Help installing headliner

[kelly.ga]

I'm thinking of putting a MAC headliner in my 47 coupe/sedan but would like to know if I might be getting in over my head. Are the directions good, can I do this by myself, do I need special tools etc. I don't want to spend 200 bucks and then screw it up since I don't usually screw up, yeah right . I already have the side quarter windows out, do I use the rope a dope trick putting them back in. Also, I noticed in my new MAC catalog on page 236 it shows the inside of a 46 with three pieces stainless on the door. Is that OE. Thanks

 

[Ken/Alabama]

I have installed two head liners from Mac and two from Lebaron Bonney . The one from Lebaron Bonney came with very detailed instructions and fit very well. The ones from Mac had some instructions and left a lot to the imagination but did fit nice. Its not hard you just have to keep working side to side front to back getting it straight . One thing you want to do is make sure all your tacking strips are in good condition.

 

[fomocoloco]

i installed a headliner in my 36 5/w. i suggest you start in the rear, as the LB instructions say. keep it tight to work out wrinkles. have a helper if at all possible. have a good stapler, and some card stock to go under the staples. also, don't CUT anything. you probably won't have to. have on hand; short staples, push pins. tape, string, small hammer, dull putty knife (to tuck in sides) good luck.

 

[Old Henry]

The headliner I got form Mac's I fortunately turned over to a professional installer to install because it was made wrong and he had to take the rear panel off and recut and sew it with the extra fabric that Mac's sent. Mine is a Fordor so big ceiling to get right. I think it cost a couple hundred dollars for him to install and well worth it. He even covered the sun visors with the headliner material. Mighty nice.

 

[19Fordy]

If you install your own, don't forget to allow extra material in the headliner where the sun visor brackets screw on. You will also need a steamer to shrink the wrinkles out or you can leave your car out in the hot sun all day. I used a steamer. Also, be sure and paint your interior headliner ribs so they don't make "rust stains" on your headliner later on. Also install some good insulation inside the roof to reduce interior heat. If you take your time you will have success. Here's my LB interior kit I installed in 1988 . Total interior and seat kit cost was $550 then.

 

[Lawson Cox]

I'm thinking of putting a MAC headliner in my 47 coupe/sedan but would like to know if I might be getting in over my head. Are the directions good, can I do this by myself, do I need special tools etc. I don't want to spend 200 bucks and then screw it up since I don't usually screw up, yeah right . I already have the side quarter windows out, do I use the rope a dope trick putting them back in. Also, I noticed in my new MAC catalog on page 236 it shows the inside of a 46 with three pieces stainless on the door. Is that OE. Thanks

Kelly. Give ,me a call if you need some help..

 

[cabot]

The headliner is challenging but "doable". i did my 1941 coupe sedan (club coupe) myself. It looks pretty good. In answer to the side window, yes you use the rope idea. Get a big green plastic tongue depressor tool from one of the suppliers also, this is helpful tucking the headliner up into the grab rails over the door and for the window rubber everywhere around the car. the Le Baron kit fit fine I used, only cut the excess when you are sure (the kit is made where you cut some off at the edges). Do not mix up the headliner bows, and save the little tiny ones at the back window. Use contact cement from the bottle and a small brush when needed, staples and push pins can work for tacking and simulation but my liner took the nails in the tack strip. redo any questionable tack strip. I did like the lebaron instructions and read them many times while doing this project.
Don't know about your doors. You'll feel good if you do it.

 

[42merc]

I, just this week finished installing a Mac's headliner in a '40 coupe by my self. Very poor instructions, but I got it finished. It looks good. The panels are done & I've started the seat. Should be all done this week. If you know anyone who could help you, I sure would ask.

 

[Russ/40]

I did it as a dumb 15 yr old kid. Came out great. If I could do it then, anyone can. I had the most trouble with the rear window rubber trying to tear as I pulled the seal in.

 

[kelly.ga]

Thanks guys, sounds like LB is the way to go. 19Fordy, yours looks great. Lawson, will do.

 

[416Ford]

Kelly, I do not have the Mac catalog here at work but my 46 does has 4 stainless strips on the door panels. Top and bottom are larger/wider then the center ones.

 

[john worden]

I iron fabric headliners before fitting. Measure twice, cut once. Keep your hands clean during fitting and don't let anyone touch the fabric. I steam when needed with a garment steamer. Good advice on this thread.

 

[kelly.ga]

Thanks, I just finished my doors and used a stainless from a 55 chev. Looks good, so I guess I'll just go with that. I tore out the headliner today, what a mess. I took out the back glass since the rubber was dry rotted. I would like to go back with the rubber that has a place for stainless. I wonder why a Delux would't have had that. Anyone know where I can get a used one. This is not a "show car". I also have to buy quarter window rubber, is there a best dealer to get this from. I don't like to have to fight everything. Thanks for all the advise, will do, Lawson, standby.

 

[416Ford]

41 Ford I believe was the only one with the stainless and it is hard to find. Can you take a picture of the bracket that holds the center of the front top bow for me.

 

[19Fordy]

Windlacing goes in first. Be sure and make a 45 degree mitre on the top corners of your door windlace to make it look professional. I am pretty sure I saved the instructions from LB on how to do this and will send them to you if needed. Click on picture to enlarge. Colors vary due to camera flash. Also don't forget to run your domelight and pillar light wiring FIRST before installing headliner. These are 1988 photos.

 

[416Ford]

19Forty, great pics, thanks for posting them. I would also be interested
in seeing the instructions, maybe you could post a pdf in here, I'm sure
others would appreciate it too.

 

[41Fordor]

I iron fabric headliners before fitting. Measure twice, cut once. Keep your hands clean during fitting and don't let anyone touch the fabric. I steam when needed with a garment steamer. Good advice on this thread.

The cotton fabric is wrinkled from packing/shipping and doesn't stretch like vinyl, I should have ironed it. It also doesn't wipe clean like vinyl. But installation is pretty straightforward.

Stretch front to back first, then under the side tack strips. Once tucked under the tack strips it can't be pulled back out so I went slowly back and forth. Don't let your wife find her good sewing scissors in the garage when she helps you rope in the back window.

 

[kelly.ga]

416Ford, yes I will take a pic of the bracket but I will have to give them to Lawson since I don't have a clue as to how to post them. Also 19 Fordy I would love to get a hand on those instructions, since I have decided to go with MAC because it is a hundred dollars cheaper.

 

[19Fordy]

Here's the info re: 416Ford suggestion. Click on photos to enlarge. First 3 photos tell how to install windlace in a 40 coupe. 4th photo shows close up of 45 degree mitre. Practice making this BEFORE you make your final "installation" cut. Photos 5 through 7 show how to install windlace in a two door or 4 door "closed car." I used the original "Contact" cement in the bottle with a little brush.

 

[19Fordy]

First two photos below tell how to install a headliner in a closed car, including a coupe. Last two photos show Eastwood headliner installation tool used to "tuck" the material and the tack removal tool. I put masking tape over the metal edge of the headliner installation tool so as to "dull" the tool edge. It worked fine. I would recommend NOT using a putty knife to tuck the material into the grabber strips (STEP 4) as the sharp edges and corners of the knife may rip your material. Round the corners off and dull the edge so it will slide easily over the material without tearing it. I think it would be better to use a plastic bondo squeezee or plastic putty knife. I did use the tucking tool sold by Eastwood. I would suggest that before actually starting your installation, that you plan one step at a time and go over your directions again and again until you fully understand them and feel comfortable. At first, it may seem daunting, but this was my first attempt and I was determined that I could do it one step at a time. You can do the same. Anyhow, I hope this helps.