The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Interiors Headliner Revisited

OK, I just got through reading 20 messages on installing a headliner. I have a 1950 Chevy 1/2 Ton five window PU. I have a two-piece headliner with a floating center headliner support. The front edge of the front piece headliner installs between the cab and two U-shaped inside window frames. The rear of the rear headliner also has a retainer.

I have placed both pieces inside the cab to see how they line up and fit. It APPEARS that the front piece notches of the headliner line up accurately with the holes punched for the inside window frame. HOWEVER, it also appears that it is a bit WIDE. The edge that fits inside the rubber cab windlace (I assume that is where the edge goes) needs a bit of trimming, perhaps 1/4-1/2 inch both sides. The edge that fits against the side of the roof of the cab and the rubber windlace also contains notches for screw holes. These notches make no sense for my model PU. I have to assume here that the headliner is made for other models that contain a retainer that account for those notches. Is this correct?

My plan to install the headliner is to:

1. Trim the side edges of the front piece so it fits
2. Fit the front headliner into the floating support and duct tape it (on the non-finished side of course)
3. Loosely install the two front window U-shaped window frames so that the notched edge of the front piece can be supported once inserted into the cab
4. Place the two side edges of the headliner between the windlace rubber and the cab while inserting the notched edge between the cab and the two U-shaped window trim pieces.
5. Once in place, I plan to tighten the front window U-shaped trim frames from the inside to the outside ensuring the headliner evenly fits up into the roof.

Is this how you did it? Any advice?

Richie, This thread had slipped down the list a ways and I have not done this project yet. But, I do have a question that you might be able to answer. I have a 49 1/2 ton that had no headliner in it when I got it. Mine has the floating center bow like you describe. Is there some kind of retainer strip to hold the rear of the back piece of the headliner? There is a series of holes for screws across the back of the cab but I can't figure out how the cardboard is held in place. Can you give me any help. Thanks

I can answer that. Yes, there is a rear retainer strip for the rear of the rear section of the headliner. Not available repop to my knowledge, you will have to find a used one.

I'm stll trying to figure out my headliner. Mine is a late 49 but I don't think it has the "floating" center bow. My center bow is wide and has screw holes all the way across it as if the headliner might have been screwed in place with some type of retainer strip (which is missing) Anybody with an earlier AD (Pre 49) please give me some info. Thanks

Richie
I need to redo my one on my 53, but from memory, that sounds like it will work much better than how I did it, mine has stress cracks in it where I bent it in the corners I've heard of people wetting it or steaming it to make it flex. One thing I would recommend before you put it up there, is get some kind of insulation to go above it, this time I'm filling the space above mine with silver bubble wrap looking insulation to cut down on the heat in the summertime and make the cab less pingy when it rains and such, you'll be glad you did, I've been driving mine for the last several months with just he insulation and it makes a world of difference and doesn't show if your doing a restoration.

rwise
They changed to the Floating headliner in Mid 49 according to the books but maybe the factory your truck was built at had more in stock that year, who knows. I don't believe it's repopped either but get a hold of Jim Carters I know Steve their used parts guy prob. has got some stuck aside somewhere, if not he might be able to go pull one from the yard for you.
Mine in my 47 was the screw type and looked like this.
[img]http://www.mongosgarage.com/S47/100_1141s2.jpg[/img]
I would be curious from guys who have done both types, which they prefer? Or thought was easier to do?
MONGO

KC: Thanks for your input. That looks much like mine and as I understand it there is a retainer strip that screws into that bow just like at the rear part of the headliner. Mothertrucker is sending me one of each as my baby had neither when I got her. Thanks again Robin Wise

Mongo-

You need a headliner insulation that will breath otherwise water vapor will condense against the cold steel and just sit there. It will rust out your roof over time. Look around home depot and yopul find more suitable stuff- it just needs to not be plastic