Headliner, T-Top Shade, and Sail Panel Re-Cover - How To Videos
#1
Headliner, T-Top Shade, and Sail Panel Re-Cover - How To Videos
Hey all! I recently decided to re-cover some of my interior panels in my 86. It wasn't terrible, but the headliner was sagging, and had some holes in it from critter damage. The fiberboard was in reasonable shape, but ended up needing some fiberglass repair. The T-Top shades were saggy also.
I went into this knowing that it wasn't going to be perfect. If I had to do it again, I could get it better, but as you all know, learning as you go comes with its consequences and hindsights.
I took video of all the repairs. They're fairly lengthy. And I also took a results video. While my results weren't perfect, I hope they will encourage you guys to try some of this on your own! And, by watching my mistakes, be better prepared for the project! Not to mention save some money!
The only thing I have left to do, is get my sun visors re-covered. I could probably manage it, but I just don't have time. And its cheap enough to get done locally. And...if I decide to re-do my sail panels, I will. But for now...Im ok with what I got!
T-Top Headliner Repair and Recover Part 1
T-Top Headliner Repair and Recover Part 2
T-Top Shade Recover
Sail Panel Recover
Results Video!
Let me know if you have any questions or comments!
Justin
I went into this knowing that it wasn't going to be perfect. If I had to do it again, I could get it better, but as you all know, learning as you go comes with its consequences and hindsights.
I took video of all the repairs. They're fairly lengthy. And I also took a results video. While my results weren't perfect, I hope they will encourage you guys to try some of this on your own! And, by watching my mistakes, be better prepared for the project! Not to mention save some money!
The only thing I have left to do, is get my sun visors re-covered. I could probably manage it, but I just don't have time. And its cheap enough to get done locally. And...if I decide to re-do my sail panels, I will. But for now...Im ok with what I got!
T-Top Headliner Repair and Recover Part 1
T-Top Headliner Repair and Recover Part 2
T-Top Shade Recover
Sail Panel Recover
Results Video!
Let me know if you have any questions or comments!
Justin
#2
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Re: Headliner, T-Top Shade, and Sail Panel Re-Cover - How To Videos
Thanks for posting! As someone who redid his interior, I can appreciate the effort put in! Sunshades didn't come with my car but I borrowed a set to make a template so I'm going to use your video when I cover them with fabric.
Anyone ever make their own set? I'm looking for suggestions on what type of material to use for the boards. I can use heavy cardboard but my t-tops do leak in really heavy rain so I'm looking for other options.
Anyone ever make their own set? I'm looking for suggestions on what type of material to use for the boards. I can use heavy cardboard but my t-tops do leak in really heavy rain so I'm looking for other options.
#3
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Re: Headliner, T-Top Shade, and Sail Panel Re-Cover - How To Videos
Thanks for posting! As someone who redid his interior, I can appreciate the effort put in! Sunshades didn't come with my car but I borrowed a set to make a template so I'm going to use your video when I cover them with fabric.
Anyone ever make their own set? I'm looking for suggestions on what type of material to use for the boards. I can use heavy cardboard but my t-tops do leak in really heavy rain so I'm looking for other options.
Anyone ever make their own set? I'm looking for suggestions on what type of material to use for the boards. I can use heavy cardboard but my t-tops do leak in really heavy rain so I'm looking for other options.
They are coated with thin foam padding, and cloth is glued to the foam, and it is stitch around the border (if anyone wants to try to make some. They velco to the panels and are just a little larger than the openings.
My shades are sagging like the liner, but you can't get repros like the rest of the interior parts, so I'll have to attempt to redo it myself or pay someone to restore mine.
#4
Re: Headliner, T-Top Shade, and Sail Panel Re-Cover - How To Videos
The video shows the bare board and what I had to do to clean it...so you can get an idea of what its made of.
The foam is probably the same foam that backs the headliner material from the factory. On my shades, the material separated from the foam, but the foam hadn't deteriorated like the foam on the headliner. Making it a bit challenging to get off.
The board itself is a heavy cardboard. Its almost like thin pressboard. If I were to make these from scratch, and I almost did, I would use ABS. Go on Amazon, and look at their ABS sheets. Some 1/8" thick material would do it. Very cheap. HOWEVER, you wont be able to sew the edges. So you'll have to get creative to make a nice finished look if covering with fabric. You could wrap the edges if you wanted. Also a word of warning, sometimes those sheets come in a bit warped. And its difficult to flatten them out. Shouldnt be an issue once you attach with some velcro squares like the factory ones.
If you have any questions let me know!
Justin
The foam is probably the same foam that backs the headliner material from the factory. On my shades, the material separated from the foam, but the foam hadn't deteriorated like the foam on the headliner. Making it a bit challenging to get off.
The board itself is a heavy cardboard. Its almost like thin pressboard. If I were to make these from scratch, and I almost did, I would use ABS. Go on Amazon, and look at their ABS sheets. Some 1/8" thick material would do it. Very cheap. HOWEVER, you wont be able to sew the edges. So you'll have to get creative to make a nice finished look if covering with fabric. You could wrap the edges if you wanted. Also a word of warning, sometimes those sheets come in a bit warped. And its difficult to flatten them out. Shouldnt be an issue once you attach with some velcro squares like the factory ones.
If you have any questions let me know!
Justin
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Re: Headliner, T-Top Shade, and Sail Panel Re-Cover - How To Videos
I knew I'd seen an ad for these...just took a few minutes to find it. Unfortunately, no photos of the parts they are selling. Mine were missing from the car, so I thought these might get me close.
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Re: Headliner, T-Top Shade, and Sail Panel Re-Cover - How To Videos
I knew I'd seen an ad for these...just took a few minutes to find it. Unfortunately, no photos of the parts they are selling. Mine were missing from the car, so I thought these might get me close.
Amazon.com: Acme AFH12S-FB1810 T-Top Sunshades Covered With Medium Dark Gray Foambacked Cloth: Automotive
Amazon.com: Acme AFH12S-FB1810 T-Top Sunshades Covered With Medium Dark Gray Foambacked Cloth: Automotive
Comes with the Velcro tabs also
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Re: Headliner, T-Top Shade, and Sail Panel Re-Cover - How To Videos
Nice video for the Headliner,I wish I saw this earlier,I just ruined a roll of Carmine Headliner Material,TODAY.I cut the material short at the inside corners on the front end.I had to order another kit from 1A and start all over again
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Car: 1988 Trans Am
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Re: Headliner, T-Top Shade, and Sail Panel Re-Cover - How To Videos
Hey Dave,I bought a set from 1A,http://www.1aauto.com/1982-92-t-top-...=336514&y=1986
Comes with the Velcro tabs also
Comes with the Velcro tabs also
What does the Velcro tab do? I've never actually laid my eyes on a set of these. Have no idea how they install.
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Re: Headliner, T-Top Shade, and Sail Panel Re-Cover - How To Videos
thanks for the videos bud!
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Re: Headliner, T-Top Shade, and Sail Panel Re-Cover - How To Videos
RPO Code DE4.the Velcro allows the sunshade to stay intact when you remove the tops,the originals had Velcro.
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Re: Headliner, T-Top Shade, and Sail Panel Re-Cover - How To Videos
Thanks mantaguy.
My SPID label does have DE4.
So there is a patch of Velcro on the glass, and that holds the cover in place on the glass when you remove it?
My SPID label does have DE4.
So there is a patch of Velcro on the glass, and that holds the cover in place on the glass when you remove it?
#14
Re: Headliner, T-Top Shade, and Sail Panel Re-Cover - How To Videos
Yes. One edge of the shade slips into the plastic area of the t-top latch/side. The other end has two little squares of velcro. Ide say about .75-1" square. Doesnt take much.
When the tops are in, the shade is slightly bigger than the t-top opening for the headliner. So it rests on all 4 sides.
When you remove the tops, the velcro holds it in place. You leave them on when you sto the t-tops in the bag. Works quite well.
J.
When the tops are in, the shade is slightly bigger than the t-top opening for the headliner. So it rests on all 4 sides.
When you remove the tops, the velcro holds it in place. You leave them on when you sto the t-tops in the bag. Works quite well.
J.
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Re: Headliner, T-Top Shade, and Sail Panel Re-Cover - How To Videos
Thanks guys. I learn something new everyday on this forum.
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