Topic: 64.5 Headliner

[CW4macret]

Well it is slow going but so far so good. Any tip for the sail panels?

[CW4macret]

Ok I have top lookin like it should. Any tips on the headliner that covers the sail panel?   

[CharlesTurner]

Ok I have top lookin like it should. Any tips on the headliner that covers the sail panel?

Just remember that your wrinkles are pulled out perpendicular to the lines.  Try pulling the rear corner down and back and stick it to the rear glass opening.  Don't forget the little cardboard strips that are used to hold the bottom back corners down.

[CW4macret]

Just remember that your wrinkles are pulled out perpendicular to the lines.  Try pulling the rear corner down and back and stick it to the rear glass opening.  Don't forget the little cardboard strips that are used to hold the bottom back corners down.

Did you make the strips yourself out cardboard or are they special?

[CharlesTurner]

Did you make the strips yourself out cardboard or are they special?

Usually re-use originals, but they can be made w/out too much trouble.  I would use something more stiff than cardboard.

[mtinkham]

Charles, are the cardboard strips unique to 64.5?  I am working on a 67 and don't recall seeing any cardboard when I removed the head liner.  Do you have any pictures that you could share (assuming it is applicable to a 67 Metuchen coupe)?  Thanks, Mark

[CharlesTurner]

Charles, are the cardboard strips unique to 64.5?  I am working on a 67 and don't recall seeing any cardboard when I removed the head liner.  Do you have any pictures that you could share (assuming it is applicable to a 67 Metuchen coupe)?  Thanks, Mark

No, not unique to just early cars, I believe I've seen them on all coupes up through at least 68.  At the back corners, there are turn up prongs that are bent down to hold the strip on each side.

Note: This only applies to coupes, not fastbacks.

[67gtasanjose]

Usually re-use originals, but they can be made w/out too much trouble.  I would use something more stiff than cardboard.

Good topic. My '67 headliner was replaced once back in '79 and fitment since was always a bit saggy or wrinkled meeting up to the package tray and tops of the quarter trim shortly after it was "Professionally Done". Likewise, there were none of these "something more stiff than cardboard" pieces found when I removed that old headliner.

It sounds like we Coupe owners could all use some guidance on how best to duplicate something we have no original examples available to pattern a replacement from. My memory from working in a salvage yard +30 years ago, is trying to visualize the material (heavy cardboard is close, but certainly not correct) so that I can obtain a similar product from a hardware store or the likes. I am thinking it was very similar to the cardboard backing of an original door panel, am I getting close? (not hardboard or particle board)

[mtinkham]

No, not unique to just early cars, I believe I've seen them on all coupes up through at least 68.  At the back corners, there are turn up prongs that are bent down to hold the strip on each side.

Note: This only applies to coupes, not fastbacks.

Thanks Charles.  Is this detailed in the assembly manual?  If so, I should be able to see the detail when I get home from work.  If not, does the headliner get hooked on the prongs and then the cardboard is sandwiched between the prongs and the headliner?  A picture is worth 10,000 of my words!

[WT8095]

Good topic. My '67 headliner was replaced once back in '79 and fitment since was always a bit saggy or wrinkled meeting up to the package tray and tops of the quarter trim shortly after it was "Professionally Done". Likewise, there were none of these "something more stiff than cardboard" pieces found when I removed that old headliner.

It sounds like we Coupe owners could all use some guidance on how best to duplicate something we have no original examples available to pattern a replacement from. My memory from working in a salvage yard +30 years ago, is trying to visualize the material (heavy cardboard is close, but certainly not correct) so that I can obtain a similar product from a hardware store or the likes. I am thinking it was very similar to the cardboard backing of an original door panel, am I getting close? (not hardboard or particle board)

Try searching with "panel board" or "cowlboard". Here's an example, listed as about 1/8" thick, so it might be heavier than what you're looking for:

http://www.rochfordsupply.com/shop/Automotive/Automotive_Misc/Panel_Board_-_Waterproof/index.html

[CharlesTurner]

Here's a pic of an original, I believe it came from a 65 or 66 coupe.

It's 7.5" long, 0.5" wide and about 0.12" thick.

[CharlesTurner]

Thanks Charles.  Is this detailed in the assembly manual?  If so, I should be able to see the detail when I get home from work.  If not, does the headliner get hooked on the prongs and then the cardboard is sandwiched between the prongs and the headliner?  A picture is worth 10,000 of my words!

Found it in the '65 Interior assembly manual, it's in the '68 ASM too.

C4ZB-6552194 Strip - Roof headlining side retaining - rear lower- 1 required each side of body.  Strip is rolled into headliner and retained by bending tabs.

The strip is installed in the back corner, the pointed prongs are what hold the headliner between the package tray area and the rear side window.

[67gtasanjose]

Here's a pic of an original, I believe it came from a 65 or 66 coupe.

It's 7.5" long, 0.5" wide and about 0.12" thick.

Found it in the '65 Interior assembly manual, it's in the '68 ASM too.

C4ZB-6552194 Strip - Roof headlining side retaining - rear lower- 1 required each side of body.  Strip is rolled into headliner and retained by bending tabs.

The strip is installed in the back corner, the pointed prongs are what hold the headliner between the package tray area and the rear side window.

These comments are tremendous help. Thanks Charles.

 Now if we post a "How To..." video alongside this post, something like a "Headliners For Dummies" video, then I might actually get the gist of the way it all goes together    I've watched the WCCC video, he doesn't use the headliner retainer board there, but a lot of good pointers how to stretch things into place.

Try searching with "panel board" or "cowlboard". Here's an example, listed as about 1/8" thick, so it might be heavier than what you're looking for:

http://www.rochfordsupply.com/shop/Automotive/Automotive_Misc/Panel_Board_-_Waterproof/index.html

Thanks Dave, I have a local upholstery shop, it's on my drive home, he may have some of this stuff sitting around.

[CW4macret]

You guys Rock! I might actually be able to do this.  Thanks