Convertible Headliner

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Mar 27, 2021 | 10:45 PM

puck_cent

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Joined: Feb 2018

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From: Cookeville TN

Convertible Headliner

Hello,

My headliner is starting to sag above the door. I am struggling finding a replacement and considering removing it altogether. Anyone running without a headliner in their convertible? Pro and cons?

Mar 28, 2021 | 01:54 PM

marinablu67

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Joined: Sep 2016

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From: Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by puck_cent

I have an 08 convertible, and couldn't imagine using the car without a headliner, I don't even know if the top would function properly without it. I've had GM convertibles since I started driving in 1965, and wouldn't want to go back to the noisy, flapping, leaky tops again, but wouldn't mind having some of cars back again today.
It sounds like it's time for a new top.

Mar 28, 2021 | 01:59 PM

puck_cent

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From: Cookeville TN

Thanks. The exterior of the top works great and is in pristine condition. It is the interior headliner having the issue. It is like the material is stretched out. I just can’t seem to find a new or used one anywhere.

Mar 28, 2021 | 02:08 PM

Tally Ho

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Joined: Jul 2000

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From: Out Where the Buses Don't Run, Eglin AFB/ Niceville FL

2025 C8 Z06/7/E-Ray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified

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Any good upholstery shops in your area? They should be able to use the original as a template to make a new one.

Mar 28, 2021 | 02:23 PM

puck_cent

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Joined: Feb 2018

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From: Cookeville TN

Awe. Good point. Yeah I had not considered that route. Thanks! I’ll check that out.

Mar 28, 2021 | 02:53 PM

marinablu67

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Joined: Sep 2016

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From: Florida

The reason I said it's time for a new top is, I'm not sure, but I think the whole top has to be taken off to replace the headliner. So the labor is the same for replacing the whole top. If that's the case, and it's the original top(guessing 10+ years old) I'd replace it too! My 08 is still in decent shape, but suspect it's going to be soon for me too.

Mar 28, 2021 | 03:01 PM

Rocketmanwpb

Le Mans Master

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 5,636

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From: Lake Worth Beach, Florida

An auto upholstery shop can easily reproduce a headliner . It is only decorative, just suspended beneath the top to hide the frames and other parts. Mid America Motorworks sells the top and may sell the headliner separately.

Mar 28, 2021 | 04:22 PM

marinablu67

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Joined: Sep 2016

Posts: 1,260

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From: Florida

I just found this, it can be done! Convertible Headliner Replacement Instructions - CorvetteForum - Chevrolet Corvette Forum Discussion
But like I said, I wouldn't have the patience to do it. The liner is about $300 with shipping, and if you have to pay someone to install it, you might as well do the whole thing at once. A new complete replacement top is about $600 plus labor.

Last edited by marinablu67; Mar 28, 2021 at 04:40 PM.

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Mar 29, 2021 | 12:39 AM

Patsgarage

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Joined: Dec 2012

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From: Outside the Quick Stop N.J.

FWIW, I removed the headliner in my C4 convertible years ago and have not had any issues. I don't see what the issue would be with removing it in a C6 either.

Mar 29, 2021 | 10:02 AM

#10

marinablu67

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Joined: Sep 2016

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From: Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patsgarage

FWIW, I removed the headliner in my C4 convertible years ago and have not had any issues. I don't see what the issue would be with removing it in a C6 either.

I guess there wouldn't be an issue leaving it out. But some people take pride in their Corvettes, and doing this is the beginning of a slow decline in the overall condition of the car. What's next, putting duck tape on top when it gets ripped?

Mar 29, 2021 | 11:23 AM

#11

puck_cent

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From: Cookeville TN

Thanks for the help everyone. I am going to call Mid America today as well as my local upholstery shop. That should give me options. The procedure does look like the top needs to come off. The disassembly and reassembly doesn't both me. I tend to take apart everything I have and put it back together multiple times. I really enjoy that. I just need to source an actual replacement headliner to do so. This will give me options.

Mar 29, 2021 | 01:07 PM

#12

puck_cent

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Joined: Feb 2018

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From: Cookeville TN

I wanted to report back and say the corvette community has paid off again! With your help I was able to source a brand new GM headliner. The Mid America Autoworks tip got me a guy who knows a guy who knows a guy. Brand new GM headliner shipping to me in 2 days for $315. My local upholstery shop wanted $500 before install.

You guys rock!

Mar 29, 2021 | 02:44 PM

#13

Patsgarage

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From: Outside the Quick Stop N.J.

Quote:

Originally Posted by marinablu67

Really ? The new top is never up when I drive it, unless it is the middle of winter then the factory hardtop is on the car. It is a car that gets driven, not a garage queen taken out only to go to car shows.

Mar 29, 2021 | 03:53 PM

#14

Usfive

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Joined: Nov 2006

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From: NH

I did my replaced my headliner about 3 years ago by following the above cited link.
Take plenty of photos and videos of all the existing lines before you attempt this.
Also would be a good time to replace the headliner straps. Toneau Cover Hits Top - a more permenant fix - CorvetteForum - Chevrolet Corvette Forum Discussion

Mar 31, 2021 | 01:34 PM

#15

puck_cent

Thread Starter

Intermediate

Joined: Feb 2018

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From: Cookeville TN

Thanks. Yeah I managed to procure 2 new OEM straps. I looked at the ones already there and they have been stretched to their limits. I swear I bought the last 2 in existence.