OK, I'm preparing my car for paint. Even though I have a different shell, the first thing I'm doing is gutting the interior of my original body. I need some help in the following areas: Headliner, and trim that goes around it. I'd like to re-use the headliner since its in excellent shape. So, I didn't really see how to remove it. couldn't figure the trim out first off. Other than tugging on it, I'm not really seeing anything clear.o No: No idea how to get the sail panels out either. The chrome trim around the windows? Everything else i'm ok with so far. Thanks Joe :beer:
Joe---on the headliner...if it's in good condition it's better not to "disturb" it. It's glued on the sides and ends and you risk ripping the material trying to remove it. Here's what you should do: >Go get some HEAVY clear plastic...real thick stuff from HDepot. It comes in rolls. >While you are there go to the window/door (house windows!!--remember you are at Home Depot!) weatherstrip area and get some foam backing "rod" material. It's usually a grey color and is in rolls. Probably need at least 1/2" diameter stuff. >Go home >Remove the textured rubber windlace from above the side windows and front and rear glass >It helps to have the front and rear glass out of the car but this should be do-able with it in place I think >Cut the plastic sheeting so it covers the headliner front to rear and side to side ++ some extra. >Jam the edges of the plastic sheeting up above the channel where the edges of the headliner are glued on...then jam the foam backer rod in there to keep the plastic in place. >I did this on a car and the black headliner came out unscathed. >Get it taut enough so it's not hanging way down...that way whoever is moving the car around won't get tired of it hitting there head and rip it out of there from frustration. You'll probably need to tape up a few openings in the corners, etc where there is no channel to tuck the plastic up into. Sail Panels---been awhile but remove courtesy lamps in panel, if any. Remove textured rubber windlace (it has a steel stiffener core running through it so don't try to fold this stuff up). Remove package tray corner eggshells. Remove back seat and rear "door" panels. At this point you should be able to remove it. May need to remove the package tray also but not 100% sure..I think each end of the package tray has a lip that sits BEHIND each sail panel. Window Stainless Trim--you need to go to an auto parts store and get a KD or Lisle Tools window trim remover. Maybe someone will post a pic of one. Cheap tool. You jam this up under the stainless and it grabs each clip and pops it out somewhat so the stainless releases from the clip. Don't get overzealous here....you can scratch the glass or gouge/bend your stainless. Easy at first til you get the knack of it. Run a towel or some masking tape under the tool where it rests on the glass so you don't scratch it. Here's what the tool looks like: http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/KD-2038.html You only utilize one "hook" end at a time...the other end is just for when you are pulling from the opposite direction. You'll slide one hook end up under the stainless and slide it along the channel til you feel the hook grab one of the clips. Then rock it back and forth a little, etc and the clip will "pop" and let the stainless release. The clip will stay attached to it's stud in the windshield channel. The action you are trying to achieve is to hook the clip and then pull down or pivot the tool so the clip is being pulled inwards. The clips retain the stainless channel on the underside/OUTSIDE PERIMETER of the channel.
