Headliner - Remove / Install

[Damn True]

The headliner in my '68 is in perfect condition. (Thanks Grandma for keeping the car garaged!)

I need to remove it though for my cage install, and to spray the inside of the roof with Lizard Skin.

What are the odds of getting the old one removed and reinstalled without buggering it up?

Is it even remotely possible?

[6'9"Witha69]

Possible, yes. Probable, not as much. Depends on how supple the material still is. Also, the front and rear are tucked into the window seals, that alone can be a chore on original installs.

Other than that, keeoping it nice while getting the bows out shouldn't be a real problem. Back in? Now that's a different story.

[Mkelcy]

The headliner in my '68 is in perfect condition. (Thanks Grandma for keeping the car garaged!)

I need to remove it though for my cage install, and to spray the inside of the roof with Lizard Skin.

What are the odds of getting the old one removed and reinstalled without buggering it up?

Is it even remotely possible?

I think Nick nailed it: the material (particularly where folded around and glued to metal) may be pretty brittle and hard to get out. In addition, getting it back up and glued may be pretty tough. It's hard enough to do with the extra material of a replacement headliner.

Are you doing the Lizard Skin for heat, sound or both? I know our builds have different goals, but after much deliberation (with very little hard data) I've opted for a Dynamat/heat shield combo for my roof because I only want to do it once, and the Dynamat/heat shield combo is a pretty proven solution.

[Damn True]

Heat and sound, while being lighter than dynamat.

I thought about using dynamat up there, but the roof of my car is going to be painted black. I would be rather pushed out if the adhesive on the mat failed and the stuff wound up in a pile inside the headliner rather than stuck to the roof. Dunno if that is a legit concern or not, but I figured it would be easier to use one product throughout the car than multiple materials.

[mroth]

I tried to save one on a 68 and it tore where the glue and extruded tabs were. I lost the pieces that attach the headliner in the front and back on my new project. I haven't found anyone local with a spare set. I am going to try the headliner from Marquez design for a differant look. I haven't had much luck with 2 different installers on making everything come out as good as new. The sail panels always have wrinkles in them. Keep the trim pieces if you can. The aftermarket stuff sucks and is a lousy fit.

Mike

[Damn True]

Well, I'll be installing a cage, getting the marquez unit in after a cage install seems nigh-on impossible. So I'm sorta married to an OE headliner. Not a big deal, just wondering if I can get the thing in/out without buggering it up. It'd be a bummer to have to replace it since it looks pretty much good as new.

[speedshftr]

mine was perfect but after the quarter panel install it got butched/thats okay cause i want leather i think anyhow/hope i can afford it/good luck

[WEAVER]

Use a little heat to loosen the edges,Might help

[Jim Nilsen]

The hardest thing is going to be keeping it from tearing on the edges front and back as you pull it. I tried to do it and it was not a success. Heat might work but the type of glue is is like a weatherstrip adheasive and it doesn't really respond to heat. I am not sure if you could get a chemical remover to work with out distorting the material.

I f you can get it out without tearing it let us know how and take a video if you can.

[Damn True]

Thanks for the input gang. No replacing experience and I appreciate your sharing it.

I have a few other tasks to complete before getting after the removal of the headliner. Just wanted to find out if I had a chance of getting the thing out w/o trashing it. Sounds like the odds are slim.

[CarlC]

It's not hard to put in a new one. Keep the bows in their original positions, and put the new headliner in before the front and rear glass.

[NOT A TA]

Just forget the old one. I've tried to save a few for people. There's a few things. First of all the vinyl is plastic and over 40 years old. It's deteriorated and much less supple although the appearance is fine. Second the lack of extra material makes it hard to pull tight, and even harder to do it while spreading the force out enough not to rip the old dry vinyl. Third, even if you get it back into position you can't work wrinkles out easily and get the correct looking "droop" with a heatgun to get a uniform appearance like you can with a new one. I will not even bother trying for anyone anymore.