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I have a '79 F350 2WD standard cab. I remove the headliner when I bought the truck because it was gross and had mildew stains. I kept the trim, and cleaned up the trim and clearcoated it, and bought new stainless screws for when I put them back on.
I was thinking of making a DIY headliner, and I can use the trim for the pattern , and just cut the shape about 3/8" less than the trim size.
However, I couldn't remember - how exactly does the headliner stay up? Does it just tuck under the "edge" of the trim, or does it go under the "roof edge" of the ceiling?
I think it just tucks between the trim edge and the ceiling, but can't recall for 100% sure?
I have a '79 F350 2WD standard cab. I remove the headliner when I bought the truck because it was gross and had mildew stains. I kept the trim, and cleaned up the trim and clearcoated it, and bought new stainless screws for when I put them back on.
I was thinking of making a DIY headliner, and I can use the trim for the pattern , and just cut the shape about 3/8" less than the trim size.
However, I couldn't remember - how exactly does the headliner stay up? Does it just tuck under the "edge" of the trim, or does it go under the "roof edge" of the ceiling?
I think it just tucks between the trim edge and the ceiling, but can't recall for 100% sure?
It should go under edge of trim ,the center brace on roof would stop it from tucking under roof edge
I did a DIY headliner that came out real nice.
The headliner backing is 1/8” Masonite from a hardware store. I cut it about 3/8” shorter than the chrome trim pieces.
Then I picked up some marine grade vinyl from JoAnns Fabrics and a can of 3M Super77 contact adhesive from the Depot.
I cut the vinyl longer than the Masonite, glued it to the Masonite with the 3M Super77 and then trimmed it to the exact size of the Masonite with a utility knife.
Then I installed the new headliner. I didn’t need to use the center ceiling screw because the 1/8” Masonite is plenty strong and rigid with just the perimeter trim installed.
Hope this makes sense. Good luck!
I did a DIY headliner that came out real nice.
The headliner backing is 1/8” Masonite from a hardware store. I cut it about 3/8” shorter than the chrome trim pieces.
Then I picked up some marine grade vinyl from JoAnns Fabrics and a can of 3M Super77 contact adhesive from the Depot.
I cut the vinyl longer than the Masonite, glued it to the Masonite with the 3M Super77 and then trimmed it to the exact size of the Masonite with a utility knife.
Then I installed the new headliner. I didn’t need to use the center ceiling screw because the 1/8” Masonite is plenty strong and rigid with just the perimeter trim installed.
Hope this makes sense. Good luck!
Sounds perfect, I will follow your plans, I was thinking along the same lines, thanks for the tips!
I would do something to support the middle. I did not use the screw on mine and it is starting to sag a little after about 2 years or so. Another option I saw that looked better than the screw but still provided the same support was to use some of the really heavy, industrial type Velcro on the back side of the headliner and on the center metal support on the roof. Not the fuzzy, normal craft store kind but the really coarse stuff.
Something like
If you are shopping at JoAnns Fabrics for material you can also get some better adhesive there. (at least better heat and gravity resistance).
X2 on the HD velcro on the center beam to support the area, also remember to put some jute, boom mat, peel and stick, dymamat ect...some sort of sound deadner up there 1st. And yes is only goes under the trim, measure X10 times cut once.
I would do something to support the middle. I did not use the screw on mine and it is starting to sag a little after about 2 years or so. Another option I saw that looked better than the screw but still provided the same support was to use some of the really heavy, industrial type Velcro on the back side of the headliner and on the center metal support on the roof. Not the fuzzy, normal craft store kind but the really coarse stuff.
Something like this.
I don't mind using the screw in the middle but I think it will be hard to estimate it's position to get the hole in the correct spot
If you are shopping at JoAnns Fabrics for material you can also get some better adhesive there. (at least better heat and gravity resistance).
X2 on the HD velcro on the center beam to support the area, also remember to put some jute, boom mat, peel and stick, dymamat ect...some sort of sound deadner up there 1st. And yes is only goes under the trim, measure X10 times cut once.
I don't mind using the screw in the middle but I think it will be hard to estimate it's position to get the hole in the correct spot
Cut the head off a small sheet metal screw and grind it to a point, screw it into the hole just enough that it won't fall out, Position the headliner where it would go and gently press up in the center so the pointy screw will make a dimple in the back of the hardboard (or whatever you make the headliner out of), then take it down and you'll know exactly where to drill the hole!
As far as the middle support goes.... you could use a command strip for the Velcro idea and stick it to the support, then when you press up on the headliner it'll stick in the proper place
If you want to mark the hole for a screw you can use nail polish, lipstick, paint, white out, or anything else that smudges easily and press up on the headliner it'll make exactly where the hole needs to go.
You guys that used hardboard are more patient than I am. What a royal pain in the *** to try to get that into position. It's just too heavy and stiff. (1/8" hardboard) . The original headliner was just foam backed cardboard I believe.
I'd rather try using that corrugated plastic board if I can find a large enough sheet.
Plus, all I have for my pattern is the trim. Insane bitch to try and cut accurate with just that. Screw that, just doesn't work worth a damn. Maybe if I make one out of cardboard first.
