Quote:
Originally Posted by FLYNAVY30
Decided I'm finally going to start the ceiling panel replacement project that I've been putting off for years. I've read all the threads about using the FRP board as a replacement, and plan to go that route.
My question is, what is the best way to get the spars between the panels out without breaking anything? I'm sure they're brittle after all these years, but I'm very lucky in that have a complete set.
Thanks
-Greg
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Hey Greg...I just took my panels down a couple weeks ago...and there was a learning curve I went through. I decided to start on the second panel from the front as it was smaller and pretty much a rectangle with the curves on just the side edges (and there wasn't the dome light to contend with). First I removed the chromed end pieces on the bow between the front panel and second panel by sliding the plastic outer as far to one side as I could get it (without too much force), removed one end cap, slid the plastic outer to the other side, then removed the other end. Now the screws are exposed on each end of the metal inner of the bow. I removed those two screws and gently slid one end of the metal inner up into the space above the headliner. There isn't a metal rib directly above the bow, just a void, so the headliner will flex upward with the bow. Once I got one end up there, the other went real easily and the edge of the headliner slid out from the bow then sagged back down. I left the bow up there while I removed the one screw holding the headliner panel to the metal rib then wiggled the second panel toward the front so that it dropped out from the second bow. At that point, the panel flexed in the middle and was completely out and in my hands. With that removed, it becomes really easy to see how everything interconnects (there's actually a lot of space between the headliner and inner roof). As the bows are fragile, I angled the bow using the extra space I now had and it too dropped out into my hands. After that, the rest was easy! I took out the next bow and third panel, moved up to the front panel, removed the dome light and slid that panel back and out...and saved the rear panel for last as I have rear air...and that took awhile! Of course, if you don't have rear air, just remove the bow and rear panel as you did the others. I hope this helps...and I'll include any pictures I have of the area so you will understand what I mean by having a "void".
Woody
