anyone replaced a headliner on a fintail?
 

I am seeing many fintails for sale, and they all tend to be torn at the c-pillars. Is a replacement heaadliner really an option? If I were to go to a fabric store, is it difficult to replace?
Thanks
David

it looks like the front and rear windows have to come out, the headliner goes under the moulding

Hi David -

I have a similar problem on my 61. I have been experimenting with painting the headliner. I tried 3 or 4 different paints and what seems to work is a high quality primer spray - zinsor (sp?) I gives the cloth a vinyl-like finish and tightens it as well. It is still flexable and does not crack.

Hope this helps.

Wally

Headliner repair
 

We had the headliner replaced in our '63 220b by an upholstery shop. The original velour had rotted at the back posts and it looked ratty. The shope charged $400 and used a grey vinyl. It now looks great and if smells even better. Those old velour liners soak up the oil and "old" smell. We thought about doing it ourselves but would never have gotten it as tight and straight as the shop. Well worth it if you asked me.

In 1974, I replaced the headliner on my Ponton 180b. This involved removing the back window, but I was able to secure the front portion under the inside windsheild trim. That original Ponton headlining, like the one in my '60 Fintail, was a cotton velour. I used it as a pattern to make up a replacement from nylon velour, which looks like the original cotton but doesn't rot. I've got similar plans for my Fintail.

Happy Motoring, Mark