Interior Discussion about interior restoration, repairs, and modifications.

replacing headliner

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 01-01-2007, 01:21 AM
  #1  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
JIMS406RS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: LOUISVILLE KENTUCKY
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
replacing headliner

Alright, Im in the market for a new headliner for my 91 T top. I have searched and found mixed results as far as fitment and quality goes.
What is everyones opinions that have the abs type? pics? problems?
thanks
jimmy
Old 01-01-2007, 07:28 AM
  #2  
Supreme Member

 
DJP87Z28's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 4,771
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes on 10 Posts
Car: 1987 Black IROC-Z (SOLD)
Why screw around trying to do it yourself, just take to a auto uphostery shop. It will cost you less money in the long run and you will get the factory look. My opinion.

Last edited by DJP87Z28; 01-01-2007 at 02:40 PM.
Old 01-01-2007, 01:32 PM
  #3  
Senior Member
 
thepoz89's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Buffalo Grove IL
Posts: 561
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Car: 89 Firebird 89 Formula one red one black
Engine: 350, 355
Transmission: 700r4
You can do it yourself. I installed an ABS headliner in a non t-top car and the only problem I had was that the plastic piece for the seatbelt on the passenger side broke where it clips into place. Just be careful taking these off!
POZ
Old 01-01-2007, 02:41 PM
  #4  
Member

 
DocHoliday's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: Red 1984 Z-28
Engine: 4.8 LS
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Yes, the ABS headliners are awesome. I would recommend it! BUT just remember if you get it, you must lay it out on a flat surface for a couple hours so it can return to its normal shape. Because the way they ship it to you, they fold it in half. It doesn't hurt it or anything so don't worry.
Old 01-01-2007, 08:22 PM
  #5  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
JIMS406RS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: LOUISVILLE KENTUCKY
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Doc, are you the one who had fitment problems? if so did you get it taken care of?
Thanks
JImmy

Where is the best place to buy one?
Old 01-01-2007, 09:48 PM
  #6  
Member

 
fireball451's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Gray, TN
Posts: 293
Received 13 Likes on 7 Posts
Car: 91 Z28, 91 Z28, 92 Z28
Engine: LB9, LB9, L98
Transmission: T5, T5, 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3:42, 3:42, 3:23
I've notice that on the non-t-top cars, there is an ridge down the middle of the new headiner that was not in the original.
Old 01-02-2007, 12:50 PM
  #7  
Supreme Member
 
Larry Dunlap's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Katy, Texas
Posts: 1,705
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: '91 Formula
Engine: 350
Transmission: TH350 built
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Definitely go the ABS route. I put mine in my non t top car and it was easy and looks great. To me it is crazy to try and mess around with glue and cloth and all.
Old 01-02-2007, 02:23 PM
  #8  
Member

 
DocHoliday's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: Red 1984 Z-28
Engine: 4.8 LS
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Originally Posted by JIMS406RS
Doc, are you the one who had fitment problems? if so did you get it taken care of?
Thanks
JImmy

Where is the best place to buy one?
Yes I had problems with my first one, but I am 99.9% sure it was my own fault. I don't think I really laid it flat for that long, so it stayed bent when I put it in my car. And yes, I did get it taken care of. Hawks got me a brand new one free of charge!

I bought mine from Hawks Third Gen. But I bought the kit, so it came with matching sun visors, and sail panels with the headliner. They look fantastic!
Old 01-04-2007, 11:16 PM
  #9  
Banned
 
turbochargedrs's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: long island, new york
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: Fire Red 89 RS
Engine: 2.8L :(
Transmission: 700r4 auto
does anyone have pics of the abs headliner because i just got a price on getting the headliner sunvisors and sail panels done from a shop and they told me it would cost me 329. That seems really high and im going to keep shoping around unless the abs actually looks that good.
Old 01-05-2007, 10:58 PM
  #10  
Member

 
DocHoliday's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: Red 1984 Z-28
Engine: 4.8 LS
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Originally Posted by turbochargedrs
does anyone have pics of the abs headliner because i just got a price on getting the headliner sunvisors and sail panels done from a shop and they told me it would cost me 329. That seems really high and im going to keep shoping around unless the abs actually looks that good.
In my sig pic, you can kinda see it, but I will get some pics tommorrow for ya.
Old 01-07-2007, 12:58 PM
  #11  
Member

 
DocHoliday's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: Red 1984 Z-28
Engine: 4.8 LS
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Sorry about the wait, got a little side tracked on those pics. Here they are:









Heres the sail panel:



Heres the sun visor:



Hopefully this will help you out in your decision! By the way, sorry about the lighting, the sun was shining right on my car.
Old 01-07-2007, 01:52 PM
  #12  
Supreme Member

 
DJP87Z28's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 4,771
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes on 10 Posts
Car: 1987 Black IROC-Z (SOLD)
For some it may be alright. But in my opinion I don't like the cheap all plastic look.
Old 01-07-2007, 02:39 PM
  #13  
Member

 
DocHoliday's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: Red 1984 Z-28
Engine: 4.8 LS
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Cheap plastic look? I don't see any plastic... just really clean non-sagging fabric on the headliner. But your opinion is your opinion I guess .
Old 01-07-2007, 02:52 PM
  #14  
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Gramps's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Victoria BC Canada
Posts: 830
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 87 Camaro IROC
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.23
where does one buy these ABS t-top headliners? which website?

edit: what are they made of?
Old 01-07-2007, 04:36 PM
  #15  
Member

 
DocHoliday's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: Red 1984 Z-28
Engine: 4.8 LS
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.73
You can buy them from Hawks Thirdgen Parts. Heres the website:

http://www.hawksthirdgenparts.com/

The ABS headliners are made of plastic backing and then fabric glued onto it. IMO it is 1000X better than the factorys foam backing. It will never break down llike the foam board does. Also if you ever have to remove the headliner for any reason, like repairs, or replacing something, this headliner won't get that stupid orange foam all over your interior. And you also don't have to worry about possibly breaking it when you remove it. I recommend that if you do buy the ABS headliner, that you pay the extra and get the matching sail panels and visors. Same material and fabric. They look fantastic! But, of course this is just my 2 cents. So good luck with your decision!
Old 01-07-2007, 05:56 PM
  #16  
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Gramps's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Victoria BC Canada
Posts: 830
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 87 Camaro IROC
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.23
does the abs and fabric have the same feel as the foam backing?

how does the ABS liner feel compared to the original headliner?
Old 01-07-2007, 06:07 PM
  #17  
Member

 
DocHoliday's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: Red 1984 Z-28
Engine: 4.8 LS
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.73
As far as I could tell, the factory headliner had a little more padding to it. But in no way does that effect it or its fitment, or the look.
Old 01-10-2007, 07:32 AM
  #18  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
JIMS406RS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: LOUISVILLE KENTUCKY
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Went ahead and ordered one from Hawks. Got to my door in 3 days and it looks great. I ll post up some pics as soon as I get it in the car.
Old 01-10-2007, 03:42 PM
  #19  
Member
 
unklechuckles19's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Stroudsburg PA
Posts: 329
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1987 Z-28
Engine: 355
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 10 Bolt/3.23 peg leg :(
If you happen to break any of the top 3 clips on either A-pillar I have a couple left after replacing all mine.

I love my ABS. I just finished putting it in, and it looks great. I wish I would have gotten the sail pannels when I got the headliner, but cash was short at the time. If you've got any questions post them up theres plenty of us who've done the sway we'll be able to help ya out.


Chuck
Old 01-10-2007, 08:18 PM
  #20  
Senior Member
iTrader: (5)
 
HCR13's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Augusta, Ga
Posts: 2,212
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1987 Trans Am
Engine: 355ci L98 soon to be turbo'd
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.73 posi
The only thing keeping me from installing a headliner (since I just went ahead and removed mine, its on the bare metal now) is that when it rains, my t-tops leak. Have you guys had any problems with the abs liners and leaking? I don't want to pay for a headliner that can possibly get ruined by water...
Old 01-10-2007, 08:38 PM
  #21  
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Gramps's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Victoria BC Canada
Posts: 830
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 87 Camaro IROC
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.23
why not fix the T-top leak? then get a new headliner, i had to go that route...when i get the money for the headliner imma get myself an ABS

https://www.thirdgen.org/ttopleakfix

good luck
Old 01-10-2007, 09:18 PM
  #22  
Senior Member
iTrader: (5)
 
HCR13's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Augusta, Ga
Posts: 2,212
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1987 Trans Am
Engine: 355ci L98 soon to be turbo'd
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.73 posi
Yeah, I've "been fixing it" for the past few weeks, but I've been busy with other stuff (holidays) and its my daily driver. I have all the tools and chemicals, but I'm going to read over your post (never hurst to get some pointers) thanks.
Old 01-10-2007, 11:21 PM
  #23  
Junior Member
 
Artic White's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Imperial Beach, CA
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1992 Camaro RS
Engine: LO3
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.08
I just recently got my headliner done by a local shop. the gaps around the t bar are horrible. Does anyone have pictures of the headliner around the t bar, especially ones that are done in the oem headliner board.
Old 01-12-2007, 06:28 PM
  #24  
Member

 
mjwadams's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: VA
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 92 RS
Engine: L03 with Holley Sniper EFI, headers
Transmission: T-5, hurst billet shifter
Axle/Gears: 3.08 posi
Originally Posted by JIMS406RS
Doc, are you the one who had fitment problems? if so did you get it taken care of?
Thanks
JImmy

Where is the best place to buy one?
I got mine at stockinteriors.com. Took me about 1 hour to install. Looks awesome. Make sure you also get the sunvisors and quarter panels so the colors match exactly.
Old 01-13-2007, 03:23 AM
  #25  
Member
 
84CamaroSS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Cheyenne Wy
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1984 Camaro
Engine: 350 bored .30 over
Transmission: TCI 700-R4
Axle/Gears: Stock 3.23 i think
No matter what anyone says the headliner is one of the easiest things to do. Just make sure you buy a glue thats worth a darn. It cost way less to do it yourself then it does to have a shop do it. Trust me
Old 01-17-2007, 07:36 AM
  #26  
Junior Member
 
86 IROCZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
DocHoliday-I just received my headliner kit from Hawks-How'd you install the 4 clips from the old sail panels to the new sail panels.
Old 01-18-2007, 12:39 AM
  #27  
Member

 
DocHoliday's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: Red 1984 Z-28
Engine: 4.8 LS
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Originally Posted by 86 IROCZ
DocHoliday-I just received my headliner kit from Hawks-How'd you install the 4 clips from the old sail panels to the new sail panels.
You don't. The kit should have come with some velcro pads in it. Or at least I think it did. You just screw in the top part, and then velcro the sides and bottom. If yours didn't come with velcro, then I would recommend buying some. Looks nice and clean! I thought the same thing too when I got mine. How do I attach the clips to the new one? I thought the same thing for the headliner too. You know how it has those clips in the front by the wind shield, yeah ABS doesn't have those. Thats why you let your headliner sit unfolded for a while. It supports itself. Hopefully this doesnt mess up your install! Good luck man!
Old 01-18-2007, 07:43 AM
  #28  
Junior Member
 
86 IROCZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Yep-they were in a small zip lock-I didn't open because I thought they were insulation pads. Thanks
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Frozer!!!
Camaros for Sale
35
01-19-2024 04:55 PM
Vintageracer
Camaros for Sale
12
01-10-2020 05:33 PM
diana227vegas
Camaros for Sale
10
07-08-2016 12:27 AM
Golfvette
Interior
11
08-24-2015 06:35 PM
TheJoeY88
Interior
5
08-13-2015 06:51 PM



Quick Reply: replacing headliner



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:41 PM.