OPGI Headliner how-to part 2 - Sail panels

Jefferson Bryant installs OPGI headliner material on the sail panels of a 1969 Malibu

[@firstlastname3865]

The sail panels often shaped like a parallelogram. They're also slightly contoured (curved) from the bottom edge to the headliner. I'm hoping my panel has a memory so it stays in its original shape & my recovered panels maintain this contour (so the clips or fasteners match up nicely). I believe it will require a scotch bit more material but I'm no geometry expert. If I measure the piece of new material by pressing the panel flat onto the new material, outlining it then cutting per the outline, I might end up 1/2"-3/4" short. Because that panel should return to its original contour. I need to cut a larger piece of the fabric (perhaps an inch longer on each side, more than I know I'll need), apply a thin layer of adhesive to both the sail panel & the material --- but NOT apply adhesive all the way to the edge of the new material. Keep that cement-free for now. Then apply the material to the panel as so: Get Helper #1 to hold both corners of one side of the material while I hold the corners of the opposite side, like placing a bed linen on your bed. We give the material a wee bit of slack so the center droops, not taut, as it's applied to the panel. As me & Helper #1 slowly lower the (slightly drooping center of the) material onto the panel. Helper #2 (the one with the sharp eye) guides us & adjusts the panel a few degrees clockwise or counter-clockwise as the goal is for the pattern of the new material is in the proper orientation & the center of the material makes contact first. Once that contact is made, Helper #2 smoothes the material (center-outward) & guides me & Helper #1 as we lower the remaining material onto the panel, w/o applying too much pressure or allowing adhesive to seep through the tiny holes in the material. My goal is to maintain that contour naturally and not allow the new fabric to alter it. Let it dry. Then, once dry, flip it over and cut the material, allowing a bit (perhaps an inch) extra on all edges. Once you're convinced how much material is needed around the edges, a sharp razor can trim away any excess. Hopefully, I avoided applying cement to the edges because I'm going to, now.

[@JERRYR708]

I just leaned something. Thanks.

[@RashMan0]

Just finished my OPGI interior project yesterday, and no, the 3M spray adhesive does not work for any upholstery. Especially not sail panels. The adhesive stays tacky for a really long time and never really dries, leaving the fabric not sticking to the board and looking sloppy. I suggest finding an adhesive that's meant for bonding fabric to non fabric surfaces, and doesn't dry in less than a minuet, like the headliner adhesive OPGI sent in the kit.

[@benjietorres9642]

The glue we use we pick up from arizona 175 for 5 gallons best stuff ever

[@seanseanseanseansean]

Thanks for doing this video

[@originalpartsgroup]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jacobsmith1029]

What about the package tray? Doesn't the package tray cover go behind the bottom of the sail panel?

[@BU1Robertson]

Why don`t the sails come complete on new boards?

[@chrisludwig1796]

The reproduction sail panels are junk its best too try and save the originals cause they have curves too them unlike the reproductions

[@George-iz3qm]

Is the 70 GTO the same as the Malibu in this video?

[@benjietorres9642]

Better too ake the sail panels all new even cardboard last longer

[@darbymccloud4545]

Where are these "Push-pin Clips" listed at OPGI?

[@chrisludwig1796]

Always best too keep ur original hardware

[@bighoudini6130]

I Would not use that old cardboard.