Morris Minor Owners Club

Afternoon all fitting a new headlining any good tips please. Never done one and not looking forward to it any body in the Kent area any help would be appreciated please. Regards swampy

OK, I can't remember where I got this from but I copied it several years ago from somewhere for the day that I (might) replace mine (but haven't yet so I have no experience of it). Hope its helpful and if you do do it, let us know how you get on! I have heard of people doing it on a very hot day, or using a hairdryer to make the headlining more flexible and more easily tautened by the wires.

Headlining Replacement

Start by looking under dash board for two bits (one by left pillar, one on right) of thin wire bare wire held taught by small screws. Undo screws & release wire. Tie a bit of string to wire to make life easy later on.

The board behind the lining over the windscreen is retained by two hidden slips. Positions vary, but roughly 1/3 of way across car is a good bet. You need a flat thin bar bent at 90 degrees & a lip of about 1/2 inch and a longer "handle". Carefully insert the short bit over top of windscreen & under lining. Slide sideways until engaged with clip & then lever upwards. This bit always sounds difficult when explained, but in practice is dead simple and takes only one or two seconds!

Fold down the rear seat and then remove screws from piece of headlining under the rear window. The lining and its backing board can now be removed. Also remove the side trim with arm rests.

At the sides of the car, next to edge of rear seat backrest, just below windows, are two more screws & then ends of bare wire. Also underneath the rear shelf, access from inside the boot are the last two. Remove all four. Also remove any metal trim clips that are holding the lining down - exact positions will vary depending on who fitted the lining.

Lift the edges of the rear window rubber and look for concealed hooks holding down more of the bare wire. Some people reckon it's easier to remove the rear window for this bit! Release the wire.

The whole lining can now be bunched up in centre of car and the metal supports manipulated out of the side channels. As you remove the lining, the bits of wire pull up through the windscreen pillars. The bits of string are to help pull them back down when refitting.

Note how the old lining and bits of wire are attached to the metal hoops. Mark the hoops so that you know (a) which is front, middle, back, and (b) where the edge of the lining goes. Also note how much material is required between the front hoop and where the plywood board is attached - headlinings are supplied to approx size & trimmed as needed.

Assemble the new lining and wire with the boards and hoops. If you need new wire try bicycle shop for thin inner gear / brake cable.

Now it's just "a reversal of the removal process". Pull all wires tight and adjust to get an even spread of fabric. Pushing the board into place over the windscreen makes the final tension, and the two front wires are the last to be fixed.

Morning thank-you for your reply at the moment it's a job I'll not rush into. As things are now windows and seats are all out there is no headline all that is left is the 3 rails. Have bought new lining new front board wire and clips just haven't got the nerve to go for it thanks again. Regards swampy.

I think the thing to do is take your time over it when you do start and don't get flustered or panic. Like all jobs, it may seem daunting if you haven't done it before. If there are hitches, stop for a cup of tea or go do something else for a change. If the car windows are out, I assume you have a garage away from prying eyes that can get you flustered if you are doing an awkward, tricky job

Morning yes it's away from all to see and stare I'll to some more reading up on it one day thanks again swampy.

Swampy,
You might like to read this too viewtopic.php?p=196788&hilit=How+to+fit ... ng#p196788
There seems to be more on the subject if you put into the search box under the heading "Useful Tips" the phrase "How to fit a headlining".
Best of luck, and let us know how you get on, MikeN.

Morning Mike thanks for that doesn't sound too bad but I'll have to get a second pair of hands one day it's bit too warm this weather. Thanks again swampy.

Swampy,
Some more! See here viewtopic.php?p=141721&hilit=whats+the+ ... or#p141721
I've always printed off this sort of thing (I've several files) 'cos you never know if it's going to be there when you want it.
Regards MikeN.

Morning Mike thanks for that. Regards swampy.

Afternoon all update on the roof lining it's done at lastnever again thanks to Mike for advice don't get flustered slow and steady. It might not be perfect but a lot better than no lining windows next thanks again everyone for your help. Regards swampy.

Well done!

Thanks.

Afternoon all me again can anyone help. The panel that sits under the back screen that is covered by the same material as the roof lining anyone know where i might be able to obtain one. Also would you fit it before or after fitting the back window back in. Thanks swampy.

Definitely fit that panel BEFORE you fit the rear window but I can't help with where you'd obtain one. Newton Commercial? or ring around the Morris Minor specialists? Have you got the old one as a pattern? You don't find old Minors in local breakers yards anymore do you

OK thanks for your help no haven't got the old one there wasn't any thing really left of the old one as the back window was out and the car was out in all weather not too worry thanks again. Swampy