Headlining

[dp]

I've given up on trying to stick things directly to the roof so am looking to fit a headlining where one hasn't been for many years.

Am I right in thinking that the wire and cross-bars aren't part of a new headlining kit? I can easily replicate the wire but are the cross bars straight or do they have a curve in them?

Also, is there anything else I would need to source to fit the headlining? I have nothing from the old one.

Also, is the headlining pre-cut for a courtesy light?

Ta

[Alex'n'Ane]

I don't think most of the kits come with the metal bars. And they are a kinda curve shape, not that dissimilar to the curve of the roof of the car. Nor do most kits come with the tensioning wires either, nor a whole cut for the courtesy light, although this isn't exactly a big deal to do (unless obviously you don't currently have one, in which case its a bonus.) The only tool you need is a small curved metal piece (i'm sure someone will send you a useful link soon). I presume your car still has the preformed piece of wood at the front? if not this is needed to attach the headlining at the front. Hope this helps.

[kennatt]

the cross bars are all different sizes(slightly) and need to be kept in the correct order, And to get a good fit its normal to take the old one off undamaged so that you can fit the front of the new one onto the wooden former in the same position or it becomes a nightmare to get them to fit to a satisfactory finish. The new ones are made deliberatly larger to alow for shrinkage etc so you can't just fit it and assume it will be in the right place front to back.Since you don't have one I would suggest getting an old one from a scrappie ,as one piece, then you have the wires hoops and front former to see where everything goes,When I did mine(On a series two by the way,don't know if later models are different) I got one hoop out of place and had to take it off because it just would't fit properly,and start again,It's not a job I would like to do again. I rate it as second worst job after split screen replacement, There's loads of posts on the subject where you will get more advice. Good luck with it

[dp]

Hmm thanks all, I have no wooden thing either, I'll post something up in the wanted section

[Gaynor H]

Hi,
Being a newcomer and browsing the site a short while ago, I remember there was a messageboard article and thread on fitting a new headlining. In it the member posted a blow by blow account of how to install the head lining which was very informative, with some useful tips. Can't for the life of me remember which message it was, it could also have been under technical tip, apologies.

[Alex'n'Ane]

I presume this is the article mentioned? It is rather useful. http://www.mmoc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?t= ... headlining

[Gaynor H]

Thats the one