[CrashTestDummy]

We're updating some bits in our 92 B4C 1LE Camaro RS ex-Tx DPS car, like headliner and carpet, to start. Both have enjoyed decades of police use and life as a race car. The headliner fell years ago, but since I wasn't DDing it anymore, I didn't worry much, but quietly gathered parts while I was working and tucked them away in our shop. We are finally mostly-done with the restomod of the SVO, so I figured that it was a good time to start on the Camaro. I'm STILL gathering parts, as things have broken and been discovered missing while disassembly progressed.

Since I'm waiting on parts, I figured I'd get the headliner down and unpacked so I can figure out what I need to do for the install. It's one of those ABS things that everyone complains about. When I was buying, the reviews seemed to be all 1's or 5's, and not having much choice, bought one. I think I got it from Hawks, but am unsure. I know they just resell one of the couple that are on the market, so kwality issues really aren't on them.

When I pulled the thing from the bag, I discovered that parts of the material are ALREADY sagging, and it seems the foam between the backing board and material has deteriorated. When you touch the material, it leaves an indentation in the fabric. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/banghead.gif) I'm kind of pi$$ed at this, but also kind of relieved we didn't install this thing only to have it fall while in the car in little time.

I'm not sure what to do at this point. The old headliner board is broken in several places, in spite of trying to go easy with the removal. It was a cheap POS, too, so I'm not sure it can be reused. I'm half-tempted to pull the material off the 'new' ABS board, cleaning it, and then getting and installing some new material, but my last experience with that job years ago was a total failure (headliner on a '83 Impala).

Does anyone know of a good manufacturer to order from? This crap sux!!

(IMG:https://media.fotki.com/2v2ZKPNT8xJDYiP.jpg)
Entire new headliner after pulling out of the packaging.

(IMG:https://media.fotki.com/2v2ZKPrUrxJDYiP.jpg)
Edge by B-pillar showing sagging material.

(IMG:https://media.fotki.com/2v2ZKPrt8xJDYiP.jpg)
Edge of headliner showing depression where it was handled.... a couple of years ago!

This post has been edited by CrashTestDummy: Apr 15 2025, 09:09 PM

[CrashTestDummy]

We finally got the old headliner board coated in resin and fiberglass fabric. Tried doing it in two big sheets, but it really wouldn't lay down and kept pulling up as we brushed resin on it. So we ended up doing it in random strips. It's all covered now. Just waiting for the fabric to arrive. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

We coated the side the fabric will adhere to. I've seen both sides done, usually only one side when done, but there seems to be no reason to do one over the other. I figured the 'glass and resin would provide a nice smooth surface to glue the fabric to, so went with that.

(IMG:https://media.fotki.com/2v2Z1Q8M3xJDYiP.jpg)

It looks much better in person, but really doesn't matter since it'll be covered with fabric.

Now, on to the carpet, which fits about as well as the aftermarket headliner. After days of letting bricks set on it, it's still kind of wrinkly, so have ordered a steamer so maybe we can get some heat and steam on it to help it lay down more/better. I watched a yuutoobs video of a guy installing some, and his opinion after the install was that it fit 'okayish'. NOT very confidence-inspiring with the product.

This post has been edited by CrashTestDummy: Apr 28 2025, 02:06 PM