hardtop headliner question

[crause]

Ok, I need some information. I finally got the hardtop from the guy I bought the car from for my 75 . Putting the top on for the first time went fairly easy (since I had no instructions). My problem came when I tried to put in the headliner. It was in very good condition with very minor warpping. There are a bunch of plastic things, that I can only guess are an early form of velcro, on the top and on the headliner. I could not get these things to grab each other. Is there a trick to getting these things to work? Just pushing them together didn't work. Do these things wear out? If I have to replace them, is there a more modern style? I noticed that they are rivetted on so they would have to be drilled out and glassed over. I also thought about doing away with the headliner and having the inside of the hardtop painted.

Thanks

Andy

 

[jak71454@aol.com]

plastic things

The plastic things you refer to are probably the same ones that are on the doors, between the panels and the door. They will hold together; but they need to be aligned perfectly and then (almost) hammered into place. I think they must have gotten harder over the years or were the first experiment of this type fastener. Jim

 

[rmendoza]

Headliner

Ok, I need some information. I finally got the hardtop from the guy I bought the car from for my 75 . Putting the top on for the first time went fairly easy (since I had no instructions). My problem came when I tried to put in the headliner. It was in very good condition with very minor warpping. There are a bunch of plastic things, that I can only guess are an early form of velcro, on the top and on the headliner. I could not get these things to grab each other. Is there a trick to getting these things to work? Just pushing them together didn't work. Do these things wear out? If I have to replace them, is there a more modern style? I noticed that they are rivetted on so they would have to be drilled out and glassed over. I also thought about doing away with the headliner and having the inside of the hardtop painted.

Thanks

Andy

Andy,

A few thoughts. I have a date coded removable hard top for my '68 C3 and it doesn't have a headliner. I've looked at the "Let's call them connectors" on my top and also on headlners for sale.

First thought if it were me: I'd go to the local fabric/crafts store and purchase a package of velcro. Probably around $3 investment, so if it doesn't work you're not our any real money. Install the Velcro across the current plastic things on both the top and headliner. Once you've done that, check it out and see if it holds. I've used this on a number of such things with success.

Second thought: They do sell replacements plastic things

Third Thought: With the top on a soft protective surface (carpet) upside down, align you headliner plastic thing to plastic thing and cover with a towel, using a rubber mallet tap over plastic things to see if they connect. The thinking is perhaps it takes more that hand pressure to get those plastic things to interconnect.

Forth and Final thought: If you decide to paint the inside of your top and sell you headliner pieces, please contact me as I would be interested, PM: rickmendoza@comcast.net

God Bless,
rick

 

[Rlockyer]

I saw a great series of photos and directions on how to replace the headliners in a C3. If I can find it, I'll post a link. I think it was 'Vette magazine. I may have bookmarked it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Rlockyer]

Couldn't get a link. Did get this though, hope it helps.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Rlockyer]

Just Google "Vette C3 T-Top Restoration"


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[rmendoza]

Removable hard top, not T-top

Just Google "Vette C3 T-Top Restoration"


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Rlockyer,

I think crause was asking about the headliner in a removable hard top, not a T-top.

 

[6880 Mike]

The C07 hardtop trim panels use the velcro fasteners and (IIRC, trim screws here and there) for attachment. These same type of velcro fasteners are used on door panels and t-top panels. If the trim panel is warped, the velcro fasteners will not hold well. For the applicable model years, the assembly instruction manual (AIM) shows how the panels were installed and how the top mounts to the car.

The hardtop trim panels matched the interior color.

You can use the top wihtout the trim panels, but interior noise level is a little higher.

 

[Rlockyer]

Rlockyer,

I think crause was asking about the headliner in a removable hard top, not a T-top.

Oops. My mistake. SOL from my end.