Headliner replacement advice please

[ddax]

I'm replacing the headliner in my '83 Caprice. I have removed all the trim around it.

I assume I should remove the backing board the headliner fabric is glued to, strip off the old fabric, glue the new fabric to the board then reinstall the board. Is that correct?

The board is loose except for the dome light. I have removed the two screws that hold the trim around the light and removed the trim. But, there are two more 'pins' with push on clips holding the fixture to the headliner board. How do I remove these so I can get the fixture loose and remove the headliner backing board.

Thanks

[400wagon]

I think you have to disconnect the wiring from the fixture to get the headliner off, but I'm not sure, I haven't done in a few years. Make sure when you put the new material on that you use the special adhesive made for it. I think it is made by 3M and it is a lot more expensive than any other spray adhesive. If you use any other kind, the headliner will fall back down in a few days.

[CD Smalley]

Those pins screw into something. It'
s been years since I did mine. But you are on the right track. Use a wire brush to remove all the foam from the board once you have it out of the car. In my experience, removing the front seat(s) helps with this alot.

[ddax]

Originally Posted by CD Smalley

In my experience, removing the front seat(s) helps with this alot.

I wondered about getting the backboard out of the car - that thing's big!
I suppose removing the seat isn't too bad, but I'll try to get the backboard with it in first. Maybe I'll get lucky.

Thanks for your help guys.

I also found this: http://tech.oldsgmail.com/int_headliner.html
A good summary on replacing a headliner on something called an Olds...whatever that is!!
Might be of use to anyone else who finds this thread looking for headliner info.

btw - nice info on your Caprice mods at your website CD