1953 Chevy Truck Upholstery Question

[gag1025]

I submitted this question one time several minutes ago but it did not appear to upload. My question is this. I am installing Dynamat to all possible surfaces. Will headliner stick to the silver surface if I spray it with spray adhesive. I will do the same thing on the rear of the cab as well. Or is there a better solution?

[youngrodder]

Originally Posted by gag1025

I submitted this question one time several minutes ago but it did not appear to upload. My question is this. I am installing Dynamat to all possible surfaces. Will headliner stick to the silver surface if I spray it with spray adhesive. I will do the same thing on the rear of the cab as well. Or is there a better solution?

Yes, if you use the right glue. But most headliners are held in by some form or fashion. I used an aftermarket one piece fiberglass headliner and it is held in across the back where the factory one screwed in. The front is held in by the front window trim. If you offer more info (or pics) of the headliner you are trying to install we will be better equipt to help.

On my truck I covered the entire roof with dynamat.

Marc

[gag1025]

Thanks youngrodder. I like the one is this truck.

[gag1025]

youngrodder, The photo I sent looks like they inserted a couple of extra ribs across the ceiling and attached the material to each rib. I talked to one guy who said that he used ABS plastic over the Dynamat. He said that you can heat it to form it and use adhesive spray to attach all types of material to it. I am not that familiar with this product but that sounds like an interesting option. If I went in this direction then I could have a smooth headliner like the one in my 2005 Chevy truck. All information I get from you and others will be greatly appreciated and used. Thanks. BTW, where did you get your fiberglass headliner? Do you have a picture of it? I would like to see it.

[youngrodder]

Originally Posted by gag1025

youngrodder, The photo I sent looks like they inserted a couple of extra ribs across the ceiling and attached the material to each rib. I talked to one guy who said that he used ABS plastic over the Dynamat. He said that you can heat it to form it and use adhesive spray to attach all types of material to it. I am not that familiar with this product but that sounds like an interesting option. If I went in this direction then I could have a smooth headliner like the one in my 2005 Chevy truck. All information I get from you and others will be greatly appreciated and used. Thanks. BTW, where did you get your fiberglass headliner? Do you have a picture of it? I would like to see it.

gag1025

The one that you pictured looks professionally done. That's something totally different. I was providing a do it yourself solution for you. Interior guys are wizards with what they can pull off. I found my fiberglass headliner a few years back on Ebay.

Here are some pics. All I did was cover it will 1/8 foam, then cut out the center section covered it all in faux leather and added a carpet insert to tie in with the rest of the interior. The last picture was very dusty..but you get the idea.

Marc

[DransportGarage]

Subscribed. Sure would like to learn more about this "ABS plastic" stuff (including suppliers), and about fasteners and glues, etc.

[tlorber]

I bought a gallon of upholstry adhesive from a shop. It is much more heat stable than the spray adhesives. The owner had to go "to the back of the shop" to get the stuff because it is not exactly legal in California.

[youngrodder]

Originally Posted by tlorber

I bought a gallon of upholstry adhesive from a shop. It is much more heat stable than the spray adhesives. The owner had to go "to the back of the shop" to get the stuff because it is not exactly legal in California.

I bet this is the glue that you used.
http://www.yourautotrim.com/noname37.html

I used the same stuff. Great holding strength and much cheaper in the gallon form than the 3M cans of spray. I picked up a $20 spray gun from Harbor Freight and I was in business.

Thanks
Marc

[gag1025]

Thanks guys for all your help. I am learning a lot. I saw the replacement headliner Youngrodder used in both Brothers and Classic Parts catalogs. The one in Brothers was cheaper but looked a little different. My question is has anyone purchased this part from those two sources? I'm wondering if they are both the same and the picture of the one in the Brothers catalog just looks different. Anyone know the answer? The one in the Brothers catalog is $50 cheaper than the one in the Classic parts catalog. If they are both the same there is no doubt which one I will buy. I am going to use the same fleece type material that is used in my 2005 Chevy Silverado with a thin piece of foam in between which brings up another question. Will this super glue stick the foam to the plastic and the fabric to the felt securely enough for a long lasting bond?

[gag1025]

Youngrodder, I would like to lose the back headliner retainer (rod) piece and cover all the area where the interior light is mounted. Any suggestions?

[youngrodder]

Originally Posted by gag1025

Thanks guys for all your help. I am learning a lot. I saw the replacement headliner Youngrodder used in both Brothers and Classic Parts catalogs. The one in Brothers was cheaper but looked a little different. My question is has anyone purchased this part from those two sources? I'm wondering if they are both the same and the picture of the one in the Brothers catalog just looks different. Anyone know the answer? The one in the Brothers catalog is $50 cheaper than the one in the Classic parts catalog. If they are both the same there is no doubt which one I will buy. I am going to use the same fleece type material that is used in my 2005 Chevy Silverado with a thin piece of foam in between which brings up another question. Will this super glue stick the foam to the plastic and the fabric to the felt securely enough for a long lasting bond?

The glue I provided (and used) will work for your application and will have all of the holding strength that you need.

Originally Posted by gag1025

Youngrodder, I would like to lose the back headliner retainer (rod) piece and cover all the area where the interior light is mounted. Any suggestions?

My headliner does not use any of the rods. I also covered the rear of the cab area with material. This was difficult (for me being this was my first interior job) because of the convex curves of the back of the cab. It is hard to get the material to layout without wrinkles. It can be done but it is difficult.

Marc

[gag1025]

Youngrodder, when I say rod I am actually talking about the part that runs (curves) across the back of the ceiling (roof) at the back, screws into the metal and holds the headliner in place. I would like to eliminate this part if at all possible. If I cannot then I guess I will attach it and cover over it. I am sure the foam will enable me to do that. Another option is to use the headliner system they used in the '53 Chevy cars.

[solidaxel]

I was in the same boat after a few builds with various material. This truck, I took it to a pro and this is what I got back, well worth everything, except the 6 months it took to finish the job!

[youngrodder]

Originally Posted by gag1025

Youngrodder, when I say rod I am actually talking about the part that runs (curves) across the back of the ceiling (roof) at the back, screws into the metal and holds the headliner in place. I would like to eliminate this part if at all possible. If I cannot then I guess I will attach it and cover over it. I am sure the foam will enable me to do that. Another option is to use the headliner system they used in the '53 Chevy cars.

I think that you will want to use it is secure the headliner at the back. I didnt have the stock retaining strip (rod as you refered to is as) and everyone seemed to want a lot of money for them. For that reason I made mine out of 1/4 inch wide aluminum trim. I used this same trim on my center console and door panels to tie it all in.

Again...anything is possible. Just play around and see what works best for you.

Marc

[gag1025]

Thanks Marc. Fortunately I still have mine. I will probably use it to secure the plastic liner and put the foam and fabric over it to cover it all up to make it look like one piece. Solidaxel, I feel your pain. My truck parts (cab, bed, fenders, etc.) were at the body shop for over a year (because my body and paint friends are deer and turkey hunters. I am just happy they don't fish) but they did an outstanding job.

[gag1025]

Youngrodder, I ordered and just received a one piece ABS plastic headliner from Chevy's Of The 40's. My two question to you are (1) did you have to trim some material off the front and sides to make it fit and (2) did you glue it to the sound proofing/heat shield (Dynamat, Fat Mat, etc.) to keep it secure and to keep the middle from sagging?

[youngrodder]

Originally Posted by gag1025

Youngrodder, I ordered and just received a one piece ABS plastic headliner from Chevy's Of The 40's. My two question to you are (1) did you have to trim some material off the front and sides to make it fit and (2) did you glue it to the sound proofing/heat shield (Dynamat, Fat Mat, etc.) to keep it secure and to keep the middle from sagging?

No I did not need to trim the front side of mine. It fit pretty good.
I did not do anything to secure the middle. My headliner is held in by the following:
* Rear view mirror screwed through the headliner to the metal inner roof structure
* Screwed along the back edge of the cab how it attached from the factory.
* Held at the sides from the door/cab seal.

Since it is held in place by those three points it is very secure.

Marc

[gag1025]

Thanks Marc. That eases my mind. I figured that if I di not attach it in the middle it would sag down. Thanks.

[Iceburgh]

For glue use the 3M spray 90 in the green can. It will hold up under high heat and can get it at Lowes. Rod doors has the do it yourself headliners. I have used them 6-7 times never a problem. Have one in the garage for latest build.

[gag1025]

Thanks Iceurgh. How does the 3M spray compare to Weldwood that someone else recommended? Are the headliners from RodDoors the same as the ones Classic Parts and Chevy's Of The 40's sell?

[Iceburgh]

CP and Chevs of the 40's get them from Rod doors. Rod doors has moved from NC to Ca. so they are a little slow at getting parts during the move. The other places have parts in stock but are limited on the door panels. The headliners not an issue.
Never used weldwood so I can say

[gag1025]

Another question. Did either of you guys who replied glue the ABS headliner to the sound/heat material (Dynamat, Fat Mate, etc.) or leave it free hanging? Also, does RodDoors make a panel that extends from the headliner down to the floor around the rear window for a '53 Chevy truck? I could call them but it is easier asking you.

[Iceburgh]

Free hanging....it is held in place with the window trim and headliner bow ( Just the rear)
No they do not make the part around the window. Paint on mine below the window and then used ABS plastic behind the seat.
ABS is very easy to mold with just a little heat. I would think you could do the same around the window to the roof. It would need to be covered but I would think it would be easy

[gag1025]

Iceburge, I am thinking about doing the same thing. Do you have pictures? I sure would like to see what you have done. I am very interested in seeing what you did after the headliner in the back.

[gag1025]

To Youngrodder

Marc, where did you get your headliner? I got mine from Chevy Of The 40's and it looks different than yours and it will not fit unless I trim it (which I do not want to do) unless it is absolutely necessary. If I can find a better fitting one I will send the one I have back and get what you have.