Can anyone tell me the basics of installing a headliner? Do the windshields have to be removed? Is it better to pay for it to have it installed? I have the material on hand, but have no idea on how to attempt it, or even if I should. Thanks.
Really?? Windshields out? Wow! I didn't think it would be that involved. I guess I'm used to working on other cars. Refinishing the headliner is easy as long as you can get it in and out. Just pull off the old material, sand off the glue and left over fabric. Spray the board and fabric with glue. Then start at one edge and slowly roll the fabric onto the board like you would a sticker or decal. Just don't let it wrinkle whatever you do! A neat trick is to put foam between the board and fabric in different designs. Gives you a 3D custom headliner. This website shows what I'm talking about. http://www.all-nu.com/html/customflames.htm If I'm wrong about how the maverick headliner is put together, just tell me I'm and idiot and ignore the above post.
There is no board on the Maverick to glue anything to, it's held in place by the front and rear windshield gaskets the overhead bow's, and the side windlace. Best bet is to order new gaskets and have them in hand before you even think about doing this job, I had one put in a while back and the labor was $262.00, not counting the glassman. Not cheap!
Glass has to be out,, have a pro take out the glass and try it yourself, take your time, with some spray glue and patience you can do it. Keep the rods in order,, install and order some new front and rear glass seals, have your glass man reinstall when you getter done. Only one way to learn,, do it! Dan
One of my niegbours is retired for the Ford plant in St. Thomas, he use to do them when they were being built, he's going to help me with mine when it goes back in. He did say to make sure the bows don't get mixed up because they are different.
Apparently there was only ONE person in the world that didn't have to remove the glass to install it. When I had my '74 street car, we took it to Harper's upholstery here in central Arkansas. He charged us I think $75 to install the liner (we bought the liner from AutoKrafters, IIRC) and it was AWESOME...and he didn't have to remove any glass. Keep in mind that Mr. Harper passed away a year or so ago and his business is also gone. His work will always be remembered--he did some work for the original Batmobile way back when. We asked him how he put it in without removing the glass. His reply was something to the affect of it being a trade secret. I guess it's like asking a fisherman where his honey-hole is.
you don't have to take the windows out. when you remove the old one label the rods.use the old liner for a guide. when putting the new one in just use a hair dryer to soften the liner, then with a putty knife or other well rounded smooth thin tool, heat up the area and slide the liner in. work from the center out. take your time you can do it.
Tom, Where did you get yours done? is the place in san leandro? thinking about who is going to do mine.