What is the correct way to install a new headliner in a 1974 VW Beetle 111?

Answer 1

Busbones.com has a partial how to do vw headliner install. Last 2 parts unavailable but lots of info. First you have to buy a good quality headliner. A few common handtools will come in handy. at this point you should also order new rubber seals for the front, rear and both quarter windows. The windows have to be removed in order to replace the headliner. The primary tool used will be a short blade putty knife (I used a bench grinder to dull the blade on mine so it would not cut the headliner fabric) which is used to tuck the fabric into the tabs that hold it in. There are steel rods called bows that fit through sleeves sewn into the headliner, these fit into tracks on the sides of the car's roof. The bows create the domed look of the headliner. You can start from the front or the back using clothes pins to hold the headliner in place so you can get things organized. You will have to pull the headliner tight and even so you do not have wrinckles. I used regular contact cement on my headliner and it worked great but you can use other types of adhesive if you want. After getting the headliner stretched front to rear you start on the sides. It is just about impossible to explain how to attache the sides, the best thing to do is to remove a headliner and pay attention to how it was installed. When you start take your time, getting in a hurry will only cause you to lower your quality standards and you will regret it later.