Headliner Ideas
 

Headliner in my 2 door sedan is not good. Removed it and found the the some wooden bows were repaired, not very well. Roof is fine, looking for suggestions on how to repair or replace bows. I do not want to remove roof. I have a few thoughts but would like to hear if you have done this, or ideas about how to go about it.
Thanks Larry

Re: Headliner Ideas
 

So what is the problem with the bows? I doubt you can replace them without removing the top, but maybe there is a way.

Re: Headliner Ideas
 

They are split and patched, barely structural at all. I guess my plan is to make larger bows and router out to accept the broken bows. Captivating them and use construction adhesive. They will be wider and just a little thicker.

Re: Headliner Ideas
 

If you replace the cloth, use a brushed cotton. It is correct for headliners and also is lighter in weight and less likely to sag.

Re: Headliner Ideas
 

Thanks, that was going to be my next question.

Re: Headliner Ideas
 

Assuming you don't want to remove the top, like you mentioned. If it were me, I would reinforce the damaged bows with somewhat thin sheetmetal which could be screwed to the side(s) of the bows. I believe all or most are the same size. If you were to make a pattern from the best bow and transfer the pattern to 18 gauge sheetmetal. Then cut the sheetmetal and attach it to the wood bows with wood screws. I suppose you could use 1/4" plywood, but it wouldn't be a strong. Remember, the flaps on the headliner attach to the sides of the bows, so you would want to apply the reinforcing material to the opposite side from where the headliner flaps attach.

Rusty Nelson

Re: Headliner Ideas
 

Please, just consider doing the job correctly. Remove the roof where you have access to the entire top wood, and then fab/install new wood. This wood is part of the structural integrity of the body.

Re: Headliner Ideas
 

I agree with Brent on this. do it right.


however, if I were cheating, Ild put a new set of bows either fore or aft and leave the old ones in place.


in construction known as installing a "sister joist"

Re: Headliner Ideas
 

Thanks for your thoughts on this. I won’t be removing the roof, not opening up that can of worms. The roof is fine and after looking at a lot of pictures, some from Brent’s website, I believe my repair will be more than sufficient. My two hobbies were always old cars and wood working, first car I ever had where I can do both. When I get going on this I will get pictures. Larry

Re: Headliner Ideas
 

Get a couple new bows. Bandsaw them down the center and scab them onto each side of the old ones with epoxy. There is thin epoxy that you can soak the ends of the ones in the car if they are rotten - since those ends will still be the main support. 100% "correct" repair - no but it'll get the job done and keep everything wood.

Re: Headliner Ideas
 

Adding to the sides of the bow members is going to change where the listing on the headliner attaches. It might stretch the material too far.

Wood members can be spliced but it would be necessary to redo the top either way. Also, it's not possible to tack or staple to steel reinforcements.

Re: Headliner Ideas
 

If you add 1/4" to each bow you just need to move the headliner forward or back 1/4". You could epoxy and clamp them to the existing bows without disturbing the top. Trim the ends to fit tightly to the sides rather than inletting them.

Re: Headliner Ideas
 

Larry, I guess I can see your point.:confused::rolleyes:

My point is/was we see all too many conversations about 'mess-torations'. A recent one is Wretched Roadster where things were either shoddily done or patched. For a little over $200.00 you can purchase a kit that has everything you need to replace your top.

Re: Headliner Ideas
 

Well I completed my repair and am very happy with the results. I will not bother with any further explanation, because I am so sure they are inadequate. Thank you all for comments and for seeing my point :confused::rolleyes: