Headliner install

[TBBMW]

Do I need to replace this part or can I do without? My 74tii does not have one....

[esty]

that piece is crucial to proper installation...it's also very fragile and nearly impossible to replace

yes...you need it...the installation starts with that piece

[TBBMW]

Thanks Esty, I was able to score a replacement board from an early round tail at the local PAP today. They seem to be the same and I was able to de-install it with no breaks. The other issue is what to use as a replacement for the clips to hold it in place.

[TBBMW]

Thanks Esty, I was able to score a replacement board from an early round tail at the local PAP today. They seem to be the same and I was able to de-install it with no breaks. The other issue is what to use as a replacement for the clips to hold it in place.

[esty]

those clips are one of the hardest thing i've dealt with...after a couple of hours of snorting and cussing, i ended up using short pan head screws to re-attach mine...if you don't tell anyone, they'd have to tear your headliner out to know how you attached it

[jerry]

The other issue is what to use as a replacement for the clips to hold it in place.

those clips are still available new. i was unable to salvage mine as i mangled them removing that board. i've tried everything to try to remove them gently. i hate them and dealing with them is one of the few things on these cars that make me swear.

installing them was not trivial either. i tell you, i hate them.....

[jerry]

esty, i see i'm not alone on this....

i will use screws next time too. much better idea

[TBBMW]

Hmmmmmmm pan head screws.... Sounds like a trip to the local hardware store for me tomorrow. Thanks again.

[oz_tom]

Wow, sounds like you had a great battle with them! I just pushed the clips through the hole in the board backwards (lip side first). Once i got them all in, up she went and straight in. Took about a half hour to figure out that i could actually do that and didnt have to push the whole clip through and get it snagged on those two spikey bits!

[esty]

I just pushed the clips through the hole in the board backwards (lip side first). Once i got them all in, up she went and straight in. Took about a half hour to figure out that i could actually do that and didnt have to push the whole clip through and get it snagged on those two spikey bits!

i'm certain then the aussie clips are different from the US ones...i think where those clips are concern'd the germans were playing a little payback with the o2's that were ship'd to the states

TBBMW...a word of caution...when drilling the small holes for the "new" screws...don't drill a hole thru the roof of your car....there's not a lot of room up there

[TBBMW]

Well, actually I was thinking of using a screw with a head a little wider than the existing holes.. cutting the screw to about 3/4 - 1 inch and placing one of those hinged anchors on the other end. You know, like the ones you use on drywall. Like you said... who will know what's behind there once my headliner is in. At least it works in theory.....