Now that the body work, paint and drive train are pretty much in place, I'm looking to install a vinyl material, stock headliner kit I picked up from LMC. The original was long gone when I got the truck so I'm down to the metal all over. I've read through the directions several times and can see this job isn't a quick or simple install. I've watched some videos but they're for cardboard or pvc material vs vinyl. If anyone has done an installation like this or knows where I can find a video, pls let me know. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

Can't help you .
I used the cardboard. But you need 4 hands.

 

Thanks. After a bit of digging, I can see the cardboard version is OE which fits with the rest of the truck. It looks like there are a couple of options to get the original cardboard headliner. Where did you get yours? Thanks again

 

Getting ready to re install my abs liner after the upholster man finishes it. He installed it last time but I think I will do it this time. Will save me a few bucks and I have another pair of hands lined up so will see how it comes out.

 

I bought mine at a Carlisle show back in 1999. They are big, not heavy , so I saved oversized shipping. There are many suppliers that sell them
I would pick the one closest to you to save shipping.

They are not exactly like the original. The repops are just painted cardboard. The originals had a grain pattern to them. I'll show pictures later

 

I did mine in the OE like cardboard. It's not perfect but not bad. I got it from Midfifty which is out of business now.

 

On my 54 I also used OE cardboard headliner. Purchased from Dennis Carpenter. I plan on using another cardboard headliner in my 1955. Pictures do not show whole headliner, but you can see some of it.

 

Thanks so much for all the responses. Dennis Carpenter, Midwest Early Ford and CJ Point Parts all offer the cardboard version for about $160 plus shipping. Probably some others but that's what pops up first. It's an oversize package, and we all know what that means! I'll check shipping costs and go from there. I'm good with the OE cardboard look. It's consistent with the rest of the truck. Function over form back then!

 

See if Midwest Early Ford goes to a show near you. They'll bring it there for you to pick up at no charge.

Are you putting sound deadener and heat insulation above the headliner? You should.

 

Here are pictures of the original cardboard used for the headliner, sunvisors and kick panels from my very original 1955 F350. It has a grain pattern to it. The reproduced cardboard is just cardboard painted gray.


Original kick panel on top, reproduction on bottom



closeup of original cardboard


pic of original headliner



pic of an original sunvisor. I fixed the hem around the visor where the threads are missing by gluing it on with wood glue.

I removed the headliner from my 55, removed a mouse nest, glued ceral box cardboard over the crack where the nest was and put it back in the truck with a new rubber headliner retainer. It looked good. everything in the interior was original.

If one of my trucks was an original stock Deluxe Cab (53-54) or a Custom Cab (55-56) I wouild be ticked off . They had perforated headliners and they are not being reproduced. here is a 56 headliner:



here is a 54 Deluxe Cab headliner:

 

Had my my help me install one about 20 years ago in my 56…closest I ever came to getting divorced ! I would rather do a clutch job on a truck with a T98 than do that job again.

 

Pics and details are very helpful. Thank you. I was wondering about sound deadening. And you mention insulation too. Great ideas! I don't see those sold as part of headliner kits or separately. What materials did you use for that? Thanks again!

 

Custom cab trucks used a simple piece of fiberglass insulation just like in your house, about 1" thick, glued to the underside of the roof as insulation from heat and noise. That could be improved on, but it doesn't take much to make a difference.

 

There are a lot of products out there . Some are pricey because of branding and made and advertised as vehicle sound and heat insulation. Some here have used generic, multi-purpose insulation.