Headliner help!
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Freshman User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 39
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Headliner help!
I just got my new 4 pc headliner from Dennis Carpenter. I figured that it would be somewhat pre-formed. But no, its just some flat fiberboard cut to shape. My question is, how do you bend/shape this stuff without breaking it? I had thought of steaming it or something of the sort, but I'm afraid that it will delaminate the fiberboard, make it swell and fall apart you know. Any ideas?
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,375
Likes: 5
From: seattle
HMMM, Thats interesting...first off I would think they would come pre formed to contours...as to ways of accomplishing this...call DC and see what they say....Im glad you mentioned this little quirk, cause I am looking for a headliner kit too...and at 175 as I recall nor do you wanna screw up a hi dollar piece like that....post what you come up with...as to the steaming...I would think that that would leave water marks myself....
Keep us posted on the outcome...cs65
Keep us posted on the outcome...cs65
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,218
Likes: 2
From: Parkville, MO (KC)
Got mine from DC -- flat as you describe. That was original.
You have to fit them it rather carefully. I did mine with a helper on a hot humid day and it bent to the correct shape perfectly -- and that was working around my shoulder belt anchors which were not envisioned by the engineers in 65.
I think a real good trick would be to lay them on a patch of grass in the hot sun for about 15 minutes beforehand to get them hot and a little moist. But where to find hot sun and grass in February.....
The HARDEST part is locating the holes correctly for the screws. DC sends instructions. Also hard is getting the final piece in -- it needs to be slipped in behind the rubber on the upper side of the rear window. And, if you have 40 year old rubber, that will be trouble. I have new rubber so it was OK, but not fun.
I can say this -- the pattern is stock and looks very original -- at least my dad and I are pretty sure it looks just like the one that was there before.
You have to fit them it rather carefully. I did mine with a helper on a hot humid day and it bent to the correct shape perfectly -- and that was working around my shoulder belt anchors which were not envisioned by the engineers in 65.
I think a real good trick would be to lay them on a patch of grass in the hot sun for about 15 minutes beforehand to get them hot and a little moist. But where to find hot sun and grass in February.....
The HARDEST part is locating the holes correctly for the screws. DC sends instructions. Also hard is getting the final piece in -- it needs to be slipped in behind the rubber on the upper side of the rear window. And, if you have 40 year old rubber, that will be trouble. I have new rubber so it was OK, but not fun.
I can say this -- the pattern is stock and looks very original -- at least my dad and I are pretty sure it looks just like the one that was there before.
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Freshman User
Joined: May 2003
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well, I guess I'll give it a go. I know it will bend a little without breaking....I just hope I don't break a $200 piece of cardboard. My main concern is the corners because they have to bend a good bit.
I installed Peel and Seal last night to the interior surface of the roof. It seems like it will add a good bit of sound reduction. If I tap on the roof now, it just gives a dull thud kind of sound, versus the tin can sound before.
By the way, can I post pictures on here, or do I have to link to a site?
I installed Peel and Seal last night to the interior surface of the roof. It seems like it will add a good bit of sound reduction. If I tap on the roof now, it just gives a dull thud kind of sound, versus the tin can sound before.
By the way, can I post pictures on here, or do I have to link to a site?
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
From: Texas
I was hoping to find a pre-bent aftermarket one and have it recovered in the same black cloth that my sunvisors are covered in. This flat deal really makes that tough. Keep posting as you get the headliner in.
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 4,423
Likes: 8
From: Clarksville,Tn
Just to add to matt's comment about black felt liner; I did mine about 1 1/2 years ago; by purchasing headliner fabric from local fabric shop; use 3m adhesive; installed nicely just alittle tight; I just poke my screws thru old original holes.
Its even out noe while truck is being painted and still holding up well.
Mitch
Its even out noe while truck is being painted and still holding up well.
Mitch
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,218
Likes: 2
From: Parkville, MO (KC)
Rod Doors mades a custom molded headliner for these trucks. Personally, I like original. But to each his own.
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