place. The extra set of eyes comes in handy for those times when you need to be on the outside of either the front or back windows or the sides while pulling the headliner. Your helper can stay inside the car and work the heat gun and help smooth out the wrinkles. Just remember to always keep the heat gun moving and don't let it get too close to the headliner. It will take a while to do whether you do it by yourself or with a helper, so give yourself plenty of time to work with.

 

What do you use for adhesive.

 

We use 3M Spray Trim Adhesive. You can get it at just about any auto parts store.

 

After reading Jean's description, I'm glad I paid the $125 to have mine installed.

 

You can get some ideas here too.

http://www.mustangmonthly.com/proje...lace_a_headliner_project_reclaim/viewall.html

 

That is a great article. You might also find helpful videos on the subject on YouTube.

 

That was a great price! Heck, I'd pay someone $125 to install the headliner rather than do it myself. It would save me the stiff neck and knees from crouching around inside the car.

 

That was a 2005 price AND the pro came to me!

 

It cost me $200 last year to have mine installed. This included having the A post and B post covered. Auto Crafters in Morrow, GA did mine, next door to the A/C shop who did Hawkco's, Earl and Franks A/C system. They been in business around 38 years.

 

I just did this a few months ago myself, the first one I have ever done. I went to the dollar store and bought about 100 - 200 wooden close pins. They worked very well. I tried the 3m adhesive. The good thing about it was you could peel loose the headliner and reposition or stretch it and clamp it back down. However, I had issues with it not holding in the heat, so I ended up using 3m contact cement once I had it properly stretched and positioned. Another thing I did was to cover the front and side pillars with headliner material as well. It can take some time to do, but I am planning on doing the one in my Mustang sometime in the future. I found it more difficult to get the front glass in more than anything else.

 

I used the metal clips on two installations and had no problems at all.
The blue one was very heavy marine grade vinyl and was easier than the original style material one I recently did.

 

This one looks like vinyl top material rather than headliner material. I do like the color

 

Just very heavy marine grade vinyl, the seats had already been recovered when I got them and it's all I could find to match the color.

 

I paid $50 to have mine installed. The car already had all the glass removed and I supplied the headliner.