Headliner Question

[Tom G]

Hello All: I have a question on headliner installation. I have no doubt that it is not an easy task, but was wondering just what it involves. My headliner was installed during restoration back in the nineties when the fuselage had no cover on it obviously making the job a lot easier. It has really deteriorated and looks awful. I see that airtex carries the headliner for $289. I'm trying to decide if to buy it and attempt the installation or just remove the present one and try some alternative measures to make it look better inside.

My plane does not have the quarter windows behind the doors so i suppose that may make it easier?

Any suggestions?

Thanks!!

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Headliner Question

If you are putting one in a plane that is covered talk to an upholsterer. Especially one who does antique cars. I saved a BOAT LOAD of trouble when I got one as he knew more trick than Houdini for getting the darned thing in. When you go to see them look for a guy on the skinny side! Also show him the plane BEFORE you remove the old headliner. He may be able to MAKE you a replacement using the old one as a guide for less money and with better quality. Each plane is slightly different and a custom fit headliner will go in easier and look better.

Hank

You also want the openings to be in the RIGHT places to reach the aileron turnbuckles and pullies up in the headliner!

[Tom G]

Re: Headliner Question

Thanks so much Hank, great advice as usual. I will check into that.

[Scott]

Re: Headliner Question

I did mine before covering the fuselage and remember thinking what a bear of a job it would be with the aircraft fully assembled.

Anyway I posted my fitting highlights here:

http://c-fclr.blogspot.ca/p/blog-page_98.html?m=1

Scroll down to Christmas 2015
I made a pattern out of an old sheet first, Sent it to aircraft spruce and they made a "blank" but there was still quite a bit of sewing to do.
S

[Nefj40]

Re: Headliner Question

Shortly after getting my Tcraft I replace the old headliner with a new one, both Airtex. The old one looked bad with broke zippers, etc. I managed to pull two garbage sacks of Owens-Corning pink fiberglass insulation out of my airplane in the process. The old bows where a hand laid fiberglass rod that cracked just by breathing on it. Using the old bows as a guide I made new ones out of 3/32 stainless welding rod, and by making the bottom ends of the bows a little longer I was able to raise the headliner for some more headroom. I don't have quarter windows either which does simplify it. Take your time and plan on making a full day of it, if not two, it's not really too bad of a job. Oh, hide the scissors while you're fitting the new one because trimming is one of the very last steps before gluing the edges.

[Robert Lees]

Re: Headliner Question

I took mine out and did the Clayton plexiglass roof STC. Much better (unless you live in hot climates, I guess) And MUCH better to see in the turn.

Rob

[waltermrich]

Re: Headliner Question

I did the same and personally think that it is one of the best enhancement and alterations you can do to your Taylorcraft.

[Tom G]

Re: Headliner Question

Thanks to all of you for your advice. That plexiglass roof idea sounds like a winner. I'm going to look into that.

[perryv1]

Re: Headliner Question

I put an airtex liner in mine,it came out good,but the best advice i could give is to not have the windshield in it,getting it to fit right at that front headder was the harddest. Good advice on the small wiriy installer