Interior roof and pillar trim

[Patcon]

So I need some advise. I need to do the vinyl roof trim and the A pillar trim in the car. If I had been thinking, I would have done this while it was on the rotisserie, but I wasn't! I did the headliner this way. I don't know why I didn't do the rest then...

So which order do the pieces go in? Sides first, then windshield header? Any pictures of how the ends are folded or detailed?

What is the best way to go about it? Foam onto the vinyl first or foam on the car first? Glue applied to the vinyl or onto the car? Spray glue or yellow contact cement?

I have been procrastinating on this but it's time to get it done. Thanks for any help

C

[CanTechZ]

Here is a link to a post from my resto thread showing removal of the interior vinyl. On mine these items came out with the vinyl still attached to the foam, I think the foam should be attached to the vinyl first but I could be wrong. The vinyl over the windshield definitely goes in before the A-pillar/over the door vinyl. Basically the reverse of what I describe in the link.

And here is a pic that might help with the corner joint.

 

Also if you have Wick Humble's book, check that as well. A lot of good info starting on page 127.

 

Edited July 13, 2023 by CanTechZ

[Racer X]

Having lunch at the moment, when I’m done I’ll go out to the shop and check a couple of my Zs. I can think of several that have original, unmolested interiors .

BRB

Edited July 13, 2023 by Racer X

[Mark Maras]

Many years ago I worked for an upholsterer. We always glued the foam to the vinyl first.

[Racer X]

As promised, although a bit late, here are the corners on my 72. The center portion above the windshield was placed first, the right and left sides next. The windshield goes in last, the rubber gasket going over the vinyl, holding the edge down.

 

 

[Patcon]

Thanks guys!

Any advise on the windlace or the gluing process?

[cgsheen1]

When we pull that vinyl the thin foam always stays glued to the metal... I think that's the easier route. I've done a few and I glue the foam to the metal and trim if I need to - then do the vinyl. The vinyl needs to start inside and be stretched out to the flanges. Glue it to the flanges. Inside up top it's held with the clips. Remember that the windshield weatherstrip is going to go over the vinyl and when it does it'll pull it tighter - so don't worry if it seems a bit "puffy" (can't think of a proper way to describe a new vinyl install without the gasket in yet...).  And the door weatherstrip will cover and pull the A pillar vinyl smooth and tight on the outboard side. The top of the A pillar can be a bit troublesome - getting the joint with the front to look correct and smooth. Remember also the visors will pull the vinyl a bit too when mounted so they may help smooth things out...

[Patcon]

Good tips. I would have pulled it too tight probably

[Patcon]

Started messing with this tonight.

It takes a second to get oriented on how the header piece needs to be to clip the wind lace over it.

Once I get this clipped in and like it I will trim it back some. Then I'm gonna glue the foam to the metal. Then glue the header piece to the front flange...

 

[grannyknot]

You might want to chase those fine threads before you cover them over with foam and vinyl, locating the holes is hard enough but getting the right angle to catch the threads is where I have a hard time.

[Patcon]

So I started off the day tapping the holes for the visors, mirror and coat hook.

They are all 5m x 0.8

I pulled the front windlace off and redid it a little bit. I tried to get it tucked to where the edge was pretty even across based on the RV mirror bump out. Then I clipped it off.

Then I pulled off a few clips and ran the windlace from the middle out. My windlace had a small white dot on it near the middle. I don't know if that was a factory thing or not.

I used a rubber mallet against the windlace and hit it with the brass hammer to seat it.

Then I trimmed it back

The kit I have is from MSA and the foam is grey open cell with some kind of backing on it

I found the middle of the header piece and marked it.

Then I used the spray adhesive from the kit. It works pretty good. I glued it up into place and then trimmed it and cut all the visor and mirror holes.

Then I used weld wood contact cement and glued the header piece in. I didn't pull it very tight and after the clips are on it looks good.

The sides are actually the harder portion. I had to slide the pieces from the kit backward and forward on the ceiling to find the right place where the A pillar material would hit right.

Then I installed the windlace. Then I glued the upper edge of the roof trim above the door. I drew a line where it meets the seam so I knew where to run cement. Pull it a little and clip it off

Then I figured out the fold technique and locations. Y'alls pictures were really helpful with this

Then I glued the inside edge of the A pillar and clipped it. Then I did the outside edge

I'm not really sure where to stop the bottom of the A pillar?

This took about 225 19mm clips...

This where the window trim fits. So the roof trim gets covered from here back

That is good to have that about behind me. There is a little detail work I need to do at the folded seams to try to fasten them down and make them look good. I might use a little super glue for that.

Would have been much easier on the rotisserie!!

"Tuition"...

 

Edited August 19, 2023 by Patcon

[Patcon]

I tried to get some better pictures of the interior roof trim

I will work on this fold a little more. I glued the passenger side and it looks a little better. I'm sure I can make this detail right with a little more fiddling