[SEL] OT - any car restorers - headliner question

[Steve W.]

bill at antique-engines.com wrote:
> 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............)
> 

Use some polyester resin. The same stuff that you would use to lay up a 
fiberglass boat or repair a 'vette with. You can thin it out and spray 
it on OR just brush it on and let it flow out. Either one would work. 
Once it cures it will be waterproof. It is the same stuff the factory 
used when they made the backer panel as well.

-- 
Steve W.
Near Cooperstown, New York

Pacifism - The theory that if they'd fed
Jeffrey Dahmer enough human flesh,
he'd have become a vegan.