Hi folks, long-time lurker here hoping for some help. I've scoured the threads looking for this specific answer, so I'm sorry if I missed it via search. I have a low-mile 82 Trans Am that I'm doing some repairs on. I'll be doing the t-top seals (plenty of good threads on that) and the headliner (it's sagging). The headliner is the main issue at the moment. How do I remove it without cutting the backing board or the seat belt escutcheon? I'd like to avoid disassembling the belt from the retractor, which seems like it'd be tough to do in the car with a dangling headliner.

The 82s it seems don't have the split headliner or escutcheons. I really don't want to cut either to preserve the originality. If I can somehow remove the lower mount, can I slip it all out through the headliner hole? Looks a bit tight down there with the carpet and seat installed. Here are some reference photos:




I appreciate the group's help.

 

There are several film clips on youtube.com on this subject. U will have to select & view each clip. I did find one that was right on.

 

Thanks I did watch a bunch of them. 1A Auto, Classic Industries, shade tree. Most I've seen have all been later cars with the split headliner and later escutcheons. If you happen to have the bingo one in your history, would you be able to share the link?

 

Can’t you just unbolt the bottom belt near the seat and then pull it through the headliner hole? Looks like there’s a large torx bolt holding the seatbelt plate in one of your pictures. You might have to remove the seat to have enough access that bolt.

 

Battmann: that was what I was wondering in the original post. I just wanted to see if anyone had done it or had an alternative idea.

I went back out and moved the passenger and driver seats fully forward which, along with pulling the carpet a bit, gave me enough room for the torx bit and ratchet. Everyone says it's a T50, but mine didn't fit. I was creating metal particles on the bit trying to get it in. A T45 worked better for me, even though it was just slightly loose. Both bolts came out easily enough with gentle and careful pressure. There is a sticky material between the belt bracket and the sill to be wary of getting on stuff as you remove it. The belt passed OK through the tight seatbelt guides on the seat backs and the hole in the headliner. Headliner is out.

I always prefer minimally invasive surgery on these original old cars. Too much opportunity to break stuff if you go in like an animal. All the DIYs and tips always seem to be for the later cars and the 1982 cars are different. So for those of you with an '82 and an original headliner, what I did was fairly painless.

 

There’s definitely quite a few unique pieces and design features in the 82–84 birds.

 

The torx bolt is a T47. Go out and get yourself a new socket before re-installing.

 

Ah! Tricky! Thanks for the tip. Will-do. Don't want to strip it on reinstall.