1800E Headlining
 

Hi.
I've got to make a complete headlining from scratch and I don't have the original or a flipping clue how the thing is constructed, got the material but that's it, any pointers very welcome.
Firstly did the original have a frame, wooden or metal or whatever?
Also those cross pieces, 34 & 35, were they some sort of sprung metal bars?
God knows where I'll get those from.
Thanks very much.
David Lawson.

Yes the original headlining has a (flimsy) wooden frame running around the outside which is hidden when the headlining is in place. The clips (37) holding the headlning to the roof are attached to the frame. The bows are sewn into sleeves in the back of the headlining and obviously have to have exactly the correct length and 'bow' in them. Without any of the pieces it will be very difficult to replicate. It is essentially the same as a post '65 1800S headlining except for the hole for the rear view mirror. Have a word with Richard Feltham, he has vast experience with trimming P1800's and might be able to help. https://www.specialist-upholstery.com/

Thanks I know Richard, he did my seats.
And a superb job of my dash.

Panic over, the headlining frame and cross bars have been found, whew.
The frame is in pretty poor nick but at least I have a pattern to remake one.
The retaining clips have all disintegrated during its' removal though, parts manual lists part No 666171 but I can't find any, VP list them as discontinued.
Anyone been here and found others that might fit?
Thanks very much.
David lawson.

Do you happen to have one clip that can be used as a pattern or compared to something similar that can be used as an alternative? Picture? It probably wouldn't faze a company that fits headlining's.

Hi Derek.
That's what I'm thinking, going to go over on Monday and see.
Might have just been mislaid.
David.

Richard Feltham has just come to the rescue (thanks Mike)
He uses these.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/133383021...8AAOSwM6hejy9l

Looks right, the originals were a smaller version of the interior upholstered panel clips.

Don’t forget to put 3”-4” lengths of some sort of vinyl tube or heavy shrink wrap over the ends of the three spars to keep metal from rubbing on metal.

Great find ame style as the Amazon door clips the green ones most places sell are bl@@dy awful so these look 👀 the perfect work around the trouble with the green ones are they bit on once difficultly fitting is overcome and rip ! Your new door cards and rear parcel shelve panel to shreds ! So going to buy a good few hundred of these to finally never ever have that problem again 😎 👍

Use to be able buy black ones which were great but suppliers favoured the horrible green ones


Kind regards
Robert.w