Headlining

[mikec]

It seemed like a good idea about a year ago to rip out the manky sagging old headlining. Of course we were going to completely re-do the entire van right there and then.

So a year later, no headlining and no saggy old one to take patterns off... Not even the trim that covered the edges. Seemed like a good idea at the time but the need to use the van overcame the want to fix her up. And we moved.

Now we're fed up with condensation dripping on us and want some insulation and our van to look nice. It's about time.

Have new material and a roll of foil/bubble insulation. How to put it up and keep it from sagging down is the question.

Was thinking of using 3.6mm ply to make a new shell, in three pieces (Front Cab, Middle bit and back over the engine), putting insulation on both sides and material on the bottom. But 3.6mm ply doesn't seem to come in big enough sheets. Could/should I use stiffer, heavier 6mm ply?

Do we need a shell? should we just put our foil/material up using battens?

Any suggestions welcome as to how to go about doing this.

Mike

[meehaja]

I shall be watching this thread with interest as I need to do mine, but my 2p worth..

I was planning on running wooden beams across the roof threaded through pockets sewn into the headlining, but not too sure now.. if you don't mind me asking, how much did you spend on headlining fabric?

[protexblue]

If you haven't seen it already, hope this helps.
https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/In ... _replacing" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Oldiebut goodie]

An 8' by 4' sheet isn't big enough?
What are you trying to do?

[hixsy]

i used hard board for my cab, kinda like a thin mdf. very easy to bend, probably only 3mm thickish and can be persuaded into any position. i too used aluminium bubble wrap behind the boards which was taped to the van. They stay in position because you bend em into the shape of the roof, and youll only need a few screws to hold em up.

I did use 3 smaller size pieces though throughout the roof, one would be pretty hard work to get it to fit. And use expensive glue whatever you decide to stick to them or they'll sag, sprayglue is cack ! a lesson learnt by myself......

[boatbuilder]

I have an old ripped headliner that I salvaged from an old caravelle. I got the metal rods and end caps too.
I'm planning to buy a roll of perforated vinyl and make a new one. I put a 4mm mdf headliner in a 68 bay tintop, but IMO you can't beat a nice perforated vinyl headliner...just looks better I think.

[jamesandtheopenroad]

This will be one of the jobs for us once we've done all the other things first!

I've seen that most have perforated vinyl or cloth material - is there a good reason for this? (ideally I wanted to use non-perforated vinyl).

[CovKid]

Yep - allows inside of roof to breath otherwise you could end up with condensation trapped beneath with obvious conseqences.

[jamesandtheopenroad]

Rightio. Thanks CK.

[boatbuilder]

The genuine headliner only has perfations in the middle part with the side bits having no holes.

[PEET]

I recently had to do this to a customers van. I bought 5 metres of headlining material (£40) took it to a local trimmer who kindly stitched it to the dimensions that I drew up (£40) required found 8mm stainless steel rodding from my local recycling yard (£1) and a tin of the correct glue (£5) - total cost £86 - fitted it in a 10 hour day.
I can get the dimensions if u want? Not a particularly nice job to do but the result was fantastic!

[meehaja]

Is there anywhere on line that sells the wire that threads through the headlining and the rubber bungs for the ends? I've relined the cab (in bright orange as you do!) I've bought some fabric for the rear of the van, am I best cobbling something together or is the real thing out there? I've tried all the usual online shops, but none seems to stock what I'm after!

[PEET]

U need 7/8mm galvanised or stainless steel rod or at the very least to paint the rod as it will turn rusty otherwise. Most metal suppliers stock it, u will need 7 rods at approx 150cm n cut em down. If u have a hole in the roof then jus lose those ones..