How much space between inner and outer roof? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

glock35ipsc · 04-19-2006, 11:33 AM

I am making a custom headliner for teh 68, and was wondering if anyone knew how much air is between the inner sheet metal and the outer metal on the roof? I don't want to run a screw through the roof when installing this thing!

Mudder · 04-19-2006, 01:09 PM

Probably less than 1/4 in places. Just guessing. Maybe 1/8 in places. Not a lot so be careful.

glock35ipsc · 04-19-2006, 01:19 PM

I've never seen one of the factory headliners, so I have no idea how long the screws are that hold the trim pieces in place.

Chevrolet4x4s · 04-19-2006, 01:36 PM

Have you thought of adhesieve?
Shane

glock35ipsc · 04-19-2006, 01:48 PM

For adhearing the material to the foam, hardboard and luan wood, yes. But I then need to attach the completed headliner to the metal. The completed headliner would be too heavy to glue up.

Longhorn Man · 04-19-2006, 02:36 PM

less than 1/4 inch. I just installed clearance lights on a non clearance light truck, there is VERY little room there.
You shoulda seen my old truck, the dope smokin old man who owned it installed a headliner and used his cordless drill to install it...he had been drinking that night too.

1LoC10 · 04-19-2006, 02:52 PM

Not sure about the whole roof but I measured through the rotted hole in mine up by the windshield and its a 1/2 inch there

glock35ipsc · 04-19-2006, 02:53 PM

LOL Andy! That's what I want to avoid!!

I worked about 10 years for a van/truck conversion company here in Colorado. I have seen, and done that, a few too many times!!

Mudder · 04-19-2006, 03:15 PM

A 3/8 inch screw is too long. You might get by with a 5/16 but I'd still be careful.

glock35ipsc · 04-19-2006, 03:41 PM

Sounds like I need screws just long enough to reach through the headliner, catch the metal, and hold things up.....

Longhorn Man · 04-19-2006, 03:54 PM

I just remembered that I actually have a couple screws left over from my first truck which had a factory headliner. The stock screws measure 3/8 inch long, but keep in mind, that was to go through that big piece of plastic trim too.
Your bed bed, once you have the piece fabbed up, and you are weady to install it, drill a hole in the general area of the location you intend to drive a screw through. Measure the space, then record the results. You'll have more space in some areas, like the picture pointed out above the window... lots of room there.

Orange '71 GMC · 04-19-2006, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

Your bed bed, once you have the piece fabbed up, and you are weady to install it, drill a hole in the general area of the location you intend to drive a screw through. Measure the space, then record the results. You'll have more space in some areas, like the picture pointed out above the window... lots of room there.

I think I finally figured out he was saying - your "best bet"...and he's right. Just pre-drill you holes in your headliner, then transfer them onto the roof metal and carefully and slowly pre-drill through with a small bit. Not only will this give you the chance to measure the distance to the roof, but you can then just screw your sheetmetal screws into that hole without damaging the threads.

Longhorn Man · 04-19-2006, 07:12 PM

Wow.... guess it's obviouse my mind is on other things huh?
Best bet... you are correct sir.

glock35ipsc · 04-19-2006, 08:33 PM

Andy, need a nap? LOL

Longhorn Man · 04-19-2006, 09:20 PM

LOL... i don't sleep anymore, i just lay there and look at the celieng

Gordo · 04-19-2006, 09:35 PM

I have cut up a few roofs in the process of chopping my 68 cab. Directly above your head there is almost no extra space, you have the inner headliner, a sheet of what looks like heavy roofing paper (noise insulation) and then the outer roof. Around the sides of the inner you have aprox 1/2". So do like Longhorn says around the sides but don't count on much space straight up.

glock35ipsc · 04-19-2006, 10:36 PM

So it sounds like if I stay to the outside perimeter of where a factory headliner fastens, I should be OK within reason. I think I can work with that.

Thanks everyone for the quick replys!!

**tnblazerk5** · 04-19-2006, 10:55 PM

after ya get the holes drilled in the roof for the headliner take a small wire or coathanger poke though the hole till it hits the top part of the roof and measure the distance on the wire or coathanger , this will tell ya how far to the roof and how long the screew has to be , just remember that the screew has to be shorter than the distance you measured with the coathanger

Chevrolet4x4s · 04-22-2006, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glock35ipsc

For adhearing the material to the foam, hardboard and luan wood, yes. But I then need to attach the completed headliner to the metal. The completed headliner would be too heavy to glue up.

Gorilla glue

Mine has a headliner but I really dont mind just the painted steel

Shane

Longhorn Man · 04-22-2006, 06:32 PM

I emptied a caulking gun on my headliner. (non headliner cab...no trim at all)

purple gas · 04-23-2006, 10:06 AM

Is there any kind of a spring, or wire fastener that could be used? Maybe a piece of that real stiff wire they use for keeping body molding parts on could be suck in there with a bit hanging down to attatch to? Just brain storming,, would be better than poking holes in your roof. ( what can I say, I came from the farm. When you have a tough job to do you always wonder what item never intended for your situation could be made to work.

)

04-19-2006, 11:33 AM	#1
glock35ipsc Next project: 1970 K10 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Fort Collins, Colo 80524 Posts: 6,685	How much space between inner and outer roof? I am making a custom headliner for teh 68, and was wondering if anyone knew how much air is between the inner sheet metal and the outer metal on the roof? I don't want to run a screw through the roof when installing this thing! __________________ *Bob* 1970 Chevy K10 LWB "Goldie" 350/TH350 *next project!!* 1981 Chevy C10 LWB 355/TH350 - My son's truck LS SWAP FORUM! Tons of LS swap info here! PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE GREATEST BOARD ON THE NET! CLICK HERE FOR THE FAQ INDEX by KRUE

04-19-2006, 01:09 PM	#2
Mudder Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: East Central, MO Posts: 11,336	Re: How much space between inner and outer roof? Probably less than 1/4 in places. Just guessing. Maybe 1/8 in places. Not a lot so be careful.

04-19-2006, 01:19 PM	#3
glock35ipsc Next project: 1970 K10 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Fort Collins, Colo 80524 Posts: 6,685	Re: How much space between inner and outer roof? I've never seen one of the factory headliners, so I have no idea how long the screws are that hold the trim pieces in place. __________________ *Bob* 1970 Chevy K10 LWB "Goldie" 350/TH350 *next project!!* 1981 Chevy C10 LWB 355/TH350 - My son's truck LS SWAP FORUM! Tons of LS swap info here! PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE GREATEST BOARD ON THE NET! CLICK HERE FOR THE FAQ INDEX by KRUE

04-19-2006, 01:36 PM	#4
Chevrolet4x4s Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: WV Posts: 227	Re: How much space between inner and outer roof? Have you thought of adhesieve? Shane __________________ 1993 K1500 350 5 speed 1985 K10 Silverado Vortec 406 5 speed (in body shop) "I been drivin' this '85 pickup truck Them buddies of mine call it a bucket of rust She's a little beat up but she still runs like the wind Yeah, kinda like me I been banged and bruisedBeen around the block a time or two But I'm runnin' like new goin' places I never been No, I ain't broke I'm just broken in" 1963 Dodge Townwagon(its amazng what 30 years and zero miles will do to a vehicle ) Member#20327

04-19-2006, 01:48 PM	#5
glock35ipsc Next project: 1970 K10 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Fort Collins, Colo 80524 Posts: 6,685	Re: How much space between inner and outer roof? For adhearing the material to the foam, hardboard and luan wood, yes. But I then need to attach the completed headliner to the metal. The completed headliner would be too heavy to glue up. __________________ *Bob* 1970 Chevy K10 LWB "Goldie" 350/TH350 *next project!!* 1981 Chevy C10 LWB 355/TH350 - My son's truck LS SWAP FORUM! Tons of LS swap info here! PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE GREATEST BOARD ON THE NET! CLICK HERE FOR THE FAQ INDEX by KRUE

04-19-2006, 02:36 PM	#6
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: How much space between inner and outer roof? less than 1/4 inch. I just installed clearance lights on a non clearance light truck, there is VERY little room there. You shoulda seen my old truck, the dope smokin old man who owned it installed a headliner and used his cordless drill to install it...he had been drinking that night too. Attached Images

04-19-2006, 02:52 PM	#7
1LoC10 Insert Title Here Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Dyer, Indiana Posts: 5,679	Re: How much space between inner and outer roof? Not sure about the whole roof but I measured through the rotted hole in mine up by the windshield and its a 1/2 inch there Attached Images __________________ BOBBY _69 SWB_ 1000 pics of 67-72's>> http://s193.photobucket.com/albums/z...-72/?start=all <<

04-19-2006, 02:53 PM	#8
glock35ipsc Next project: 1970 K10 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Fort Collins, Colo 80524 Posts: 6,685	Re: How much space between inner and outer roof? LOL Andy! That's what I want to avoid!! I worked about 10 years for a van/truck conversion company here in Colorado. I have seen, and done that, a few too many times!! __________________ *Bob* 1970 Chevy K10 LWB "Goldie" 350/TH350 *next project!!* 1981 Chevy C10 LWB 355/TH350 - My son's truck LS SWAP FORUM! Tons of LS swap info here! PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE GREATEST BOARD ON THE NET! CLICK HERE FOR THE FAQ INDEX by KRUE

04-19-2006, 03:15 PM	#9
Mudder Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: East Central, MO Posts: 11,336	Re: How much space between inner and outer roof? A 3/8 inch screw is too long. You might get by with a 5/16 but I'd still be careful.

04-19-2006, 03:41 PM	#10
glock35ipsc Next project: 1970 K10 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Fort Collins, Colo 80524 Posts: 6,685	Re: How much space between inner and outer roof? Sounds like I need screws just long enough to reach through the headliner, catch the metal, and hold things up..... __________________ *Bob* 1970 Chevy K10 LWB "Goldie" 350/TH350 *next project!!* 1981 Chevy C10 LWB 355/TH350 - My son's truck LS SWAP FORUM! Tons of LS swap info here! PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE GREATEST BOARD ON THE NET! CLICK HERE FOR THE FAQ INDEX by KRUE

04-19-2006, 03:54 PM	#11
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: How much space between inner and outer roof? I just remembered that I actually have a couple screws left over from my first truck which had a factory headliner. The stock screws measure 3/8 inch long, but keep in mind, that was to go through that big piece of plastic trim too. Your bed bed, once you have the piece fabbed up, and you are weady to install it, drill a hole in the general area of the location you intend to drive a screw through. Measure the space, then record the results. You'll have more space in some areas, like the picture pointed out above the window... lots of room there.

04-19-2006, 07:12 PM	#13
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: How much space between inner and outer roof? Wow.... guess it's obviouse my mind is on other things huh? Best bet... you are correct sir.

04-19-2006, 08:33 PM	#14
glock35ipsc Next project: 1970 K10 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Fort Collins, Colo 80524 Posts: 6,685	Re: How much space between inner and outer roof? Andy, need a nap? LOL __________________ *Bob* 1970 Chevy K10 LWB "Goldie" 350/TH350 *next project!!* 1981 Chevy C10 LWB 355/TH350 - My son's truck LS SWAP FORUM! Tons of LS swap info here! PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE GREATEST BOARD ON THE NET! CLICK HERE FOR THE FAQ INDEX by KRUE

04-19-2006, 09:20 PM	#15
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: How much space between inner and outer roof? LOL... i don't sleep anymore, i just lay there and look at the celieng

04-19-2006, 09:35 PM	#16
Gordo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Killingworth, CT. USA Posts: 3,378	Re: How much space between inner and outer roof? I have cut up a few roofs in the process of chopping my 68 cab. Directly above your head there is almost no extra space, you have the inner headliner, a sheet of what looks like heavy roofing paper (noise insulation) and then the outer roof. Around the sides of the inner you have aprox 1/2". So do like Longhorn says around the sides but don't count on much space straight up. __________________ 1971 C10 swb stepside 350/700R4/3.73posi (retired as of 4/22/03) 1998 S10 short bed 2002 S10 Blazer 1942 Oldsmobile 1958 Massey Harris Pony 1951 Wife Killingworth, Connecticut May those who love us, love us, any of those who do not love us, may God turn their hearts. And if God is unable to turn their hearts, may he turn their ankles so we may know them by their limping. A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist.



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04-19-2006, 10:36 PM	#17
glock35ipsc Next project: 1970 K10 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Fort Collins, Colo 80524 Posts: 6,685	Re: How much space between inner and outer roof? So it sounds like if I stay to the outside perimeter of where a factory headliner fastens, I should be OK within reason. I think I can work with that. Thanks everyone for the quick replys!! __________________ *Bob* 1970 Chevy K10 LWB "Goldie" 350/TH350 *next project!!* 1981 Chevy C10 LWB 355/TH350 - My son's truck LS SWAP FORUM! Tons of LS swap info here! PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE GREATEST BOARD ON THE NET! CLICK HERE FOR THE FAQ INDEX by KRUE

04-19-2006, 10:55 PM	#18
tnblazerk5 User #12137 Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: kingsport,upper east tenn Posts: 11,598	Re: How much space between inner and outer roof? after ya get the holes drilled in the roof for the headliner take a small wire or coathanger poke though the hole till it hits the top part of the roof and measure the distance on the wire or coathanger , this will tell ya how far to the roof and how long the screew has to be , just remember that the screew has to be shorter than the distance you measured with the coathanger

04-22-2006, 06:32 PM	#20
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: How much space between inner and outer roof? I emptied a caulking gun on my headliner. (non headliner cab...no trim at all)

04-23-2006, 10:06 AM	#21
purple gas Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: saskatoon, planet earth Posts: 686	Re: How much space between inner and outer roof? Is there any kind of a spring, or wire fastener that could be used? Maybe a piece of that real stiff wire they use for keeping body molding parts on could be suck in there with a bit hanging down to attatch to? Just brain storming,, would be better than poking holes in your roof. ( what can I say, I came from the farm. When you have a tough job to do you always wonder what item never intended for your situation could be made to work.) __________________ I got a bench seat baby, you don't have to sit over there. Last edited by purple gas; 04-23-2006 at 10:07 AM.

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