The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Interiors cardboard headliner question

I have been reading up on the headiner past posts, and in tech tips. Am I right in my thinking that the windshield must be installed prior to installing the headliner? i.e., as I understand it, the front of the headliner is placed under the lip of the windshield gasket.

As I recall, the headliner goes between the body and the windshield interior molding, but not under the windshield gasket.

[on edit] I just read the tech tip HERE and it says the headliner DOES go under the lip of the windshield gasket. What do I know? I'd assume that installing the headliner without the windshield installed and installing it with the headliner in the way would make it a PITA (more than it already is).

Mike, which Chevy truck are you asking about, your '40 or your 53?

I assumed it was the '53, as that's what he's been working on lately. He's made better progress than I have on my '51 for sure.

mike burns When I put in cardboard headliners they don't get onder the windshield gasket.

If you have a decent pattern, you can make a headliner out of Formica and bend it to fit using a handheld hair dryer. It will not shrink nor warp and if lightly sanded can be painted. Most of the cardboard used today is not the same as what was available up into the early 80s. Most of the stuff I've seen is really on the flimsy side. Some use ABS plastic, but recently I saw some that was installed apx 6 years ago and (a) it had shrunk and (b) it was warped just like the cheap cardboard. So, I couldn't suggest that.

Going on my 6th year with ABS. My Suburban, which has larger panels than a truck cab and has black primer on the outside that makes temps inside very hot during the summer, has no shrinkage or warping.

I agree with Jon! I used Formica for my headliner also.

Chris

What type of saw/saws and blade/blades did you use to cut the Formica?

I have has some trouble eliminating chipping at the cutting edges.

Thanks

Jig saw with fine tooth metal cutting blades. 2” wide painters tape laid down the center of the cut line. Cut slowly with even pressure.

Thank you.

I am now planning on using formica rather than cardboard for the backing of the side panels and door panels on my 1954 Suburban. You have confirmed my strategy.

The original-style card-board (backing) deformed from moisture.

Do you have a suggestion for the type of adhesive I could/should use to attach the vinyl material to the formica panels?

Thanks

Just plain old spray adhesive (3M Brand) you can get at your FLAPS. Find center point front to back. Spray a 2-3” strip down the middle front to back. Find center on your vinyl and spray a 2-3” strip down the middle front to back. Carefully mate the surface working slowly. Then you can work in 4-5” strips from center to outer edge until reaching the farthest point + 1/2” to turn over the edge. Then do the same from center to the other edge. Pull and straighten wrinkles as you go. If you mess up you can use steam to reactivate the adhesive. Slow and steady is the name of the game. Good luck.

The FLAPS has some good adhesive and some not so good (fails early) adhesive. I'll try to remember to get the number of the good 3M stuff when I get home.

3M77 is the mild adhesive
3M90 is the strong adhesive

Chuck