tips for t-top headliner repair?

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themadness
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tips for t-top headliner repair?

Post by themadness »

any of you guys ever repaired the headliner in a car with t-tops? i have done a regular headliner before but was wondering if any special cuts need to be made for the unique shape.


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Asylum
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Re: tips for t-top headliner repair?

Post by Asylum »

If you watch Muscle Car on Spike they just last week did a segment on headliners and there is a science to it.
There's was not a T-top situation, but it did explain some of the angles and cutting required.
A T-Top sounds like a major PITA but good luck with it.
It's not like our cars with a hard molded template if I'm assuming it's something with bows and a superstructure.
Best to pay for a pro IMHO if you want a job done right.
Just my .02


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spacecadetz26
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Re: tips for t-top headliner repair?

Post by spacecadetz26 »

good luck!! lol


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themadness
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Re: tips for t-top headliner repair?

Post by themadness »

its a 96 camaro with t-tops. it appears to be the same kind of board that was in the beretta. cutting and stretching the corners and curves is going to be the MAJOR challenge!


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Re: tips for t-top headliner repair?

Post by themixer »

It doesn't cost too much to give it a go! It has always got to look better than a falling down or missing one


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spacecadetz26
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Re: tips for t-top headliner repair?

Post by spacecadetz26 »

they sell plastic molded headliners they are pricey but work. my car has one.


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themadness
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Re: tips for t-top headliner repair?

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Re: tips for t-top headliner repair?

Post by bagged_and_loud »

Have a pro do it. You won't regret it.


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spacecadetz26
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Re: tips for t-top headliner repair?

Post by spacecadetz26 »

yea thats the one.


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Chad91GTZ
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Re: tips for t-top headliner repair?

Post by Chad91GTZ »

The foam backed headliner material isn't expensive. Yes it's a pain in the ass. Especially on a t-top or even a sunroof car. And I've seen it done many times as a kid.

I'd say give it at least one try before you pay someone.


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Re: tips for t-top headliner repair?

Post by Rettax3 »

I would suggest NOT trying to use the foam-backed headliner material, just because of the T-Tops. It doesn't stretch quite as well as a regular knit material. Avoid weaves -they don't stretch at all. Just go to a fabric store and pick out a nice stretchy fabric in the color you want. Get a real headliner adhesive though -don't even think about 3M Super 77, it won't work, period. You will have it done before you know it, and for probably under $15. Good luck.


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Re: tips for t-top headliner repair?

Post by Chad91GTZ »

You cut the foam back from the edges...... You don't try to wrap the foam around the sides.


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Re: tips for t-top headliner repair?

Post by Rettax3 »

That would certainly help, but on my third-gen T-Top Camaro, I can't say I would want to try mushing foam-backed fabric into the compound curves around the center-beam... The foam-backing looks so much nicer, but I would trade that off for a snugger, less wrinkly fit any day. Although someone with better skill could probably make the foam-backed fabric come out best, I say the trade-off for an easier fit with a stretchier single-layer fabric would be worth it for a first-timer. But either way is probably better than shelling out the dough for a pro, without at least giving it a try. Which reminds me that I still have to redo the headliner in my Yellow Indy... :oops: I still have to sew in the yellow accent stripes I want it to have...


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Re: tips for t-top headliner repair?

Post by Chad91GTZ »

Again, if you know what you're doing, you shave and trim that foam during your fit. I understand you're not a professional installer, but it can be done. And looks incredible when finished. Even if you have to try three times, the fabric isn't expensive.


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Re: tips for t-top headliner repair?

Post by spacecadetz26 »

yes but if the headliner board can take redoing it that many times is another thing.


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