Digging into the HAMB history channels, I see where 'Flat Luckys' and 'Stitch' use this in certain situations and applications. I'm also aware that this is the same material that Rod-Doors uses too. My question is, Can this be used for the head liner also ? Will it have enough rigidity not to sag? One other question regarding Velcro's, there are many available from 3M. How do you determine which one to buy and use???? http://www3.3m.com/catalog/us/en001/electronics_mfg/esm/node_TZHTRGXH0Xbe/root_GST1T4S9TCgv/vroot_DPB1Q1MJ7Nge/gvel_LPQT5P05BQgl/theme_us_electronicsesm_3_0/command_AbcPageHandler/output_html Your personal experiance regarding these questions are needed.
Yes, the 1/8 ABS is pleanty ridgid for a headliner, particularly if it's stressed "up". Plus, it won't sag when it gets wet like cardboard would. Can't help on your Velcro question. I've never used it for interior work.
Velcro holds good. The only problem I've had with it is, the adhesive backed stuff will un-stick itself in time. If you could stapple it or something, it should work great.
You can buy the same velcro rod doors uses from Mc Master Carr. Ive used it and i dont like it . When you try to remove the panel the velcro comes with it or stays on the body. I used screws and palced them where they wouldnt be seen if I could. I can also buy the 1/8 abs a lot cheaper than rod doors sells it for but i have to buy in quanity and its hard to ship unless you cut a 4x8 sheet in half. Ups will actually take a 4 ft by 6 or 7 foot sheet i think. The abs is great to work with . I just did a 30 model a sedan and i used 2 sheets for the headliner and it looks good. You can glue details on the abs so your panels dont look so plain and you can also glue material to fix missed cuts . Dave ps: If anyone is near jackson michigan and needs some abs ive got a full sheet 4x8 plus some small pieces id part with.
I saw some 1/8" stuff called CENTRA that is PVC sheets for interior work. On some other interior site.??
I used a plastic panel like this once. The heat in the garage made it warp over time. Not sure it was exactly the same as what is discussed here, but I was not satisfied with the stuff as to holding up in the "hot" Texas, triple digit heat. Likely it was not the same plastic as Rod Doors material, but it was similar. It cut easy enough and was easy enough to work with, but warped in the sunlight. Huey
Thin ABS will melt at a fairly low temperature, probably about 200 degrees. But if it's 1/8" thick it shouldn't be a problem, even here. A friend used to make ABS replacement interior door panels for Ford trucks, Lincolns and Caddys, he used 1/8" and had a warranty. you should be fine.
I am thinking of using Formica sheeting that you can buy at any home improvement store used to glue over old countertops. They are certainly waterproof and should hold up to any heat. I can't imagine it would warp. I believe they are 1/16" thick.
1/8" ABS should be rigid enough for a headliner. It's kinda on the pricey side though. I usually reserve ABS for projects where my customer is concerned about the panels getting wet and warping (roadsters, convertibles.) For a headliner I would suggest 1/8" Luan plywood- actually, the stuff I get is closer to 3/16", but it's sold as 1/8". Luan is really rigid, but also lightweight- perfect for headliners. Check the archives- Skipstitch did a killer headliner how-to. As far as the velcro goes... I dunno. I try to stay away from it.
I would like to find a source for the ABS sheets also, or any other interior supplies for a do it yourselfer.
Yeah, your right ....the Luan I got is right at 3/16". I have all the patterns made in Luan now, maybe I'll get a wood sealer and seal them and just go ahead with the Luan.
I did a search and checked the archives and can't find this headliner how-to. Can you point me to the thread?
I used a Rod Door kit several years ago. I think I got ripped off for a few cents worth of plastic. One thing I don't like is that the 1/8" stuff is thicker than stock already. No way I could have used the velcro stuff in a '57 Chevy.
Centra is a brand name for expanded PVC, like Plexiglass or Lucite is for acrylic. It is pretty easy to work with, but it does warp easy. The XPVC is one of the cheapest of the rigid plastic sheets. I use it for templates or as a cover sheet to protect other sheets Neither one should be exposed to the sun. I've seen full pallets of the stuff warp and get crazy twisted in a mater of a few minutes. Especially black....... It just absorbs the heat. Talk about a shit load of money going bye bye. If you cut it up into smaller pieces you might be able to save it. We'd stack 3-4 pallet. of other matterial on it to help it out. Where to get it? check with your local plastic fabricaton shop. Any place that sells plexiglass or lexan. I could set you up if you were closer, I have some in stock. I have a fabrication shop here at the house and that's how I pay the bills. Shop around a little bit. Try Mc Master if you can't find it local.
I'm not a fan of plastic on the headliner or other large areas.. I think waterproof panelboard or your luan is best.. As for attatching it clips both the panel board, clips, header bond or material can be bought at: Dubois Fabrics & Upholstery Supplies Inc 708-499-2040 5520 W 111th St Oak Lawn IL 60453-5012 More InfoDirections thanks john at
cover you roof in plastic and then fiberglass over the top. two layers of cloth trim edges and then cut to into 4 pieces place inside car and fiberglass back togeather and you have a formed headliner.
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