[GNvsTA]

I have the powder blue interior in my 78 Formula. I believe that it is similar to the Skybird interior. It has the perforated vinyl. The headliner is starting to fall. I have been to two reputable shops in my area and both told me that they cannot get the powder blue vinyl. One then said that he can take white and dye it or replace it with powder blue cloth. I'm not sure about dying it and would really like to stay with the original material. The other shop said that dying it would not work well, plus the foamed backed vinyl does not adhere well to the board when replaced. I also asked about the bow conversion kits and was told they aren't all that great. If anyone has any advice, I really need it. Thanks!!

[GNvsTA]

I have the powder blue interior in my 78 Formula. I believe that it is similar to the Skybird interior. It has the perforated vinyl. The headliner is starting to fall. I have been to two reputable shops in my area and both told me that they cannot get the powder blue vinyl. One then said that he can take white and dye it or replace it with powder blue cloth. I'm not sure about dying it and would really like to stay with the original material. The other shop said that dying it would not work well, plus the foamed backed vinyl does not adhere well to the board when replaced. I also asked about the bow conversion kits and was told they aren't all that great. If anyone has any advice, I really need it. Thanks!!

[Philo]

I have a '79 TA with the same condition you have. I wanted to keep the original look too, but could not find a replacement vinyl, so I used a 1/4" thick backed fabric that was a 99% color match, from Jo Ann Fabrics. I like it much better than the vinyl, and it looks better too. Let me know if you decide to go this way and I will explain how I glued it and kept all bubbles out (if you need the info).

[Skip Fix]

I always wondered if you couldn't scrape off all the foam remnants and just glue the vinyl to the cardboard.

[Skip Fix]

My post got a wording kick for 10 minutes for some reason.

[Colin]

Get one of the ABS plastic boards and ditch the cardboard and adheasion shouldnt be an issue.

[Skip Fix]

The biggest adehsion issue is the vinyl actually has a foam backing. It breaks down like al foam does and some is stuck to the vinyl and some to the cardboard.

[trumpeter]

I also replaced my headliner with the JoAnne fabrics material. If you are careful, you can peel one layer of the old cardboard off taking with it any remaining foam backing. Then just glue it up.

I would love to try one of the new ABS boards, but have used the money for the motor...

I have a few pics of this process on my member page on the TAC website.

Trumpeter

Trumpeter

[GNvsTA]

Philo, can you email me the process you used. Looks like that is the path I will have to take. Did you do the visors too? Where can I get those ABS boards?

[Skip Fix]

Trim shops I've seen use a circular sander to knock off the foam on the cardboard.Then spray adhesive on and lay the material down. The correct headliner vinyl and cloth I have seen uses a foam in it that is usually the culprit for the sagging and separation.

[Philo]

I was having trouble replying - not sure if it is a problem with the forum server or my PC.

Anyway, the process I used:

I removed all of the loose stuff from the pressed board, and stapled it to one end of a sheet of plywood to hold it. Then I applied the glue and let it set up (tack). Use a glue suitable for cloth and pressed wood and one that will tack up, but not dry for an hour or so. (I don't recall what I used, but it gave off fumes for a day or so until it dried. Since then, no smell). I then put the fabric on the other end of the plywood (good side down), with the edge near the glue. I put a pipe (2" steel, five feet long) on the plywood under the fabric. Wrap the edge of the material part way around the pipe, lining up the pipe and material so it is aligned with the pressed board. Then just roll the pipe slowly (use a friend on the other end) across the pressed board and glue. Try it first with out glue to see how it works for you. Don't press too hard on the pipe - just go slowly and with very slight pressure. Then allow a couple of days for the glue to dry completely before installing it - otherwise you could get finger dents in the material when you press on it. After you pull the pressed board off the plywood, you may want to clip off the ends of the staples - I only used about six staples. Good luck.

My visors are vinyl and in good shape, so I did not cover them.

[GNvsTA]

Thanks for the instructions. Now I just have to find the material. Checked all the Joann's around me. None carry anything close to light blue.

[Rob79TA]

The glue that shops use to instal headliner cloth to the board is just contact cement. you spray the board and than the back of the cloth wait 15 min and aply the cloth to the board.