Headliner installation Firebird or Camaro

Installing a headliner on a 1968 Firebird, identify bow location, how to space and pull it tight to keep wrinkles out. DIY project that can be done in an afternoon and only 3 orange mountain dews!
Like what you see? Want to get your own Gotta save them birds goodies? Buy apparel here
Check out our KZbin store or this link my-store-cf6b8e.creator-sprin...
See More videos kzbin.info...
#Pontiac #Firebird #restoration

[@paulburgeson1672]

You are a natural instructor, lucky for me my build is following you almost step by step wouldn’t be surprised if you get your own show, thank you.

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Thanks that is quite the compliment and I enjoy playing cars and sharing the process and heck my own show would definitely do that.

[@raymarroquin9609]

Great job John ! at the Vynal Village Garage....the great pumpkin is coming along just fine ! I tip my hat , to you ! Sir , it's been a pleasure to watch and learn through you...thank you my friend LL KOOL RAY 😎 FRISCO ! Got , too save them birds !

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Much appreciated, I am so close to the finish line but I am seeing a test drive in the very near future just to have a little fun for all the time invested.

[@reevesautomotivefarm9614]

thank you for this video

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Anytime!

[@Rick-O-Shay60]

Very good instructional video. The Great Pumpkin has really come together quite nicely. Thanks for all the how to videos assembling a '68 firebird Jon. The owner will be pleased with the quality of workmanship you have shown to build this car.

[@VinylVillageGarage]

This car is by far the cleanest one I have done to date

[@mickeyd9641]

Thanks for the tip on adding the screws as my buddy kinda cut a hole looking for the light, oops lucky it covered, I’m going to put a headliner in my 66 GTO Soon enough, been too hot in So. California

[@VinylVillageGarage]

It been silly hot here in Indy as well. Much warmer then usual. Best of luck on the headliner once it cools off some

[@Kyle_Nelson]

Yet another very helpful and instructive video! Much appreciated.. My wife tells me to make youtube videos of my restorations but my excuse is it doubles the time it takes to do a job, so I appreciate your efforts!

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Indeed it definitely adds a fair amount of time, I do it for the love of these cars in the hopes of keeping many more on the road and that is what I get in return for my time and I will also say I have met some very cool people and worth every minute invested

[@rajcam80]

You could always "Walk" 🤘🤘🤘 us through the installation of the headliner. Looks like Ivory color material. The same will be added to my 1971 GT-37!!!!Nice work!

[@VinylVillageGarage]

What did you say!!!! 🤘 thanks buddy.

[@burntclutches]

Looks absolutely awesome! Keeping it clean during installation is just as much a challenge with a white headliner.

[@VinylVillageGarage]

lol. Yeah I didn’t mention how very important that is.

[@TheOneAboveAll-001]

Dayum! Thats looking fantastic! Thank you so much for these detailed videos they're going to help me a lot with my 68 everything that you're doing to the car is what I have to do to my own. Omg your a treasure!

[@VinylVillageGarage]

That’s great! Glad to hear this will be of help on your build. This is the why I am doing this and when I go to the car shows I look forward to seeing what people like you have accomplished that is one of the best parts of this KZbin adventure. Seeing how what we do make a difference

[@Danno74Z]

Thanks!

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Thank you!! This will help fund the next bird project.

[@mikesthilaire9807]

Very nice job! I love love love watching it come together. The owner of the car must be getting impatient knowing its getting close to completion. Ive been watching for so long i feel like im getting it lol! J/K the dash looks phenomenal cant wait to see it done! Great job John!

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Thanks. I was really hoping to have it done for the trans am nationals and do a reveal there but it’s too close and i don’t want to rush and make a mistake now. I am going to miss looking at this car in the garage. I know it should be appreciated for many years now wherever it ends up.

Great video! I am thinking of doing my own headliner in my 69 bird, have the material, but have never done it before and am afraid of messing it up. I can't find any local shops to do it either. So might give it a go! Thanks for posting the video!

[@VinylVillageGarage]

I say go for it! This is only the second Firebird headliner I have ever installed and very very happy with the results. Just start in the middle and work out like in the video and really need to glue the edges to keep it from bunching. The first one I did without gluing and never was happy with it. The edge were wrinkled. Good luck

[@friscoHub415]

Dude you are dope I don't have patience or smarts to litterly pull that off great work I'm having somebody do it for me I'll end up breaking stuff .... one time I put in a pillar for my son's 1996 Impala SS and my screwdriver slipped and I broke the windshield

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Well dang the luck, I have made my fair share of mishaps as well

[@user-fk5dl6cs3q]

Thanks for letting us see the dash in color, that looks freak'in awesome. Your headliner came out super nice. I've seen vids of other's hanging headliners where they cut the loop back at the ends so there's no bunching. But if you cut to far, the headliner will hang from the rod and not stay up in the corners to the roof contour. You got yours perfect! I would've liked to see the glass install too. I did a windshield once with a roll of 3/8" dia. sticky goo, what a mess.

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Slow and steady wins the race. I hope sharing what is done helps too. The food and the bad. I wish I showed the glass install now. I used the butyl rubber on this one. I find I have more control on the bead size for a clean looking install. Urethane is stronger and seals better and required for modern cars for unibody strength. I seems to get better finish with the butyl

[@user-nk4eb1fr1w]

Thanks Jon, you make everything look easy.

[@VinylVillageGarage]

I actually learned alot on this one as well. First one I did years ago I didn’t use glue around the edges and it was always wrinkly no matter how i tried to install the wind lace around the glass.

[@user-nk4eb1fr1w]

What part number headliners did you use ?

[@VinylVillageGarage]

@@user-nk4eb1fr1w you are going to stump me. Ames has several material types and color. I used the pearl white with the same grain as originally came with this car and got the sun visors at the same time.

[@user-nk4eb1fr1w]

Thanks. I smiled at stumping you. Hard to do with your knowledge.

[@VinylVillageGarage]

@@user-nk4eb1fr1w lol. It’s the little victories in life that bring joy.

[@GoGoGarage]

Looking good, nice work, I like how you through Pantera in there.

[@VinylVillageGarage]

It was you the educated me that they where touring again. So happy you did. Thanks!!

[@GoGoGarage]

@@VinylVillageGarage I hope to see them too!

[@v.j.paolajr.3851]

Thank you for recording this video. I am presently installing my first headliner. Per your instructions, I got it hung this afternoon. I have no magnets, but I am using binder clips to hold the headliner in place. I know this was the easy part. I'll be back on it Monday to stretch, and glue. I'm hoping I am as pleased with it's progress Monday evening as I am today.

[@VinylVillageGarage]

That is awesome!! Please let me know how it goes Monday.

[@TheRealRyan68]

Great job!!👏👏👏👏 I was stoked when I saw that headliner video posted . You hit all the key points and questions I was wondering about. My bows were unsalvageable, so I had to get replacements and that info on the order they go in is extremely helpful. Thanks again, and keep up the great work!👍

[@VinylVillageGarage]

That’s great news. You an few others wanted to know now locations too glad that part is useful. Good luck!

[@patrickmerriman2952]

Great job, Jon! I am amazed that white headline stayed so clean!

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Keeping hands clean is definitely a priority or maybe even gloves isn’t a bad idea.

[@thomaskirby5574]

Awesome video as usual. Long time before I have to install headliner in the 69 Camaro but now I know how! Thank you

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Cool, you will get there. Slow and steady wins that race. Good luck

[@davidbisnette7673]

Very good video, thanks for making the great videos, you sure make it all look easy , headliners have always been kind of a mystery to many of us I’m sure

[@VinylVillageGarage]

I didn’t find to many videos on how to install a headliner and figured this might be a helpful one for many people thinking about doing one.

[@Comptonsfinest15]

Best headliner installation video out there

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Wow thanks! I was hoping I got most of the important steps and made sense.

[@shoddy_F-body]

Great video Jon! I attempted my first headliner install 25 years ago, before KZbin, and it was a total fail. I ended up buying another one and paying a guy $350 to do it. A few weeks ago I made my second attempt on my project 68 Camaro, ago after watching your video and it came out flipping amazing! I can't believe how good it looks.Tight as a drum. The only thing I did different was that I used binder clips to hold the edges of the headliner as I glued it and pulled it tight. It also helped that I had all the glass out this time.

[@VinylVillageGarage]

That’s great! Getting your hands dirty and making it happen yourself is even more rewarding too.

[@gccch]

Excellent video. Thank you very much for creating it. I’m getting ready to do my 70 Gto with the glass and interior in place. This will be very helpful. Hopefully not too messy.

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Right on! good luck it can be done, plus headliner kit isn’t horribly expensive if for some Reason it does not come out well. The adhesive I used can be cleaned up when done if you do make a little mess.

[@milesunderwood2380]

Looks great, yeah I haven't heard it run in a while I'm ready for a ride 👍👍👍👍

[@VinylVillageGarage]

I am hopeful this weekend I will go for a drive with or without a seat 😎

[@80TAfirebird]

thank you Jon, saving this video, I'm not quite to this point yet, as always great job, Sir!

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Right on, I hope you get there soon on your project.

[@Danno74Z]

I need to replace the headliner in my 71 Gen2 Camaro 🤫 and this video has been GREAT! Thank you!! Not too long or too short in explaining what needs to get done. IMO 30 min video is perfect. I'm sure it took you 5-6 hours to install the new liner. I just saw the seat reupholstering video...Need to do that too. Need a few $$ for covers. Thanks again

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Appreciate the gift and words of encouragement. I have a whole new project heading to the shop and can’t wait to get started.

[@randyrhine9896]

Nice job! Appreciated your videos!

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Right on!

[@drewpackard6646]

Excellent job John!!!👍🏽

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Thanks!

[@billmiller5075]

Awesome job

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Thanks!!

[@rogerkisling8869]

Nice work 👏

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Thanks!

[@melissadunagan6596]

The car is looking very good.

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Yes I think so too. Thank you.

[@jamessharp9790]

I don’t know how you do what you do. I realize now that with your kind of effort I could have rebuilt my 67 Firebird but I sold it 20 years ago.

[@VinylVillageGarage]

You could always buy another one 😁

[@jamessharp9790]

@@VinylVillageGarage thank you but I’d think the time has passed and I’m not going to be able to buy back in now.

[@coryhage8516]

made that look easy. I just might attempt my own

[@VinylVillageGarage]

They really aren’t too bad. The glue and the magnets really help a lot to keep it pulled tight

[@ParadiseBayCustoms]

Nice! 👏👏👏

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Thanks!!

[@ArrowheadGarage]

Awesome job on that headliner, I would love to see interior trim pieces that are in our First Gen Birds... cuz I know am missing ALL of THEM lol

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Well that’s just not cool. All the pieces are available repop of course. I will do something on that soon

[@joecuyler752]

Hey Jon love all the videos. The time you've spent on these birds is in itself remarkable. I have a question ? Where is the best place to get the ss brake lines? Or the ones you used? Ty keep up the faith for firebirds

[@VinylVillageGarage]

in-line tube is where I get mine. they make very nice kits, plus they are super helpful in getting you the right one. it matters if you add disc brake conversion or factory disc, Pontiac axle vs Chevy 10 bolt. all require differ t lines

[@tommylambert8684]

factory head liners were open about 1 inch both sides of plastic clips. ilove your videos . i am doing 69 camaro .thanks for the tips.

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Nice! My first f-body I looked at to buy was a 1969 Camaro back in 1996 they could not find the title so I passed. But don’t tell all my bird fans I almost had a Camaro 😉

[@kellyrobicheau7844]

Thanks for the info …have you ever restored a door panel? Can’t find replacement chip board and need to install new carpeting on the bottom and reglue..as usual excellent video

[@VinylVillageGarage]

I have rebuilt some of the deluxe panels very similar to how I did the dash pad. Fix the cracks first then recover with vinyl. As for standard door panels. I have replaced the card stock with Masonite/hardboard panels 1/8” thick. Peel the vinyl off and then use contact cement to glue it back on. But that was when you could not get reproduction panels.

[@ronaldthompson9309]

Hello John I've been following you on this whole build. I'm in the final stages of my 1969 Bird. I'm on the finishing touches on my floor pan. My next step is the carpet and seats. I would definitely appreciate it if you would give tips on how to properly fit the carpet and seat covers. You are fasanating young man. Im 70 years old and do what I can a little at a time. If you could do something along those lines. My bird has a center counsel and this is where I get nervous about cutting the carpet. That's for the exalent video's.

[@VinylVillageGarage]

I will be definitely be doing that one video no problem. I am actually working on the seats as we speak. Congrats on your 1969 bird and thanks for watching this build too I do appreciate the support.

[@twobeards6714]

Good morning Ronald, I'm 72, John teaches, I learn...... He and Louie are the best go to on DIY car resto.

[@perrywe1]

Great Job Jon!! Those magnets worked well. I used spring clips that worked well and my next headliner I may use a combination. Where did you get those magnets? Brand? gotta get me some. I will be getting the Dap adhesive as well. Thanks man!!

[@VinylVillageGarage]

These magnets are a life saver. You can buy them from harbor freight

[@JK_Nex_Garage]

Turned out great. Did you get the new headliner from Ames? Looking forward to the final touches.👍

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Yup got this one from Ames

[@7kcabs891]

good video-thx for posting- my aftermarket roof brace does not have the barbs that you stab the middle of the headliner into. any ideas how i can fix?

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Good question I have not seen that yet. I will have to look into that if I ever have to replace that braces. Any chance you have the old ones still to swap it out.

[@woodrowdelozier1]

💪😎

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Thanks buddy.

[@woodrowdelozier1]

@@VinylVillageGarage you're welcome. Did you get my email about the seat belts

[@randyd3005]

Looks great! Will you be showing how to install the front and rear windows? Would be very helpful - I'm getting ready to do that on my 67 GTO

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Well i did the glass and no video 😕 sorry about that. Seems that might have been a good one to do I have had a few others ask the same thing. I will Just have to be certain I do it on the next one.

[@wmorri003]

Only wrinkles I see aren't that bad and I agree they should relax. Other than the ones on your face old man!

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Who you calling old Man lol, I growing old gracefully.

[@mannysr67]

Any recommendations on how to cut out deluxe light holes?

[@VinylVillageGarage]

I have yet to give that a shot, I see using a large hole punch if they make them big enough.

[@gunnerjs68camaro]

You make it look easy!! What brand of headliner/sailpanel did you use? Most of the sailpanels I've seen are cardboard or fiberboard, and the one that you used looks very sturdy. Exactly what I'm looking for when I do my headliner.

[@VinylVillageGarage]

This headliner kit came from Ames performance, I don’t recall a brand name at the moment but very happy with it and will use them for the next one

[@gunnerjs68camaro]

@@VinylVillageGarage Thank you. Last question:: Did you glue the headliner to the sail panel tack strips?

[@VinylVillageGarage]

@@gunnerjs68camaro yes, factory used very short staples. I don’t have those but I did have contact cement

[@gibsonexplorer8777]

Great job looks really good same color interior as mine parchment John where can you get those magnets?

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Well I get them free from my work on the equipment. But I have been told harbor freight sells them as well. They are super handy and worth the money

[@gibsonexplorer8777]

@@VinylVillageGarage ok thanks John that car is really nice you will probably have more people asking you to restore there fierbirds too.

[@VinylVillageGarage]

@@gibsonexplorer8777 There has been a few, not sure I want to yet.

[@brian2359]

Jon, how tall are you? I’m 6’ and I took my headliner down years ago due to a mouse and find the extra headroom I gained a good thing! Lol.

[@VinylVillageGarage]

6’2” and shrinking I have found, lol seems to be a byproduct of aging.

[@pontiaco]

Can headliner be mounted with a 10 bolt roll cage already in place?

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Good question, it might be possible as long as you can fit the bows in place. Definitely adds a challenge to the job.

[@stevec5632]

You say to keep stretching the sides, are you pulling the glue back apart and resticking it? Also the front and rear metal strips , did you pop rivit them to the body?

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Yes the glue I used is tacky for awhile and the longer it sits the tighter the bond. You have like 5-10 minutes work time before you have to reapply glue. The metal strips are screwed into place.

[@stevec5632]

@@VinylVillageGarage thank you, very good video by the way I am starting to put one in a 65 corvair, and my metal strips have some goofy metal push clips that I can't seem to locate. I'll just screw them back on.

[@VinylVillageGarage]

@@stevec5632 nice, i suppose corvair might have attached the metal strips differently then Firebird. I am with you if screws will hold it why not. Good luck!

[@jaym6325]

whats the name of the contact cement you use to glue the headliner in?

[@VinylVillageGarage]

DAP brand weldwood contacts cement Landau top and trim adhesive. It’s a blue label can. Works fantastically for several interior jobs.

[@mikesthilaire9807]

Hey john i got a question, dont know if i asked already? Can i remove my convertible top frame with the brand new top on it? Im getting those quarters replaced and the guy asked me to remove the top. So trying to save some cash i was just curious if thats even possible? Thanks

[@VinylVillageGarage]

The factory service manual shows the procedure for removing the top as an assembly. This books is what was used for warranty work back in the day so the top would have been new then. With that Logic i don’t see why you could not.

[@user-qx9nq9qj1g]

Nice Work!! What Brand is the Glue?

[@VinylVillageGarage]

DAP brand weldwood contact adhesive. I buy it by the gallon. Stock# 70798 00233

[@user-qx9nq9qj1g]

@@VinylVillageGarage THANK YOU!!!

[@user-ek7zt7ou4q]

Trying to find out where did you get your headliner with a sail panels come all together thanks

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Ames performance engineering comes as a kit. Very happy with it

[@user-ek7zt7ou4q]

@@VinylVillageGarage right on man I love your videos thanks

[@VinylVillageGarage]

@@user-ek7zt7ou4q anytime

[@mannysr67]

Does he know he sounds exactly like Garth Brooks?

[@VinylVillageGarage]

First I have heard that one

[@RecycledRacing]

Hello, just founs your channel. I saw your popup for your merchandise and you have tall sizes, who is your print supplier?

[@VinylVillageGarage]

teespring is the company. they work with KZbin and easy to manage.

[@RecycledRacing]

@@VinylVillageGarage thanks. I'll have to check them out!!!

[@greasemonkeygarage6972]

Hey Jon, where did you purchase the headliner from, thanks

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Ames performance engineering. I get a lot of stuff from them

[@greasemonkeygarage6972]

@@VinylVillageGarage Thanks and phenomenal job on the great pumpkin they're gonna be very happy

[@mannysr67]

You left out the least fun part! I see why you avoided removing the insulation. What…a…mess!

[@VinylVillageGarage]

That stuff is a nightmare to remove. And messy