headliner - 1951 chieftain deluxe

[jlerviti]

I will be getting a pre-sewn headliner for this car. What I'd like to know is if anyone knows of a website that gives detailed instructions on how to remove the old and install the new?

[Larry]

If you do a Google search for "Headliner Installation" you will find many very good articles on this project.

I made our own (with ex-wife's sewing help) for our '40 Pontiac many years ago. After removing what was left of the tatered old headliner, we were able to see exactly how to do the new one. I do not know if your '51 has the tack strips around the sides that are sort of a thick black composite material (almost kinda tar-like), but it deteriorates and they need to be firm/strong for the new tacks or staples. I actually cut thin wood strips and riveted them in place where the old ones were shot.
As for the installation, I figured if someone on a moving assembly line could install one in 10 minutes, I should be able to do it myself in 10 hours-- it took about that, but came out beautiful!

Be sure to replace any bad windlace before the headliner goes in because you can't later. Also, if you need any new strips that hide tacks (sort of opens two flaps on the strip, you put in the nail, then they close back over the nail heads), that material is available at upholstery suppliers/stores.

Let us know how it goes. If you wish to photograph and write your experiances, we will galdy post it in our On-Line Magazine for others to learn from.

[50scars]

I have been down this street far too many times to admit. Unless you know of easy ways to remove blood from the fabric, go talk to local auto upholsery shops. I got my last one installed for $100. Like I said, I have done it a couple of times, and I'd rather spend $100-$150 than do it again. But then, I will admit to getting old, and I think my time is worth more than $10 an hour.