Ecklers trucks headliner kit

[davee60]

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!

[MusicMan70]

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.

[davee60]

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.

[VictoriaHardware]

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.

[AJCK87]

Originally Posted by VictoriaHardware

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.

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?

[davee60]

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.

[VictoriaHardware]

Originally Posted by davee60

The description on their website is a bit confusing,...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.

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.

[KIC]

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..

[cj847]

Originally Posted by davee60

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.

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

[davee60]

Originally Posted by cj847

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

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.

[MusicMan70]

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

[KIC]

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

[davee60]

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.

[chevy_mike]

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

[KIC]

Hoping that it works ... following

[davee60]

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...

[Subdude59]

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.

[davee60]

Originally Posted by Subdude59

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.

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.

[Subdude59]

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.

[Llay R. Rac]

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.

[davee60]

Originally Posted by Llay R. Rac

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.

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.

[zden]

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

[davee60]

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.