'64 hardtop headliner material

[Jeff H.]

I've seen conflicting information from restoration suppliers as to what the correct material was for the '64 hardtop headliner. Some say it was textured vinyl glued to a cardboard substrate. Others say it was cloth for '63 & '64, changing to vinyl in '65 and later. I'm restoring a '64 (Dec. build) with the removeable hardtop and want it correct. Which should it be, cloth or vinyl? If cloth, how was it installed; glued to a substrate material? The hardtop on my car, which I thought was original to the car, is vinyl. Any clarification would be appreciated. Thanks.
Jeff H.

[Harry S.]

Re: '64 hardtop headliner material

I've seen conflicting information from restoration suppliers as to what the correct material was for the '64 hardtop headliner. Some say it was textured vinyl glued to a cardboard substrate. Others say it was cloth for '63 & '64, changing to vinyl in '65 and later. I'm restoring a '64 (Dec. build) with the removeable hardtop and want it correct. Which should it be, cloth or vinyl? If cloth, how was it installed; glued to a substrate material? The hardtop on my car, which I thought was original to the car, is vinyl. Any clarification would be appreciated. Thanks.
Jeff H.

The correct answer is woven fiberglass. A very tight weave. It was glued to an insulation backing that was about 1/4 inch thick. It was dyed the color of the interior. I believe it was dyed prior to being cut and glued to the backing.

No one reproduces this.

[Stuart F.]

Re: '64 hardtop headliner material

Ditto for my 63.

Stu Fox

[Harry S.]

Re: '64 hardtop headliner material

Just saw this on ebay................

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1963-1965-Corvette-Hardtop-Headliner-used-/301527514495?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item463470bd7f&vxp=mtr

[Jeff H.]

Re: '64 hardtop headliner material

Hey guys,
Thanks for the feedback! My car has a red headliner, so the e-bay part won't work for me. Say, is the backing glued to the roof, or is it held in place with the perimeter moldings? The e-bay part appears to have never been glued to the roof interior. I said my old headliner was vinyl. As I look at it more closely now, it does appear to be some type of woven material (tight cross-hatch pattern). The headliner is in good shape except for one small area where it was slightly gouged. I see no way to repair it and reproduce the woven pattern without the repair being obvious. Has anyone had experience trying to repair one of these and have it come out looking good? Thanks again!
Jeff