1956 Ford F-100 Episode 45 - ABS Headliner Installation

In this episode I attempt to install an ABS one piece headliner in to my 1956 F-100. This would be similar to installing in 1953, 1954 and 1955 F-100's also.

[@anthonydzaino1923]

I just watched your headliner video, I can certainly relate to the frustration with installing. I installed the same set up in my '55. I wish I would have put together a video on how I figured out the best way to get the front clips installed. I'll try to explain what I did, the best I can. I believe I did start with the sides. Then, I cut 1/2" x 1/2" square pieces of radiator hose for each front clip. drilled a small hole and tied a 6" string through each hole. I then spread open each clip and installed a rubber square, far enough back into each clip so, when I slid the headliner forward, the clips were forward enough to be onto the pinch weld. Then, one at a time, I pulled each string, removing the 1/2" x 1/2" rubber square spacer from the clip. Once they were all removed, I was able to slide the headliner forward on to the pinch weld. I hope this makes some sense. I watched your video journey from the beginning. Great stuff. I've had my '55 for 44 years and have done all my own work, except paint and body. It's always great to see others ideas and creativity.....great job.

[@jordanstandley2898]

Thanks for the info! I'd like to take mine out and add sound deadener above it, I really regret that I didn't do that first. I'm hoping now that it's been installed awhile it won't be so bad to put back if/when I do that.

[@dranrabj]

My clips started breaking off, as well. I decided to take them all off and drill small hole through the ABS and into the metal lip all around the edges and put interior style push pins in to hold it in place. Please note : I have NOT attempted that just yet, but it does seem like a viable option to trying to work with those clips. They are very frustrating!

[@FadedPaintGarage]

If you go that route, let me know how that works out! I've also heard of people trimming it down so that it fits in the original rubber strip that held the cardboard headliner in. I would be too nervous to try that as once it's cut, it won't grow back. Since the headliner is ABS, you might be able to use ABS glue and put the tabs back on, I believe that type of glue actually melts the plastic together as it cures.

[@battleaxefabandmachine]

I would think that if the tab was longer, it would help. Maybe putting a piece of 1/4" rope in each clip would help. Then pull the rope out once it's in place.

[@jordanstandley2898]

i totally agree

[@dodge73dart]

This be is not an easy job to do. May I suggest using some black Gorilla duct tape attached to the back side making tab straps to use to pull back and down on the headliner. Also make sure to leave the back hanging down some to provide some play and movement. Also using some small vacuum hose pressed into the back edge of the clip with some fishing line installed to pull it out once installed. The duct tape can be trimmed off after installation. Hope this helps the next installer. Also: another solution would be to lift the tab with a screwdriver and take a soldering iron to just slightly melt the tab and form the leading edge upward just a little.

[@dodge73dart]

This be is not an easy job to do. May I suggest using some black Gorilla duct tape attached to the back side making tab straps to use to pull back and down on the headliner. Also make sure to leave the back hanging down some to provide some play and movement. Also using some small vacuum hose pressed into the back edge of the clip with some fishing line installed to pull it out once installed. The duct tape can be trimmed off after installation. Hope this helps the next installer.

[@christoffer1973]

Look like a tip to cut those tabs a little. Maybe angle the tip of the tab a little.

[@FadedPaintGarage]

Thanks! I did try that, I'm not sure if it helped but it couldn't have hurt.

[@abfavero]

I didn’t know Gavin Mcinnes was into Fords!

[@armandokhansr4163]

I just put one of those headliners on my 1956 2 weeks ago, I put it on two times to see how I works and then I covered it with Fabric and then installed it for final install , I would put installation on the ceiling before you put the headliner into

[@Wayz5145]

My 55 has a cardboard liner that my dad installed. I remember him telling me how hard it was to install. It has a chrome screw with gromet into the center support towards the front. I want to install seatbelts and would like to use shoulder belts but don't want to screw up the headliner. Not sure how to install the metal brackets without taking down the liner. Might just go with lap belts. Keep up with the great videos.

[@FadedPaintGarage]

Is it a 3 piece headliner where you can remove the side/corner pieces? The difficulty in installing a cardboard headliner is initially forming the flat pieces to fit the contour of the roof. Assuming you can remove it without breaking the cardboard it should go back in easily.

[@Wayz5145]

@@FadedPaintGarage it’s a one piece and in very good condition. I think if I go slowly I maybe can remove and replace. I really want shoulder harnesses.

[@OtisCrapse]

But I’ll come do it for you for your stainless windshield trim 😂

[@themobseat]

Great video! Maybe put soundproofing up there also?

[@FadedPaintGarage]

If I get the need or nerve to pull it back out again, I will plan to add that.

[@armandokhansr4163]

Oh I did break off two tabs upfront and then I broke off one tab on the side the second time I put it on but I took it back off and re-glued them with ABS glue and clamped them back where they go and left them overnight to dry the black ABS glue they use plumbing works really good Hope that helps out

[@FadedPaintGarage]

Thanks for the info! I was wondering if ABS glue would work ok.

[@pascalroinel8696]

where did you get an abs molded headliner; I ordered an abs headliner from lmc and it came flat, not molded like the old cartboard headliner.

[@jordanstandley2898]

I got it from Mid-Fifty which sadly just went out of business. BUT I would assume yours would be very similar. Mine came rolled up in a box if I remember, I let it lay out and relax a while before installing. Is yours still completely flat after you left it out awhile?

[@stusoldcars4248]

Great job. 👍

[@OlysGarage]

Certainly NOT influencing my decision to put in an ABS headliner in my 56....hahahaha Mine still has the old original cardboard stuff, but it's looking really ragged and wavy.... plus i think I've spotted what might be a creature's house up in there too...

[@FadedPaintGarage]

It's really awesome once it's installed!! Some people seem to have better luck than others, maybe I was just unlucky that day.

[@OlysGarage]

@@FadedPaintGarage looks like the kinds of struggles I usually have too though! LOL

[@bryanglover3217]

The top edge of your cab has got rubber molding that goes around the top Inside Edge the cab those metal Clips you're talking about hold that rubber on their your Headliners slides into the lip that they're like you put a windshield in you make it easy take the seat out take the rear window out the rubber molding for the rear window if you look at your roof from the inside looking up its tapered to the front you got to start at the center of the doors slide your headliner India rubber molding with soap work yourself towards the front of the truck and work it away around the back of the doors when you put the rear window back in in the rubber molding the rubber molding goes over the outside of the headliner and holds it against the back of the cab you'll never get the headliner behind the rubber grommet at the rear window it'll break the headliner reinstalling the rear window with a string it folds it right over it because it goes down what 3in below the bottom of the window in the back of your door frames you'll see the two little bitty screws that hold your rubber molding for your headliner I did mine and mine was cardboard and sewed together I took my rubber molding out and heated it up to where it was super flimsy the hardest part was the radius on the back top edge of the cab in between the light and the top of the window with rubber gasket it took three people to put it in there does little metal Clips you're messing with hold the rubber molding around the top edge of the cab on the inside that the headliner is got a slot it fits into the clips hold the rubber to the cab Owen trust me you'll come up with some words it looks good when it's done my truck come from the factory with no seat belt holes in the floor and it still does not have them to this day

[@FadedPaintGarage]

Thanks for the info!

[@Sawinglumber]

I would think ABS pipe glue would work to glue the tabs back on.

[@FadedPaintGarage]

Great idea, thanks!

[@paullbajada990]

All well and good, but how do you fit them when it’s a big back window ?

[@jordanstandley2898]

I'm not sure, I would think it would be similar though.

[@tomwhieldon1607]

Do you think small screws into the lip/frame would work instead of the clips or glue it into place?

[@FadedPaintGarage]

I think screws would work but not sure about glue. You could trim it down and use the factory rubber headliner molding to secure it the same way the factory did, I’ve read others doing that.

[@nicolasaubert9183]

Where did you buy this coin?

[@FadedPaintGarage]

I purchased my headliner kit from Mid-Fifty - midfifty.com/