[SEL] OT - any car restorers - headliner question

bill at antique-engines.com bill at antique-engines.com
Tue Nov 21 05:32:32 PST 2006


Doesn't apply to engines, may apply to tractors, does apply to cars/trucks.

Headliner - the backing is like some fiberglass insulation batt that's
been compressed and shaped. The vinyl is off because the foam backing on
the vinyl gave way. All that's left is the fiberglass backerboard. It's a
bit soft in places, especially a couple of the edges and corners.
Is there a simple way to stiffen it up (like fiberlgass viagra?) that's
water resistant (in case of leaks) and won't change the shape?
I need to recover it but want any vinyl applied to have a nice smooth
finish and keep the curves intact.
It's been suggested to spray it with a paintgun loaded with watered-down
elmers glue, but although that would work, it certainly won't be water
resistant at all and the first bit of a leak and it's melt-down time (not
as bad as a melt-down in Arnie's profession, but not good either)

So has anyone needed to stiffen up a headliner backer, or other similar
material and what would be the process?
Anything that can be SPRAYED on it that would soak in and really stiffen
it up?

The rest of the car is literally ending up show-quality (we've spent weeks
blocking it so it's perfect) so this needs to be good as well.

Thanks.

Bill
Runnells, IA

(Luke is coming back from Korea for a visit! - with a girl............)




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