Do my own headliner, but have problem

slantback37

slantback37

Senior Member
I want to install my own headliner in a 1937 Tudor Sedan. I have the headliner. I also figured out where each bow goes. I am having a problem with tack strips. I have them in the front, and made the wood nailers there also. I have nothing now for over the rear side windows. The car was gutted when I bought it many years ago. I have been looking for pictures for a Tudor bare interior as to where these strips go. I have not had much luck though. I have 2 tack strips from a 39 Tudor. I was told that it would fit. I also have 2 long channels. They have a curve on one end, and look like tuck strips. Does anyone have a bare interior that can take a couple of pictures where I might be able to figure out where these strips go?? Thanks..
 
I can’t help with your ‘37 but I put one in my ‘50 and I think it would have come out a little better if I had ironed it first….Mark
 
I saw that on a car someone was doing. I can take the rear windows out again if I have to, but I hope I don't. I just wish I knew where those strips go.. The two long ones one person told me they were tuck strips, and went behind the bows. Nothing really fits there, and those channels would sit to high for the material to tuck into..
 
Again, mine is a ‘50 and my tuck strips went along the top of the doors. (Fordor) They were held in with screws and the material tucked up behind them. My back window came out and the headliner glued around the hole then the window went in. The tack strips went along the sides of the package tray area. I had a Repair Manual that made it all make sense. Maybe you can find something online.........Mark
 
I have the same car as yours, 1937 Tudor Slantback. Mine is in the perfect condition to show you what you need (I think). It is bone stock, the headliner is in but falling apart. Some of the window molding are installed, some not. Anyway, I just took a dozen pics that might help you out. The file size is ~ 3.5MB. Not sure I can attach them but will try. If it doesn't work out, I can send them to you via email. I can also downsize them but will lose a lot of resolution, which will be bad. It is hard enough to eke out details in the originals. Anyway, let me know.
gregg

p.s. the rear side windows don't have any tack strips. The headliner material is loosely nailed on to the window channel frame. Then the window molds secure the cloth in place.

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I don't see why the back side windows would need to come out.

I looked a little closer and only see a few nails and am unsure if they are stock. My best guess is that the headliner material is loosely glued to the window opening frame and when the molding is attached it stretches the material to give it a more taut fit.
gregg
 
flatford8 said:
I can’t help with your ‘37 but I put one in my ‘50 and I think it would have come out a little better if I had ironed it first….Mark
Click to expand...

I have dampened one with a wet cloth and it shrunk up nicely. I think you could use a spray bottle with water.

We used to shrink out wrinkles in seat covers that way to tighten them up after they were installed.
 
I recently installed one in my '48 without removing the rear window. I just trimmed it , used a little glue and pushed it under the moulding with a putty knife. Here are some things I have learned:1 center your work don't drive the tacks home until the last. Plan on a lot of adjusting to get it right. Generally, work from the center to the edge, or to the ends, as the case may be
 
I am talking about the rear windows. I can see the sides. I will take pictures today of those strips I have. The 2 long ones almost look like drip rails..
 
Pictures from inside.
 

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google how to install headliner in a fat ford H.A.M.B. Many pictures and very helpful. Steele manufactures have the best fitting rubber moulding for windshields front and back. fits perfect if you need it. From what I see of your pictures you have tack moulding installed above windows. It appears as if your flat area below tack strip,above the door, would be filled with possibly a cloth covered strip of thin plywood with welt cord around the edges.
Just some thoughts,I am not an upholsterer by any means. I googled my car looking at interior pictures of same model to try to get an idea how they did it.
 
forgot to mention that on rear side windows the trim piece comes out and the liner tucks in. On my 41 the little grabbers were above the window and trim also covered it, windlace I think they called it?
 
Should I get the door openings painted before I try to hang the headliner?? Also. Any idea what those long channels are. Could they be outside drip rails??
 
I am not sure what those two long things are for. They do look like an outside drip rail. My car came with door trims painted. Doors were not. I did a bunch of internet searches and one, maybe a hot rod forum showed different ways to use the made up panels and the welt cord. Fun times
 
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