type 44 headliner replacement

[DeWitt Harrison]

Well it's almost done. I had a factory headliner purchased years ago that I
finally decided to install. The original was badly stained and ratty. It
was a project of many man hours of prep. I would burn the car before
attempting it again. Too stressful. (The old headliner shell is still
intact in case any suicidal fan of the car wants to recover it and use it.)
Among the several issues to be dealt with, the factory adhesive, although
still in catalogs, is apparently NLA due to VOC issues. I sought advice
from 3M and hopefully came up with an adhesive transfer tape product that
is aggressive enough yet has a very high temperature rating.

Then I came up with a standoff method to prevent the adhesive from touching
the roof metal until the shell was in the correct position (margin for
error is maybe 30-40 mils?) and, in the critical moments, a method of using
carpenter's pinch clamps as 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th hands. So now I'm down to
the pillar trims, sun visors and refurbished sunroof. (The electrified,
inboard visor clips are installed. Another interesting job.)

Yet, as always, one obstacle remains. I'm replacing the original A-pillar
trims because a monkey lad at an auto glass shop cut up the driver's side
trim while replacing the front windshield. I thought I was all set because
I had a nice pair of trims from a V8. It turns out that these have textured
vinyl coverings that are a bit thicker than the originals and I can't force
them into position. Same P/Ns! And I can't detect any difference in shape.
Anyway, if someone has a good set of black A-pillar trims from a pre-1990
type 44 to sell, I'd be interested. Thanks.

Upward and onward,
DeWitt