Headliner

ljmlaw · Post by **ljmlaw** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 8:43 am

How hard is it to change the headliner, and if so what would I need to change it.

branston · Post by **branston** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 4:54 pm

ljmlaw wrote:How hard is it to change the headliner, and if so what would I need to change it.

I guess that depends how you define hard:) To replace the headliner isn't hard IMO, It does take time and a lot of care and a great deal of patience get it fitting right.

A few points to consider.

Do you plan replacing just the headliner alone, that is the part above your head from windshield to rear window? '66 headliner kits come in 9 pieces.
1x Headliner
2x B post covers
2x under rear side window trims
2 x over rear window and down C post trims
1x around rear window trim
1x under rear window trim

so if you just do (or can buy) the part over your head it may not match the rest - you may be able to live with that. My OCD won't.

If you strip out all of the roof liner and side/rear parts,the process of removing them will most likely either pull off the old padding or reveal a lot of it to be rotted or falling off. You can buy a headliner fitting kit or make your own (I prefer to).

You will have to take out the Windshield, rear window and the rear side windows. Taking them out will most likely destroy the old seals so count on replacing them all.

You'll have to buy 3M spray glue - about 2 or 3 cans.

All the peripheral parts of the headliner need to be trimmed and carefully glued in place. Then the headliner is fitted, locating it behind the body return above the windshield and pulling out the creases between the headliner bows and working back to the rear of the car, the edges are then very carefully trimmed and tucked into the metal grips above the door openings, which are then hammered shut. Edges above the side rear windows are gleued in place around the window openings and gripped by the window seal when refitted, and so on.

I have lots of photos if you consider doing it and there is much info online and I think Wolfsburwest have a DVD to show how.

Or you can pay someone else..............

Heather · Post by **Heather** » Thu Jun 17, 2010 12:11 pm

What do you guys think of this price quote for Headliner install and rubber seals with chrome! This DOES NOT INCLUDE PARTS
The cost to install the headliner in your 1966 VW sedan without sunroof is $650.00. This will include the following:

Removal of the original headliner and glass (front, Rear and quarter windows)
Clean and prep the vehicle for proper headliner installation
Installation of a OEM style white perforated headliner.
Prep Windows for installation of new window rubber.
Install American Style window Rubber with Chrome trim on prepped Glass ( there is an extra charge if we have to Installing Rubber on Popout Quarter windows)
Install Glass into the vehicle.

branston · Post by **branston** » Thu Jun 17, 2010 8:16 pm

Hi Heather.

It seems like a lot but to be real honest its not. If that price includes the headliner and window seals then TBH it is not a lot. Replacing the window seals is not a big job and good seals are not chep (don't buy cheap ask where they came from and i can direct you to the best) headliners are about $150 for a 66 - oh and you don't need to remove the windshield to do it. But it is smart to replace the windshield seal if it is tired, the sides and rear glass have to come out.
Is $650 a lot? of course it depends on where you are in the US, NYC is not rural PA. If it's a friend doing then perhaps yes, use someone with a reputation as a badly fitted headliner look like sith. I do my own. takes a good while if you replace all the sound deadening too. TBH i don't think you are being robbed if they can guarante their work.

I owe you photos I'll get them posted asap

Heather · Post by **Heather** » Thu Jun 17, 2010 10:38 pm

The parts are not included. I'm getting parts from B.B.T when the time comes, I've heard from a few they are GOOD seals German made! My windshield has got a chip in it and will have to be replaced so this will be the time to do it. All the shops are saying they take the windshield out so. I'm not obligated to this company it is like 7 hrs from me so it's a cost to spend a few night there etc. but it does sound like he know what he's doing. We'll see I just wanted to know if this was HIGH or reasonable? Thxs!

branston · Post by **branston** » Fri Jun 18, 2010 9:14 pm

who do you buy BBT parts from here? I'm interested since they quit the US, let me know

The best rubber seals available in the US come from this guy http://www.luftkuhlte.com he ships them from the OG supplier in Germany. They are simply the best. I just tore out all my new Wolfsburgwest and WCM seals to put these ones in the are the only ones with true molded corners. he is well known on Samba and has many other Original supplier parts.

Heather · Post by **Heather** » Sat Jun 19, 2010 11:32 am

I emailed BBT and asked how the heck do I order from you and they sent my email to this guy enricoh83@yahoo.com remember I have not ordered from him YET. So i can't vouch for him but he has been prompt in returning e-mails and answering my questions. The BBT site has a pdf catalog to down load with part #.

Thanks for the info on the other guy. I have heard most seals are crap so I am only gonna get these or the ones you told me about German made.

Pls see my thread & vote about: to convert or not to convert that is the question. No one has replied yet

branston · Post by **branston** » Sat Jun 19, 2010 7:26 pm

I can tell you that the headliner from Wolfsburgwest is okay. fit where it should and is good quality.
don't buy their carpets for goodness sake. mail me if you want the whole story.

Heather · Post by **Heather** » Sun Jun 20, 2010 11:12 am

Good to know. I ordered interior knobs and arm rest from Wolfsburg and my friend (Bug is 3 hrs from me

said it all looks quality, I'll go up & work on it 4th July weekend.
My other friend who is huge Bug/vw guy says their stuff is OK. but he loves quality of B.B.T., so that where i'm gonna try to get the rest of my parts.

BERHAN · Post by **BERHAN** » Sun Jun 20, 2010 11:05 pm

here's another place you can try for rubber: http://www.autohausaz.com/search/produc ... 808@BEETLE &year=1966&cid=rubber@rubber&gid=1430@Weatherstripping/Moulding

rokemester · Post by **rokemester** » Sun Jun 27, 2010 6:28 pm

The above link doesn't seem to work. Not sure if it's a temporary issue. Very interested in hitting the site. What is the BBT site address. Thanks.

Blue Baron · Post by **Blue Baron** » Sun Jun 27, 2010 10:17 pm

I don't think $650 is an unreasonable labor charge to install a headliner and window rubber. It's not 1990 anymore.

BERHAN · Post by **BERHAN** » Mon Jun 28, 2010 5:45 pm

oops, only half of the link is highlighted. the whole link has to be inputed

The 1966 VW Beetle Forum

Headliner

Headliner

Re: Headliner