In what direction does the center bow on a 50 GMC go? I see that one side slips into the channel more than the other. Which side front or back or does it mater?
Yours isn't the first time that question has been asked. I searched for the answer but couldn't come up with the answer.
My opinion is that it should go on with the edge you can see toward the rear. The upper slot would go on the front part of the headliner so you can tap it in place, then the rear part of the headliner goes in the lower slot. That way, the wind won't catch it and rip it out.
I'm sure someone will be along with a more solid answer. I'm interested in that I have the headliner install ahead of me as well.
[on edit] The Tech Tip says the rear half goes into the upper slot (that's reverse of what I said.)
Last edited by klhansen; 01/06/20228:22 PM.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truck Follow this saga in Project Journal Photos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.
In my '50, the bottom half of the bow is supporting the front headliner board.
Craig
My '50 Chevy 3100 5 window, '62-235cu, 3:55 rear My truck ....... Respect The Rust If I'm not working on my truck, '65 m00stang or VW camper, I'm fishing with the wife or smoking Salmon.
forman Put your rear headliner panel in,put the bow on the edge of the rear panel,then carefully install the main big panel. Keep it all pushed back and install your windshield garnish mouldings. Left and right tails go under the edges of windshield rubber. GOOD LUCK !!
I'll add that on a 54' the bow is the same as the one in the link provided by klhansen and the left side as shown in the view goes to the front towards the windshield. The front section is "staked" into the bow at the factory. If you look closely you can see the "dimples" in the bow. Take a thin cutoff wheel and skim those dimples so the headliner ( front section ) will fit into the bow easily. Once postioned and bottomed in the bow, take an 1/8" ball bearing and position it into each of the exisitng dimples in the bow using a piece of masking tape to hold the ball in place, and then using a pair of vise grips " re-stake " the healiner in the bow . This will keep it from coming out while you are installing it. Get the front section and bow installed and then position and install the rear section. There seems to be differences in the fit/quality of headliners. It took me two seperate attempts before I got it installed. THe second headliner came from The Filling Station and it fits nicely.
Ron - - Dusty53 1954 Chevy 3604 In the Gallery Forum "You can't dance with the Devil and then wonder why you're still in Hell." "They will forget what you've said, and they will forget what you have done but they will never forget the way you made them feel."
