Update on my hi-miler Z project

[VetteMed]

EDIT 5-21-2012: After temps hit 90 degrees or so, the headliner fell. Probably a combination of heavy material, and inadequate adhesive. The below procedure may still be valid with a different adhesive, or a lighter material.


I went to the fabric store and picked out a yard of light gray vinyl, pretty close to the gray interior color. Around $16 for the material. I used the original headliner fabric as a pattern to mark and cut the vinyl, leaving a little extra on all sides:



Test fitting:



All trimmed up to fit without wrinkles:



Masked off edges to prevent adhesive overspray:



continued...

[VetteMed]

So, my headliner project failed today. Apparently the adhesive was inadequate for holding up the relatively heavy material once the temps hit 90 degrees or so. I imagine it would have been fine for the usual foam/fabric material, but the vinyl was significantly heavier. A stronger adhesive might be what's needed, but I think I'll just go with standard headliner material at this time.

I'll update the prior posts about this issue so that nobody follows my previous suggestions

[4-cam]

I did my headliner last year. A fabric store here in Denver carry's the headliner material along with Special High temp Glue made specifically for headliners. I think Mid America also makes a kit to do this.

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by 4-cam

I did my headliner last year. A fabric store here in Denver carry's the headliner material along with Special High temp Glue made specifically for headliners. I think Mid America also makes a kit to do this.

i have two headliners that need done

[cvette98pacecar]

Originally Posted by Kevin

i have two headliners that need done

I have to do my headliner, anyone know where to send sun visors?

[VetteMed]

Headliner adhesive:


Smoothed out with roller:


It is important to only apply adhesive up to about 1" from the edges. This allows for fine-tuning the fit under the trim. If adhesive is applied all the way to the edge, you'll never tuck the material under the trim.


Finished product, after tucking edges under the trim:


It's not "perfect", but given that it's not something that is really viewed with scrutiny by driver or passenger, it'll do for now. I want to see how my application technique holds up over time in the florida heat, before I decide to amend some of my errors (a few areas were trimmed too short, and there's a bubble here and there).

[VetteMed]

Another project I've been working on lately, is to integrate a concealed display for the Valentine 1 radar detector. I'm about 90% happy with this outcome, I think I need to do a little more fine sanding on the cut edges of the filler plate to be truly satisfied with the final product. Crummy pic, but it's dark in the garage now.

[VetteMed]

Also, I've been troubleshooting the FX3 / Selective Ride Control system. I found a note in the FSM that the gear should extend above the rim of the actuator cup by 5mm minimum. A few of mine were much less than that, so I am hoping that correcting this situation will result in fewer codes over time.

I had previously read a post either here or on the other forum, where someone had mentioned needing a flat washer above the upper rubber bushing, to prevent their shock rod gear from extending too far into the actuator gear. My situation was the exact opposite.

I've also installed an x-brace from a C4 convertible. I'm very impressed with the improvement it made in the overall stiffness of the car. Many of the rattles and shakes have disappeared, and the car feels more stable overall. I haven't driven it with the top off yet, but I am anticipating an improvement there as well.

[ZZZZZR1]

Wow love that integration!!!

I would love to do that with my Z but where do you put the head unit?

I hit my display in the rear view mirror in the BMW. (with help from Yun)




Also love the headliner install!!!!! Impressive!

David

[cvette98pacecar]

Originally Posted by ZZZZZR1

Wow love that integration!!!

I would love to do that with my Z but where do you put the head unit?

I hit my display in the rear view mirror in the BMW. (with help from Yun)




Also love the headliner install!!!!! Impressive!

David

Very impressive.