headliner install

With age the foam backing used on the interior of the targa has broken down and turned to powder. I have not been able to find new material but the fabric is fine. My question is this ---------------( if you haven't done this job please don't give me an opinion, I have too many of my own!) I found 1/8" closed cell neopreme foam and want to know if I should glue the material to the foam first or glue the foam to the targa first. IMO it would be to laminate the fabric to the foam first but since I cannot find the material there are no second chances. If anyone has done this repair with success I would appreciate your feedback. lost

 

I asked the same question of my Interior guys and they said there would be no way to keep it from wrinkling if they glued the two together first. I did not do it myself - but I was there the day they did mine and 2 very experienced guys had a hard time getting the cloth on smoothly over the foam that was already glued on (the day before). You are brave to attempt it yourself.

Rick

 

I recovered the headliner of my GTBi with leather because of foam disintegration (sag) plus hair oil stains on the cotton weave material over driver's head. I obtained the closed cell foam inner layer from a local auto upholstery shop, same stuff they use for older GM sedans. Used special 3m adhesive (not contact glue), the product number of which has changed because of a no-no EPA gas propellant. Ask your auto upholstery guy for recommendations.

Note Berlinettas have a removable fiberglass shell also enabling the job to be accomplished easily on a table. My replacement foam is slightly thicker and more substantial than the original but has a great soft feel under the leather. I also used identically recovered the package shelf noting some have not used any foam under the leather which I think they eventually will come to regret.

Definitely glue foam to frame first...otherwise wrinkles will plague you. But leather is great to work with. Any difficulty would come from using too much adhesive. Remember, contact cement gives you one shot...I didn't use that so I was able to slide the material slightly in place.

 

Thanks guys, That is exactly the info I needed. After what Paul and Rick said it makes sense to me that the weave won't flex like the foam. Like I said there are no second chances here! The last issue will be resolved on the morrow because I intend on cleaning the weave. If it doesn't fall apart it will go well. thanks, Tom

 

Note the cars with the original leather rear window/shelf option from the factory did not have foam under the leather.