Headlining

[Molly Knew]

Good evening everyone.

This is my first post, and I guess it's not unusual that it is a request for help.

I am restoring a 1956 4 door without a split screen. The car was dismantled at a friendly garage, and I have become much more involved with the project and all is going really well.

All but the bonnet and boot are painted. Electrics are almost complete, and rear doors are fitted. Seats are not yet installed, but most other trim is complete. I aim to fit the front doors and seats after the headlining is fitted, so that I have plenty of room to move around inside when installing.

The headlining has four hoops, but I am missing one important dimension. How far back from the front rail of the car should I place my first hoop? I obviously don't want to guess the distance, as I have visions of the opening for the rear screen being out of line.

Any help would be really appreciated.

[jaekl]

What are you starting with? A purchased one or are you making your own? I take it the original is gone. The front board is the major part of getting it taut and adjust for any variations. I would start at the back and install the headliner and see where everything falls. Then estimate where the front board will be and try it. It will no doubt be a bit loose, so you need to pull it out and shorten it a bit. Get a feel for how stretchable the material is and you should hit it fairly close. Then the cables can be secured. Make sure the front board is parallel to everything. A set of marks on the back side will help with that. If you are making your own, I would think you would need an old one for a pattern.

It would also be a good idea to check other cars, but make sure al the hoops are on the same spacing as yours. four doors and two doors are the same and I think the front and only hoop on travelers and trucks are at the same distance.

[Molly Knew]

Hi Jaekl, and thanks for your time.

I am using a purchased headlining. The original was as dry and fragile as a fresh popadom, so simply broke into pieces!

Most instructions I have read, suggest stapling the lining to the front board (which is in good dry condition) and then work towards the rear. One instruction makes the point that the distance to the first bar should have been noted (guilty) because it will have a bearing on where the window opening will fall.

It suddenly occurred to me that there may be no opening..that I may need to create it myself, which would be useful. I will open the packaging as soon as possible.

I don't have access to any Morris, and I assume the four hoops are becoming rare. I need to get myself to an event of some kind. Unless anyone out there with a 4 hoop would be willing to measure up and advise?

[SteveClem]

Most restoration guys know a headliner specialist. When I had my beetle done up it cost me about 90 quid to have the (good, original) refitted.

[Molly Knew]

I'm sure that's right, but I really fancy having a go myself. I have the time, and more importantly a pair of white cotton gloves. But more relevant is the fact is that the car is going nowhere in the short term, and the headlining is kind of the next step.

[jaekl]

It should come with the rear window since it also is hemmed with a wire cable inside. I'd ease into it. Meaning start long and then shorten it on the next try. The holes won't show. Then if one of the attempts is too short you have about a half inch to lengthen it again and the holes will be hidden in the rail. Starting at the front allows you to push the board in easily then slide the rest into place then pull it back to the window and check for tightness then take it out and make any necessary adjustments. It may be easier that way.