Mk.1 headliner installation?

[Benny]

One of these days, I'm hopin to get my recovered headliner frame back from the upholstery shop, and I was wondering if there are any helpful hints on reinstalling it.

Obviously, the back half goes in first, but should both halves be lifted into position near the center of the car, and then slid into position? It appears (without measuring) that the roof is a bit wider near the center, which might provide extra clearance.

Thanks

[Pete]

In a word..yes ! Not that bad a job to do really. I just took one out today , cracked the bloody interior light cover in the process if anyone's got a spare ?

[1071 S]

Definitely put the back in first. However, in my experience you can't slide the pieces into place.

You start with the rear as far back as it will go - once all the edges are on top of the roof rails it will go back about another half an inch.

Tuck one side on top of the rails then carefully bend the other edge inwards and slide that on top of its rail. If you pull gently down on the centre (maybe an inch or so) the sides will pull in and you can then push the whole section back that odd half inch.

You then repeat the procedure with the front.

Be careful, the metal bows have a certain amount of spring but if you bend them too far they will not recover completely. When this happens remove the piece, bend the bow to its correct shape and try again...

Good luck, you'll get there..

Cheers, Ian

[Gray]

A little vaseline on the rails make it a breeze to slide into position.

[cpr1]

some vaseline on the Cant rail works wonders Gray

[Benny]

Thanks guys, great advice.