I was flipping thru the NPD parts catalog and they have this crazy ABS plastic headliner with built in speakers and a place to hang your stereo or CB. Thoughts?

 

I decided to get one after trying to find out what I could about them. There is little info available from the factory and only a few guys have them. The few I did talk with seemed to be a little bit tight lipped about the Highliner, which should have been a clue to me. I made the mistake of not pursuing further my need for more information on this item. After getting one for the F-250 Stroker, I learned several things that make me wish I didn't have it.

First, you can no longer use your chrome trim as it will no longer fit. They have a series of screws to mount it in the truck and some plastic "covers" to place over the screws that makes them look like little flat ended spikes sticking out every so far around the entire edge of the headliner. Not only a little "different" but downright "Ugly" to me. Oh, and be sure to glue them on. If this was the only thing, I could probably live with it.

Second problem is that they furnish four new 4 inch two way speakers with the unit. That would be fine, but the maximum wattage is only 10 watts for each speaker. Almost any decent new radio far exceeds this low power speaker's capabilities, so I had to buy some new speakers spending another $80 after paying $300 for the headliner. My new JVC radio had already set me back $200.

Third thing to come up was the headliner is now only furnished in black, but is paintable. They used to have a few colors already painted they would sell.. Not any more. You end up spending about $35 for paint that is for ABS and is pliable and doesn't chip designed especially for this plastic material. Cheaper paint is a wasted effort as it will chip, flake, or is not intended for use on ABS. As you can see, this whole thing gets expensive quick!

The fourth thing I found is that the actual casing for the radio is very small, tight fitting, and not vented and the "heat sink" on a good quality radio sits right against the ABS box enclosing the radio. I was able to find some thin sheets of asbestos like material used to shield parts while welding and cut some pieces to fit under where the heat sink was actually against the plastic to keep it from burning its way through. I didn't put any asbestos material behind it because that would have contained all of the heat into the radio assembly which didn't seem like a good idea to me. There is little if any ventilation when the radio is hung and bolted in place. There is only one little hole inside that vents up into the space above the headliner for the wires which is roughly about 1 inch in diameter. I did enlarge that somewhat, but you are limited here as you quickly compromise the strength of the ABS where it is hanging and it could "sag" if you enlarge the hole too much. They also send you foam to install above the headliner for sound deadening which completely finishes up stopping any possible ventilation for the heat sink on the back of the radio and the radio itself. The foam insulation is plastic and I wonder if it will melt from the radio's operating heat. Even though the headliner is now installed, I haven't gotten up enough nerve to put the radio up in its little compartment where it sets, hook up the wiring and antenna, and turn it on! At this point in time, I wouldn't mind watching the headliner burn, but I spent a lot on the radio and speakers and I'm not wanting to set fire to my truck............ Yes, I wish I hadn't bought it! It actually isn't even good to use as a paper weight because of its size....Oh Well, a lesson well learned!! I've made a few dumb purchases in my life before this one, but I really have to rate this one as being tied for "First Place" if it isn't the First Place Winner! This is the only point that is debateable about the whole thing! Anyone want to Buy this Thing???

 

Motordog, hate to ask, But can we gets some pics of this, I myself have been considering this. Having my radio all ready mounted in the dash, Id simply wont use that provided spot for that. maybe for a CB, or switches, But I still like to see what it looks like installed

 

Well....that answered MY question....

 

I saw that headliner too and thought it would be cool........ right up till I saw the speakers rated for a measley 10 watts.

 

When I bought my rig last month, the PO pulled out this NPD headliner thing--still had the box it was shipped in--and indicated he'd be glad to throw it in (he might have also been about to ask for some $$). I took a quick look and that was enough to know it was pretty flimsy. I passed.

 

I saw a couple of posts about these headliners in the past.

People had mixed feelings about them, but apparently, there is a way to re-use the chrome.

Either way, I'd trust MotorDog's opinion. If he can't make it work, I doubt anyone else would.

 

If this post hadn't got me to thinking about this again, I would probably still be putting it off. I guess I've been thinking that if I waited long enough, the problem would go away or something.....NO Chance! Like I said, the headliner is in the truck, but I am actually afraid to hook the wires up to the radio and actually turn it on. Speaker position was the reason I got this thing in the first place and that was what I wanted most. The fact the radio install presents such a potential fire hazard might be fixed this way. They do send a "radio delete" cover with this thing. I think I will simply attach it and forget a radio could have been put in up there. Might be able to stash my cell phone there.....we'll see. I will Install my Nice New Radio in the Glove Box and be done with it. The Original Radio is still where it should be and works fine. This will give me speaker placement without cutting door panels, etc. Radio fits fine in the Glove Box and is out of the way and unseen by potential thieves. The old AM radio is all you see when looking into the truck. If you looked up you would see the speakers, though. Too bad I'm not able to use the headliner mounted radio portion of this but it will solve some of the problems it was originally bought to correct. I don't mind having the new radio inside the glove box. I have a "hidden antenna" glued on the inside of the headliner so it isn't a problem with antennas. Will let you know how this works out. I'm hoping fine..............

 

Pics pics pics. I really want to see one installed. I been considering doing it, But like many, like to see one installed

 

Back in 1978, I had a friend who's brother had a early '70s ford truck that had a headliner like the one you have. I thought it was cool back then. I have seen them recently but don't know where. I thought it was in my LMC cat. but just checked it and couldn't find it. I would bet you could find one in J.C. Whitney but I haven't had one of those for a long time.

Kelly

 

Kelly, it can be found in LMC's catalog on Page 71. The NPD catalog has it on Page 27. You can also find it in their Web Site Catalogs in the same pages. Not sure if JC Whitney carries them, but then, even if they do, it is not an item that is a Customer Pleaser! I would NOT recommend one to anyone unless all they wanted was 4 speakers on the roof and cared less about how it looked, fit, or performed.

Right now, I have several projects backed up for paying customers so I won't be just jumping on my F-250 Stroker and finishing up the radio install for at least two, maybe three weeks. My stuff has to wait til last or when there is a spot of time for it. Truck was put over at the storage yard to make room at the shop. When I go get it out and finish the radio install, I will take a few pics of it and post them. Meanwhile, if you're considering one of these, get all the info about it you can, plus see what I have found out after buying one.....You might want to just save your money. (And Your Sanity), and look at other options!

 

I've thought about it also but will probably do somethng custom. I've already got 2 big speakers in the door and 4 smaller ones behind the seats. Still, at 70 mph, that magnaflo 3" is louder than the tunes so I was thinking about 4 more in the top corners might do the trick. Need way more than 10 watts, thats just too whimpy

 

I have one installed in my daily driver. I didn't need the radio space but the speaker placement works great. I upgraded the included speakers(never plan on using the anyway). My stereo system is awesome. I can hear the music clearly over any noise. It's like having headphones on and takes not much power to achieve the quality sound level. I could probably find a way to install my chrome strips but I haven't tried yet(looks ok to me). I bought it for the speaker placement plus my headliner was shot.