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Hawks Hardtop ABS Headliner install (Beechwood)

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Old Mar 29, 2013 | 11:30 AM
  #1  
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Car: '89 Trans AM/'88 GTA
Engine: (2) Tuned Port L98's
Hawks Hardtop ABS Headliner install (Beechwood)

Hey fellas, I installed the ABS Headliner last night in about an hour and I must say I am very happy with the outcome. Figured Id post my results since I researched this headliner, and some complained of fitment issues,
especially with T-top cars. For $299.99, a easy install and durable piece..
I recommend it for Hardtop cars.

For those wondering, It is a pre-cut fabricated ABS plastic headliner and is
completey covered with your choice color material. You are required to lightly modify it for your model car. Basically, you just have to get a exacto-knife or razor, and flip the liner upside down and locate which openings you are going to be using. In my case, it was just the visors, dome light and the seat belt conduits. Carefully cut a perfect "X" in the center from the pre-cut holes from the front of backside, and either tape or glue the excess to the backside of the liner. Also, you have to finely cut the seat belt slits, which had me worried, but it came out amazing. The adhesive used on these headliners are very good. Anyway, I chose to use Permatex aerosol type headliner and carpet glue that cost $12.99, and it worked like a champ.
I was able to perserve the old headliner, which I will keep as a backup, and ill have it redone. The hardest part of the job was the removal of the plastic door trim and old headliner if you are trying to preserve it, the install is difficult if you are doing it alone.. Because it is hard to land the sun visor screws without someone holding it up for you. Since the Hawks headliner is not held in place with the factory clips, I recommend doing this with a friend.

Here are some pics of the headliner installed without the door trimming:
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Outstanding piece, now I can finally cruise with my windows down!
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Old Mar 29, 2013 | 12:10 PM
  #2  
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Car: 88 Sport Coupe Camaro
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Re: Hawks Hardtop ABS Headliner install (Beechwood)

What is your plan for replacing the door-trim moulding?

I'd like to hear your experience with these clips:

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Old Mar 29, 2013 | 12:22 PM
  #3  
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TPI
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From: Norwich, CT
Car: '89 Trans AM/'88 GTA
Engine: (2) Tuned Port L98's
Re: Hawks Hardtop ABS Headliner install (Beechwood)

Originally Posted by W.E.G.
What is your plan for replacing the door-trim moulding?

I'd like to hear your experience with these clips:

http://youtu.be/xLCWzTKgbug

I managed to spare all those bastard of a clips, minus one of them.. I plan to remove them from the car, and install the "slides" into the trim piece first, position the trim and press them in gently.

If that doesnt work, Ill do what I did to remove it, which is to slide the trim in to the christmas tree clips and then press the clips in on the windshield stantion. Hopefully, it goes in without a snap.. Which ironically, I am on my way out now to do!
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Old Mar 29, 2013 | 12:58 PM
  #4  
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TPI
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From: Norwich, CT
Car: '89 Trans AM/'88 GTA
Engine: (2) Tuned Port L98's
Re: Hawks Hardtop ABS Headliner install (Beechwood)

Originally Posted by TPI
I managed to spare all those bastard of a clips, minus one of them.. I plan to remove them from the car, and install the "slides" into the trim piece first, position the trim and press them in gently.

If that doesnt work, Ill do what I did to remove it, which is to slide the trim in to the christmas tree clips and then press the clips in on the windshield stantion. Hopefully, it goes in without a snap.. Which ironically, I am on my way out now to do!
Update: Successfully installed trim in about 15 minutes. I chose NOT to remove the clips and rather position the trim aft of the clips, line them up with my fingers, press the trim firm up against the liner and slide forward to engage the "catches" that are built into the trim and it worked like a charm!
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Old Mar 30, 2013 | 11:41 PM
  #5  
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Re: Hawks Hardtop ABS Headliner install (Beechwood)

Looks good. Mine fit good except for one thing, the overhead console... there's a gap above it because this headliner isn't as flat as the stock one.
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Old Mar 31, 2013 | 08:25 PM
  #6  
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TPI
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From: Norwich, CT
Car: '89 Trans AM/'88 GTA
Engine: (2) Tuned Port L98's
Re: Hawks Hardtop ABS Headliner install (Beechwood)

Originally Posted by 80schild
Looks good. Mine fit good except for one thing, the overhead console... there's a gap above
it because this headliner isn't as flat as the stock one.
Yeah, mine seems to fit pretty flush.. but then again, because of the dome light assembly, I think it bridges the gap.
I guess I lucked out my car wasnt optioned with a overhead console.. Overall, the liner fits great!

Did you attempt to maybe modify to use the factory clips that held the original headliner to the car? Just a thought,
not sure if that would actually work..
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