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Headlining - Is there such a thing as a moulded headlining?

Posted: 12 Nov 2007, 12:30
by mahatmacoat
I'm looking to sort a headling for my van, but the idea of trying to stretch a bit of fabric or cut a bit of hardboard to size/shape is a bit daunting & I'm sure it won't look 100% when finished (I have a 6' x 3' roll back sunroof in the middle to contend with as well!?)

Did the multivans or any other model come with moulded headlinings e.g. the cardboard quality things in modern cars? Or does anyone have any patterns/suggestions for an easy headlining.

Thanks in advance as always.

Posted: 12 Nov 2007, 13:18
by camper
I converted a T25 ex plumbers van & used thin hard board for roof lining then covered it with grey wall carpet.It looked very good.I carn give you picts of it because i now have a put a devon side elevation roof on the same van.Use thin hardboard cut to fit between front& rear roof braces self tap screw into braces.

Posted: 12 Nov 2007, 13:22
by ermie571
Hi - I'm just in the process of making one in the same material as the seat and cushion covers. :D My 15 year old sewing machine has once more come out of retirement!! I am putting red piping in where the "lines" that go from side to side are. Once complete, photos will follow....

Have pinned the first seam - looking good....but need a bigger needle for sewing machine which is on order - hopefully will be able to complete at the weekend.

Admitedly, its only the cab portion, but I have a complete headlining in the garage that I have used as a pattern!

Incidently, what is wrong with yours.....I have heard that a dirtly headling can be cheered up with a spin in the washing machine.....thats what I aim to do with the full one, so will let you know.

Posted: 12 Nov 2007, 16:45
by mahatmacoat
camper wrote:Use thin hardboard cut to fit between front& rear roof braces self tap screw into braces.

How do you avoid the tell-tale screw heads bulging under the carpet? And did you use a cardboard template to get the rear curves into the corners looking right as I'm trying to avoid spray gluing everything & then carpeting it all as it a bit better fitted in my opinion.

The van is a panel van & didn't have a full headlining - hence my trying to avoid having to source one & all it's associated clips (as well as cutting/fitting around the sunroof).

Posted: 12 Nov 2007, 17:08
by PEET
This was apanel van when i started it and the headlinin was available at the time from AVG leisure i have been informed they no lnger make em BUT they will supply the material which is the pucker stuff! You also need 7 x 7mm bars which just push into the holes on the sides and we stretched n glue it in and i screwed panels over the top to keep it taut.
To get a good job takes 2 of ya plus an afternoon and ur fingers will hurt by the end of the afternoon! Dont forget to keep washing ur hands to keep it clean as u fit it too! :lol:
Good Luck! Oh n unless u can take it out urself VERY carefully a newer one will be VERY awkward to re-use - bin there tried that too!

[IMG:640:479]http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h156/ ... lyint2.jpg[/img]

Posted: 12 Nov 2007, 17:10
by PEET
Oh nearly forgot! If u decide to fit a curtain rail that REALLY helps keep it in!! 8)
Ask me if ya got any other probs!

Posted: 12 Nov 2007, 18:22
by camper
Peet nice job on the van.I measured along the arc across the front roof bow + extra for side screwing take account length & width to rear bow repeat measurement .To get the thin hard board to arc and hold into position .Obtain a small trolley jack cut a length of 2"x4" timber long enough to roof &jack.Raising the jack will push the length of timber on to the hardboard .Under control you can get the hardboard to arc & hold into position to drill&self tap.You can do the roof in two sections of hard board ie front to middle bow then middle to rear bow.I used B&Q carpet and tile adhesive for sticking down the wall carpet.

Posted: 12 Nov 2007, 19:07
by PEET
Mine was just material which 'breathed ' which helped stop condensation, it was that tight it jus loox solid. Shame i didint get another kit just to get plans from to make kits as this seems a common thing that we have to do! :lol: