Home made burb headliner

[vectorit]

I don't have enough back ground on the panel trucks to give a detailed response to your question, though I can say that the channels are not perfect in the Suburban. I have noticed variances in other Suburbans I have looked at, while comparing to my 1968 headliner board channel placement along the ceiling.

I think no matter what, every Suburban or Panel will require some custom fitment of the headliner boards.

[Hart_Rod]

Originally Posted by vectorit

I don't have enough back ground on the panel trucks to give a detailed response to your question, though I can say that the channels are not perfect in the Suburban. I have noticed variances in other Suburbans I have looked at, while comparing to my 1968 headliner board channel placement along the ceiling.

I think no matter what, every Suburban or Panel will require some custom fitment of the headliner boards.

Chris - My apologies of bringing up an old thread, but how many sheets of the FRP did you use? I'm going to try and accomplish this task this weekend. Thanks for the help.

Rob

[vectorit]

Hey Rob,
I used about 6 sheets, only because I messed up a couple times.
I tried to duplicate the number of panels that were used originally, and looking back, I think one could do the FRP route with larger panels instead smaller.

The front panel for me was the hardest, since it has a curve to it that is hard to duplicate on a flat sheet. I know I ruined one panel at least on that section, and one of the middle sections I cut too small.

So, if your store to buy these panels is far away. I would buy a couple extra just in case, and you can always return them if you don't use them.

Chris

[Hart_Rod]

Originally Posted by vectorit

Hey Rob,
I used about 6 sheets, only because I messed up a couple times.
I tried to duplicate the number of panels that were used originally, and looking back, I think one could do the FRP route with larger panels instead smaller.

The front panel for me was the hardest, since it has a curve to it that is hard to duplicate on a flat sheet. I know I ruined one panel at least on that section, and one of the middle sections I cut too small.

So, if your store to buy these panels is far away. I would buy a couple extra just in case, and you can always return them if you don't use them.

Chris

Thanks for the quick reply Chris! Fortunately, I'm only a few miles away from HD and Lowes, . Any suggestions on how you would have reduced the number of panels, ie which ones would you combine? Also, did you work your way from back to front or front to back when installing them?

[vectorit]

Originally Posted by Hart_Rod

Thanks for the quick reply Chris! Fortunately, I'm only a few miles away from HD and Lowes, . Any suggestions on how you would have reduced the number of panels, ie which ones would you combine? Also, did you work your way from back to front or front to back when installing them?

I worked from the rear to the front.
For me, the rear curve was easy and I was able to make that panel on the first try.
In the middle, there are two smaller panels like the original design. I think those two could be combined into one panel of FRP.

For me, it was a struggle since it was a very hot summer day and I was by myself. If you have a helper, this project will go much smoother. Since the panels get all floppy on you when trying to install them, so it's a challenge to get them into the slot when by yourself since your arms aren't long enough lol.

[Hart_Rod]

Originally Posted by vectorit

I worked from the rear to the front.
For me, the rear curve was easy and I was able to make that panel on the first try.
In the middle, there are two smaller panels like the original design. I think those two could be combined into one panel of FRP.

For me, it was a struggle since it was a very hot summer day and I was by myself. If you have a helper, this project will go much smoother. Since the panels get all floppy on you when trying to install them, so it's a challenge to get them into the slot when by yourself since your arms aren't long enough lol.

Thanks. Now that you have had it finished for a while, are you happy with the texture pattern? Do you have any close-up pictures of the of the trim next to the slot on the side?

[vectorit]

Originally Posted by Hart_Rod

Thanks. Now that you have had it finished for a while, are you happy with the texture pattern? Do you have any close-up pictures of the of the trim next to the slot on the side?

Hmm, happy? Well, it sure looks better than nothing lol.
But if I wanted to be critical of it, I would say it's a bit shiny, and texture is a little aggressive?

In a perfect world, I would've preferred something like the original. Which was smooth, matte painted, and perforated. But as we all know, those OE boards are impossible to restore and no one is making them. So, we make do...

There was another member here that is local to me, and did the FRP route as well but instead of white he used black. His burb was painted a bright blue with white roof, and his carpet/upholstery was black. So it kind of popped.

Not sure I understand the "Trim next to the slot on the side" question.
But the slot or gutter that the panel sits in on the sides, I didn't do anything with as far as trimming it out.
The trim I used for the butt joint of each panel is that plastic H trim that is found in the same isle as the FRP.