Mach 1 Club

Full Version: Install headliner in Mustang
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How to Install Your 1965-73 Mustang Headliner
1. Lay your new headliner in the sun and allow to soften or spread it out in your house at room temperature (this will allow the box wrinkles to smooth out and make it more workable).
2. Remove the rear cushion, rear backrest, both rear quarter panels and the package tray. On the 1965 and 1966 remove the two metal ends at the upper windshield post. On the 1967 and later remove the padded windshield post. Remove both sun visors, rear view mirror bracket and the coat hangers on either side. On the 1967 and later remove the center dome light.
3. Insert the screws back in their original holes for the sun visors, rear view mirror bracket and coat hangers so they can be located after the headliner is installed.
4. The original headliner was installed before the windshield and rear window were put in at the factory. In order to install the headliner like the original, it is recommended that you remove the rear window and windshield.
5. Remove the snap-on windlace and pull the headliner away from the wither side. Remove the headliner from the front and rear lip under the rubber. Mark the holes that the bows are in. Starting at the front, move the headliner toward the rear of the car and remove the bows holding the headliner in place.
6. You will note that the last bow is held in place by two wire clips. Remove the two clips from the 1st bow and take the headliner out of the car. Before removing the bows from the headliner, number them from front to rear. Remove the bows and install the rear bow first and hook the two wire clips to it to prevent it form moving forward. Next, continue installing the bows working your way forward until all the bows are in place.
7. Now you are ready to start gluing. Start by gluing the front lip at the windshield. Glue both surfaces and allow to dry completely. Pull the headliner forward in the center and glue right above the rear view mirror first. Pull both corners at the sun visors forward and glue in place. Be sure to pull the headliner nice and tight. The two wire clips in the rear will prevent it from coming too far forward. After the front is in place, glue the opening around the rear window. Allow to dry and glue the entire rear window area in place. Glue the 1/4 - inch lip above the door and quarter windows on both sides and allow to dry. Starting at the front, pull the headliner snuggly from side to side at the seams until the wrinkles come out.
8. When the headliner is completely glued in place, trim the excess material 1/2 inch away from the metal edge, glue the headliner and the lip and fold the headliner over the edge. In the rear corners where the headliner meets the package tray install the two cardboard strips and slit the headliner to allow the front half to catch the prongs in front of the package tray.
9. Locate the screws for the sun visors, rear view mirror and coat hanger. Cut a tiny hole and remove screws. Replace the sun visors, rear view mirror and coat hangers. On 1967 and later, cutout the dome light hole and replace the dome light. On 1865 and 1966, install the two upper windshield post metal ends. Replace the package tray, front and rear windows, rear quarters, rear seat and backrest and you r headliner is complete
NOTE: If you have some wrinkles in the headliner, use a hair dryer and heat the area around the wrinkles--all or most will disappear when cool.
Speaking from experience, if you can afford the $80 for an upholstery shop to do this, I would highly recommend it. I don't think I've ever undergone such a difficult and frustrating task as putting in a headliner.
Im with you dlaub1811 I dont know if I will try that one either.The glass removal was scary enough for me.
It took me 2 1/2 days to do a really mediocre job. Once it warm back up I am driving straight to the upholstery shop to have them touch it up. Save yourself from an aneurysm and leave it to the pros. Sadcry
I agree with you, it is often best to let someone else do this part, but i figured someone might want to try, i have done 2 and not sure if i really want to do another one Big Grin