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Headliner bows
Posted: Thu Jul 23, 2020 9:36 pm
by Decca
I’m new here so hello all.
Just started the restoration of my 1966 minor. It came without a roof liner so I have been looking for one. Problem is I don’t have the bows that I believe keep the liner in shape and cannot find them listed anywhere.
Anyone got any idea were to get these from.
Any help appreciated.
Re: Headliner bows
Posted: Thu Jul 23, 2020 10:00 pm
by jagnut66
Re: Headliner bows
Posted: Thu Jul 23, 2020 10:33 pm
by Decca
Thanks Mike, I had looked on ESM but they don’t seem to have the bows. Am I looking for something that doesn’t exist? I assume there are metal rods that slot in the headlining and keep the arched shape of the roof or if not how is it done?
Re: Headliner bows
Posted: Thu Jul 23, 2020 10:42 pm
by les
ESM do keep used parts, so if you’ve only looked at their website, maybe give them a call.
Re: Headliner bows
Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2020 9:23 am
by simmitc
You are correct that you need hoops or bows. They are flat(ish) in cross section, curved at the ends, and have loops through which the tensioning wire fits. They are not all the same size, so make sure that you get a set, and then trial fit them to get them in the correct order.
Try Leadbetters. No website, but telephone 01257 275314. They also have second hand parts and are very helpful.
Re: Headliner bows
Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2020 6:30 pm
by Decca
Thanks, I’ll give them a ring on Monday.
Re: Headliner bows
Posted: Tue Jul 28, 2020 3:57 pm
by Decca
So I tried leadbetters and Tom Roy and no joy on the bars. Could anyone supply photos ot better still dimensions of the bars and i will look to making some.
Thanks in advance.
Re: Headliner bows
Posted: Tue Jul 28, 2020 4:14 pm
by Shropshiremoggie
Off topic , note your name is ‘ Decca ‘. Is that associated to the Decca Company ?
Re: Headliner bows
Posted: Tue Jul 28, 2020 6:26 pm
by Decca
Shropshiremoggie wrote: ↑Tue Jul 28, 2020 4:14 pm
Off topic , note your name is ‘ Decca ‘. Is that associated to the Decca Company ?
No, I have no link with them I’m afraid. It’s an old nickname from school.
Re: Headliner bows
Posted: Tue Jul 28, 2020 6:43 pm
by Shropshiremoggie
OK , no problem , I used to have links to Decca ! Thanks for reply

Re: Headliner bows
Posted: Tue Jul 28, 2020 8:19 pm
by Andyhereford
Decca. I will have a similar problem when I get around to trying to sort out the headlining for my 1967 four door. It might be a bit more complicated because my car has a BMC metal sunroof fitted that I will need to try to fit the headliner around. I will watch this thread with interest. If you get any joy outside this forum perhaps you could let us know. My thought is that if I can simply get an idea of what these rods are like...material, dimensions, end fixings, it might be possible to make something up. The problem is I have not been able to find this information to date. Good luck in your search. If I get any joy I will let you know
Re: Headliner bows
Posted: Tue Jul 28, 2020 11:09 pm
by Decca
Hi Andy. I am struggling to find any images or detail on the bows. When I bought the car I didn’t realise what an issue these would be to source. I will keep the thread updated with anything I find out.
Re: Headliner bows
Posted: Tue Jul 28, 2020 11:27 pm
by les

- E1324707-CE09-4121-B2A1-2E1ED3CC6F27.jpeg (257.18 KiB) Viewed 3642 times
Re: Headliner bows
Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2020 8:28 am
by Andyhereford
Les ( Decca I am not trying to hijack your thread) thanks for the photo...a good starter. Can you give me any idea of the dimensions of the rod, what it is made of...some form of pressed metal presumably and how the sprung(?) wire loops are attached to the end of the rod. These loops are presumably attached after the rod is threaded through the headliner. Thanks for any help you can give.
Re: Headliner bows
Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2020 10:19 am
by les
I found this picture after a search, so haven’t got the actual item. From memory, imagine a tube that’s been flattened along its length, and the spring assembly pushed into the ends.
Re: Headliner bows
Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2020 11:20 am
by simmitc
Have you tried Club Spares to see if he's got any?
Re: Headliner bows
Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2020 5:36 pm
by Decca
No I haven’t, how do I get in touch with him please.
Re: Headliner bows
Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2020 6:08 pm
by myoldjalopy
Bryan Gostling. Goes under the handle 'sparesman' on this forum. Looky here:
viewtopic.php?f=10&t=72427
Re: Headliner bows
Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2020 10:07 pm
by simmitc
Bryan's details are always in Minor Matters, sent to every member every two months. It's a service to members funded, like this website, by the subscription, and worth every penny.

Re: Headliner bows
Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2020 10:29 pm
by les
However anyone can buy the spares.