Ecklers trucks headliner kit
 

Has anyone used the Suburban headliner kit from Ecklers trucks? The description on their website is a bit confusing, and led me to believe it was just for the 60-66 trucks. But I checked with them, and it indeed comes with 5 bows, so apparently it is for a Suburban. Just wondered if anyone out there has tried it. Thanks everyone!

Re: Ecklers trucks headliner kit
 

No photos on website yet, but here is the information listed for 60-66 Suburbans @ $250


Replacment Headliner
High Quality Hampton Perforated Vinyl Headliner Material
Fits Suburban Without Factory Headliner
Bows Fasten To Front Of Beams
Headliner Is 76" Wide,
This Chevrolet Truck headliner is a high quality product following the factory design, and sewing pattern.

NOTE: None of these Suburban's came factory equipped with bow supported headliners. Early year models mostly had cardboard panels over the driver's area only. In later years, Mid 1950's and up, was the introduction of a Suburban with a series of cardbaord panels (usually five), mounted between exposed polished, chrome bows which are no longer available. Suburban headliners are bow suspended. Seams in the headliner match the front of the metal beams, where the headliner is attached to as means of support. (Some drilling required). For models prior to 1955, a separate headboard panel (panel between headliner and windshield), should be cut by installer to allow front of headlner to finish at the same height as the rear section. Professional installation is suggested however, no special tools are required for installation. For Bow Suspended Headliners please allow room between the headliner and roof for heavy insulation.

Re: Ecklers trucks headliner kit
 

I had a good discussion with one of the Eckler's sales reps, so I think I'll give it a try and see how it goes. I'll just have to wing it as far as the color and materials, they didn't even have photos or samples of the fabric. If it doesn't look right, I'll just return it. I'll post my experience with it either way.

Re: Ecklers trucks headliner kit
 

Here is an original sample from a '66 Chevrolet Carryall. I believe it is some type of vinyl facing. The random fibrous pattern is called "Haircell". It is perforated with small round holes every 2". The color is close to the Fawn elsewhere in the interior. The last photo shows it next to the door panel. It may be slightly more silver.

The back side is a fabric mat, maybe wool. It was glued to the ceiling with a black adhesive, maybe an asphalt based stuff.

It is about 3/32" thick.

I have never been able to find identical material anywhere.

Re: Ecklers trucks headliner kit
 

The headliner in my panel looks to be that stuff. It needs to be replaced but I was apprehensive as a it looked suspicious... I am concerned about asbestos. Does anyone know if the old headliner material contains asbestos or not?

Re: Ecklers trucks headliner kit
 

Thanks for the replies. I'm not trying to match anything factory, my project is a restomod anyway. But Ecklers has no photos of the product, nor any images of the material types and colors offered, so it's tough to know exactly what I'd be getting if I ordered one.

Here are a couple of pics, I don't think I had posted any before. Not quite "done" but I can finally drive it around! The "bed wood" is Trex composite decking.

Re: Ecklers trucks headliner kit
 

Sounds like they are not that interested in selling them. I just don't understand these "businesses" that do such poor marketing, and somehow expect you to just send them money and cross your fingers.

Re: Ecklers trucks headliner kit
 

That looks like my 60 Burb except mine is silver..i'll post a picture on a piece of mine soon. I hope this is a good lead on original style. I have been looking all around..

Re: Ecklers trucks headliner kit
 

Here is link from the 67-72 Suburban Folks and what some have done. Maybe put some insulation or Fat Mat deadener up top as suggested, and use these FRP panels. Paint to suit...?

http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=410459

Re: Ecklers trucks headliner kit
 

So do they have it for the earlier models ? Mine is silver ..

Re: Ecklers trucks headliner kit
 

Update - I was able to get some material samples, so I went ahead and ordered one of these headliner kits. It's a bow-supported fabric headliner according to the sales rep, and comes with 5 bows that attach to the front of the roof supports. I selected the Hampton non-perforated vinyl fabric. I'll post my experience with this kit once I get it installed. Thanks.

Re: Ecklers trucks headliner kit
 

Definitely interested to see what you get and how it looks installed.

Re: Ecklers trucks headliner kit
 

Hoping that it works ... following :metal:

Re: Ecklers trucks headliner kit
 

Update - I received the headliner kit, unfortunately it is the PERFORATED Hampton vinyl, instead of the NON-PERFORATED vinyl. They are working on getting the order corrected. Sorry for the delay, I'll post more as I go along...

Re: Ecklers trucks headliner kit
 

I’m wanting the perforated version Suburban headliner. Can you take a picture and post it before returning it? Might be helpful to those of us looking to by the perforated version. Thanks.

Re: Ecklers trucks headliner kit
 

Well, I didn't want to unpack the whole thing before sending it back, but here is the pic that I sent them... The label on the outside said "Perforated", so I knew not to go to the trouble of unpacking the entire headliner, since it was going back anyway.

Re: Ecklers trucks headliner kit
 

Thanks! This pic is very helpful. I’m having my 66 K14 Burb restored and I’m wanting these panels to look like the originals.

Re: Ecklers trucks headliner kit
 

This kit won't look anything like an original Suburban headliner. This installs with bows like most 60's-70's cars. Read the description in their ad
https://www.ecklerstrucks.com/chevy-...1960-1966.html

It would probably look fine but not like the original. I haven't seen anyone that makes a perforated vinyl with the backing like the original.

If I ever get to the headliner on my suburban I will buy perforated vinyl and glue it to a thin closed cell foam.

Re: Ecklers trucks headliner kit
 

Update: Well so far I STILL do not have the correct headliner! :m7: They are drop shipped from the manufacturer, and I have received 2 incorrect ones so far. Still working with Ecklers to get the right one. I'll keep you posted...

Re: Ecklers trucks headliner kit
 

I didn't even see the hole/no hole option. I hope this works out for you, I'll be happy to order a $250 kit and not have to figure out how to make something.

Re: Ecklers trucks headliner kit
 

Update: STILL waiting for the correct headliner! Supposedly their part numbers were screwed up, which messed up the ordering from the vendor. Finally one of Eckler's tech support guys got involved... I should be receiving "something" in another week or so. We'll see, I'll keep you informed...

Dave

Re: Ecklers trucks headliner kit
 

any update on the fabric?
today i removed the wood paneling that i have had over my original headliner for almost 30 years. the original headliner is in better shape then i expected. But i glued insulation to it, so i have blobs of panel adhesive and some other glues on the surface, along with some water damage from a few holes in the roof. I may be able to save it, but new sure would look better.

Re: Ecklers trucks headliner kit
 

Dave,
What is the color code and type of paint on your truck? It looks killer. Thanks.

Re: Ecklers trucks headliner kit
 

Sorry I haven't been keeping you all informed but I did get what appears to be the correct headliner kit. The fabric is vinyl and the color is "medium opal". I need to take it to the upholstery guy that I work with and lay the whole thing out and see how it goes. I may not get to it for a few weeks though so I apologize but I will get back to this thread when I have more to offer. Stay tuned... Thanks.

Re: Ecklers trucks headliner kit
 

If I remember correctly, the paint brand is Spectra. The code I have written on the spray-out sample is GS720IR. It's not a factory color. Thanks for the compliment, I do get a lot of positive remarks about it.

Re: Ecklers trucks headliner kit
 

OK, here's the latest on the headliner... I finally got time to take it in to the upholstery shop. They took a shot at putting it up, but the material was just too heavy for the bows to support it. They ended up using the supplied vinyl as a pattern to make a new headliner with lighter material. They did use the supplied bows and clips. I just got off the phone with the shop, so I haven't seen the result yet, but they assured me it came out awesome. I'll pick it up today and get some pics posted soon, but I wanted to report on it right away.

Sorry for the delay getting info out, but I hope this helps someone. Thanks.

Re: Ecklers trucks headliner kit
 

Bummer it did not work out of the box but sounds like you got to use most of the kit. I'll be on the lookout for pics

Re: Ecklers trucks headliner kit
 

Well let me first say that I wouldn't bother with the kit from Ecklers, especially the vinyl. MAYBE the "napped cloth" or "nylon cloth" kits would work. The kit is actually manufactured by Acme Auto Headlining in Long Beach, Calif. When I showed the kit to the upholstery shop owner (Pete), his first comment was, "Wow this material is REALLY heavy...". He ended up using the bows and the clips from the kit, but he re-made the headliner with a much lighter weight velour type material. I think it came out great.

I think if you could find or make some bows to match the roof line in the Suburban, a good upholstery shop could do the rest. Hopefully this helps someone. In the end, I'm happy with my finished product, but it probably cost me more.

Re: Ecklers trucks headliner kit
 

I know this is old but I was wondering if anyone else installed one of the Ecklers headliners. I'm really curious how it goes in the front section since there is so little room between the roof and the side trim.

I was going to make my own but it's taken so long to get my Suburban painted, I just ordered the Ecklers headliner.

I'm putting sound deadener and sound absorber on the roof and concerned about the thickness at the front.

Re: Ecklers trucks headliner kit
 

Glad to read that the headliner finally achieved success.

Seems like I've seen perforated material before similar to this - it may have been for seats...

Would be good to know how much the headliner reduced the cabin noise...

Re: Ecklers trucks headliner kit
 

Looking forward to seeing your installation photos!

Re: Ecklers trucks headliner kit
 

Well, I received my headliner about 4 weeks after ordering. They sent the wrong one.
So now I'm waiting again.

I also asked for instructions, there are none available. So far I'm not impressed by Ecklers or this kit.

I have installed several bow style headliners in cars over the years, there not hard to do. The issue is this isn't a stock replacement. So I have no idea how you're supposed to finish off the front or rear.

Hopefully I'll have the correct headliner soon. I'll try to take some photos along the way of installing.