Slowly getting to this on my 'Bird. First step (obviously) is to remove all the deteriorating parts. Any pointers, tips, or tricks to getting the headliner proper out of place?

I can see pretty readily how to get the sun visors and other 'fiddly bits' out, but after my small debacle with the passenger door panel, I want to be sure I'm not creating more work for myself by taking something apart incorrectly -- in particular, I'm a bit stumped by a couple of things:

1. The plastic trim pieces that hide the shoulder belt inertia reels inside of the roof.
2. The dome light housing: it looks like it needs to come out, and appear to be a couple of push nuts holding it in place, but I don't know the best way to extract those...

It appears that once those are out (as well as the other plastic trim pieces surrounding the headliner) are removed, the headliner should just drop out. Is that the case?

 

Use a small clip remover for those clip nuts in the light and work them off, then all the other trim. It comes out fairly easy. Just be careful not to bend to much; its old and will fold or fall apart. Take you time and don't persuade it to much.
A helper would be my next suggestion.

 

Another tip: at the front edge of the headliner are two small white plastic clips that will break if you pull straight down on them. they are inserted into a "T" slot that allows removal by moving to the side before pulling down. do one at a time.. the shoulder belt trim just pulls off the housing with a little pressure. I also just removed my light by getting a plastic pry tool under the light and slowly, but firmly applying pressure and the pressnuts came off intact along with the housing.

 

Good suggestions, guys! Thanks!

I was afraid of that... I'm generally forced into a solo act on many of my endeavors... Maybe I can pry a friend away from his 'honey-do' list for this...?

 

There are some good vids online about removing the headliner. I just did mine alone. It's like thick cardboard and will bend/break easily after all these years. I went the path of others here, bought resin and firmed it up with a couple coats. Recovering properly is a PIA though for those inexperienced in upholstery like me. I used Super77, hot glue gun and headliner fabric from fabric store. Mine looks OK but is not done right. Stretching into the curves is where I got stuck. For $200 (if you have it) if you are not an upholsterer its better to buy a replacement. You will be happier with the results.

 

Tiny flat head screwdriver to gently pry the seatbelt trim pieces off.

Dome light: Remove cover, take out bulb. I used some needle nose pliers to get those two rings off the screws. Be gentle here. It's easy to slip.

Remove backseat speaker covers (1 screw)

Remove 4 screws between headliner and rear window.

The clips at the front of the headliner above the rearview mirror.....slide the headliner towards the passenger door. It should pop out easily.

The hardest part for me was getting the trim pieces above the doors off and put back on. Take your time. Don't force anything. Those screws can strip very easily.

 

https://www.thirdgen.org/technical-articles, https://www.thirdgen.org/ttops2

 

If you choose to re-use the original board, which I recommend if it is in decent shape, wear gloves when cleaning it up. It is made of fiberglass and will cause itching, irritation of the skin. Use fiberglass resin and cloth to repair but be careful not to make it too heavy as you don't want it to sag from the extra weight.

 

I got pointed at some video information on this, and that was helpful in conceptualizing the process -- which is usually my first hurdle.

Like you, I have very little experience with upholstery work -- usually just on the removal/tear-down end. I've found a local and experienced auto. upholstery guy who gave me a $60 quote to re-do the headliner, sun visors, and T-top inserts -- including materials -- provided I can pull everything apart for him. As there will be some sewing involved, at least for the T-top insert borders -- and I don't own or have experience with a sewing machine -- I'm going that route.

Good summary of the links provided by "red rock!" Thanks, guys!

Taken under advisement. The original board should be in good condition, so my plan going into this was to reuse it.

 

OK. Just to follow-up on my situation and progress:

Got all the interior bits (trim, sun visors, sail panes) out of the car without any hassles. The headliner wasn't much trouble either, except it's a bit worrisome removing it on your own when one isn't certain how structurally sound the original backing board is. As it turned out, it was still in excellent condition. All of it went to the upholsterer I'd found near Waco, and is now back in the car, looking good as new!

Thanks to all who provided guidance!