I gave my assembly manual a couple of quick leaf throughs, and didn't see the assembly detail for the headliner. I installed a new headliner in my 52 last summer, and put the bow in as you suspect it goes in. It just felt "right". I started at the the windshield trim side. I loosened the trim, and rested the front piece of headliner on it. I then slipped the bow on to check the fit. I lightly tapped the bow into place, and cripmed the dimples into the headliner using off set vice grips. Then reinstalled the front piece with the bow attached. Fitted the rear piece of headiner to the bow, then starting from the center installed the rear support. It was a PITA, as I was by myself. You might want to lightly moisten the headliner to help it flex during installation. Also when you trim along the sides don't take too much off. I like to use the windlace channel to help support and keep the arch in the headliner. I hope this helps, Jimmie.
