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Remove and replace a Beetle headlining

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shaihulud Custom Title Time!

1,448 posts · joined Nov 2005 ·

#796533
I'm in the process of restoring a 1970 Beetle. The headlining fell apart as it came out. Because of its condition, I just ripped it out and I didn't pay close attention to how it is fitted.

I have another 1970 Beetle with a very good headlining.

What is holding the headlining in? Is it glued in or clipped in? How can I remove it without damaging it, so that I can refit it to the other car?

I know that some of it is glued, around the rear windows.The roof section itself is troubling me. It's not easy to see how it's held in.

Bizarre Moderator The artist formerly known as blue74l

12,787 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#796549
There is a seies of "bows" that hold the lining taught - sort of wire springs??
They are all different lengths and need to be kept in order

Yes - you can take an old one out
But they are only a $150ish mark for a new one??
All the money is in putting it in nice
Futue te ipsum!!!

Phil74Camper Head in the Clouds

2,703 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#796552
When you buy a replacement headliner kit to put in, all will become clear!

The main roof section, on the reverse side you can't see, has transverse long cloth loops sewn in. They are located where you see the stitch lining going across the car. There's about six of them from front to back.

They have metal rods through them - you should have grabbed your old ones when you pulled the old headliner out. The metal rods go through the loops, and then they are located up the body with each end about where the roof panel meets the side. The headining then 'hangs' from the rods. The ends are pulled tight and glued around the window frames, or held in place by the metal crimping at the edges.

At the front the headliner has a cardboard strip sewn on, which locates behind the metal inner near the rear vision mirror. The usual routine is to glue and fit the headliner at the rear, and work your way forward. You'll need a heater to make the vinyl soft enough to pull it tight.

It's a bugger of a job to get right, particularly if you've never done it before. VW shops sell kits - West Coast Metric is very good - and you are probably better off to pay a trimmer to fit it for you.

68AutoBug Beetle Restorer - Experience over 138\% - YIKES --

11,654 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#796553
shaihulud wrote:I'm in the process of restoring a 1970 Beetle. The headlining fell apart as it came out. Because of its condition, I just ripped it out and I didn't pay close attention to how it is fitted.

I have another 1970 Beetle with a very good headlining.

What is holding the headlining in? Is it glued in or clipped in? How can I remove it without damaging it, so that I can refit it to the other car?

I know that some of it is glued, around the rear windows.The roof section itself is troubling me. It's not easy to see how it's held in.
there are thin steel pieces that just go across from side to side and just sit there...
I have seen a velour hoodlining taken out and refitted...

but, an old original hoodlining I don't know...
they usually fall apart...??

I really think it would be much easier to buy a new one ..
although You already have the old one...
You would need to undo all the sides with the roof the last part... its usually in one piece...

cheers

LEE

RE- INSTALLING IS the hard part... lol
- Helping keep Air Cooled VWs on the road - location: SCONE in the Upper Hunter Valley - Northern NSW 320 kms NNW of SYDNEY---

waveman1500 Also rides a Honda

1,346 posts · joined Dec 2009 ·

#796596
Don't forget that the steps all of the above posters have detailed take place after removing all of the fixed glass, which means that both front and rear windscreens and both rear side windows have to come out, along with their rubbers. It's pretty nasty trying to work with old vinyl, I really think that buying a new headlining is well worth it if you're going to all the trouble of the installation.
1972 VW S-Bug - For Sale!
1968-onwards Beetle panels and glass for sale

1303Steve Scirocco Rare

8,650 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#796614
Hi

Make sure that you fit new end caps on the cross spring wire things, otherwise they move around and make noises.

I would go with new one.

While the hood lining is out its a good time put some fish oil or your favourite brew in there.

Steve

shaihulud Custom Title Time!

1,448 posts · joined Nov 2005 ·

#797299
Thank you all for your advice.

I might buy a new one if they are that cheap and much less trouble to fit.

Thanks again.

Phil74Camper Head in the Clouds

2,703 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#797438
That's the way to go - don't try to take a good headlining out of an existing car. Even if it looks great the material will be old and stiff and you'll damage it getting it out.

Just go to a VW specialist and buy a new kit - this is the West Coast Metric kit, which should be available in Perth. If not you can ring Vintage in Sydney! There are other brands too, do a Google search on VW Headlining.

https://shop.westcoastmetric.com/viewProduct.php?productID=111-506V-WH

As you can see there are 7 components - the main roof lining, plus trim for the B-pillars, under the rear side windows, and the sill below the rear window. It's a non-trivial job to fit it properly, believe me. If you try it yourself you're likely to tear the material (it's pulled really tight in some areas) or it might hand too loose. Pay a motor trimmer to fit it for you and get it done properly. I wish I'd done that - mine tore at the corners and was a bit baggy at the rear - I had to look at it that way for ten years after.

A motor trimmer can also provide and fit the packed cotton sound insulation that fits under the headlining in some places. Don't use foam, as it will crumble after a few years and sprinkle little pieces on you for years afterwards.

cam070 Custom Title Time!

1,332 posts · joined Jul 2009 ·

#797591
www.aircooled.net also seem to have a comprehensive list of carpet kits and headliners, with options. Can't comment on the quality but would be intersted if anyone has seen/used them.

benjicon Officially Full-On Dubber

266 posts · joined Aug 2009 ·

#799719
waveman1500 wrote:Don't forget that the steps all of the above posters have detailed take place after removing all of the fixed glass, which means that both front and rear windscreens and both rear side windows have to come out, along with their rubbers.
Is it possible to replace a headliner without removing the fixed glass ? I was thinking of trying to put a new headliner in mine cause it doesn't have one at the moment, just bad carpet glued to the roof, but if i have to remove all the glass I think I'll have it done professionally. Ben.
No i'm not repainting it.

zayus Wolfsburg Wizard

437 posts · joined Sep 2002 ·

#799787
[/quote]

... I think I'll have it done professionally. Ben. [/quote]

Ben, get it done professionally.

A well installed headliner is essential!