tips on fitting a headlining to hardtop?

[Mark Shutt]

I have never fitted a headlining to any car before although I've done plenty of trimming so have a vague idea with material etc.. I figured I need to cut the pockets for the bows but not sure if I've cut enough? looks like I have a lot of "un-wrinkling "to do! hope they will come out when stretched?

any tips would be welcome as I don't want to stuff it up!!

[jleyton]

Hi Mark
I've done this and got some notes I made, but I'm away from home and only on phone. I'll be back late tomorrow and can send you info then if you want.
if you PM me your email address I can send pics and info when I get back.
Cheers
julian

[Mark Shutt]

thanks Julian, this is where I'm up to.. i took the plunge and went for it! so far so good apart from some of the stitching came apart from enthusiastic stretching! if the material didn't have so many wrinkles from poor packaging it would of gone better.

[jleyton]

Looking good Mark. Don't think mine was any better !
Cheers
Julian

ps I got mine warm when fitting and it shrunk a little taughter when it cooled.
i found the parts on the C pillar weren't quite the right shape.

[Mark Shutt]

yeah I used my trusty old hair dryer to work the creases out a little. tomorrow I'll tackle the C pillars and fit the front seal and channel. I'm not sure weather to buy a new rear screen seal or not yet, mine is in 2 pieces so will need gluing together at the bottom corners, not sure if gluing them is such a good idea!

I'm still missing the boards to do the headlining round the bottom sections, Aldridge said they can supply them for £3.60!

[Mark Shutt]

I got my board today to finish off the trimming round the bottom edges, the long thin one is about an inch short on either end!! I would have made my own but didn't have the correct material to hand.. I think the best plan is to fit the centre section 1st and not fold the material over the ends and stick it down the metal instead and then fit the sides over. and then be done with it and accept it for what it is! I'm still trying to figure out what the hole on one is for too

[Mark Shutt]

all gluing finally done! what a job, turned out better than I hoped for and not too bad for my 1st ever headlining! one popout fitted and front and back seals fitted, these are the original seals that are in superb condition so I just cleaned them and refitted them.

[Davenott]

Well done Mark, it looks really great!
Dave

[Mark Shutt]

just looking at fitting the stainless trim around the edges of the hardtop and noticed from this diagram that 623720 & 622663 are missing, are these available anywhere or are they even needed?

[jleyton]

Hi Mark
they're plastic bits - not essential.
I haven't got them.
Cheers
Julian

[SimonB]

I have to do the head lining on my hard top and your looks really good, I might even have a go myself. Which glue did you use so that it doesn't show through the material? Thanks Simon

[Mark Shutt]

I used Wickes contact glue, use the strong stuff with solvents in not the milky weak stuff that you can get!

[jleyton]

I have to do the head lining on my hard top and your looks really good, I might even have a go myself. Which glue did you use so that it doesn't show through the material? Thanks Simon

Hi Simon,

As I mentiond to Mark, above, I've got some notes on fitting headlining. I'd not done it before but am really pleased with result.

If you want my notes, PM me your email address and I can send them and a few pictures that you may find helpful.

Cheers

Julian

[SimonB]

Thanks Julian, will send pm

[Mike Stevens]

I've got mine to do very soon so pleased to see such a good result with yours. I hope I can do something similar.

I fitted a new headlining in my Jaguar X300 last week. Quite a different job having to dismantle what seemed like half the interior just to get the old one out/new one in! It does look better now and doesn't keep resting on my head while driving!

Cheers,
Mike.