I just joined and wanted to ask question for anyone that has a 1980 or close. I am trying to restore my car for my son and we removed the headliner. I purchased the new material, glue, etc...but see that most of the forums talk about there being a cardboard backer. We did not have that under our fabric and it was still partially attached to the metal roof of the car.

Is that normal? When looking for replacement parts I saw where you can order them with the backer, but I don't see "just the backer" anywhere. I need to know if I need to buy one now so it lasts longer, attach the new liner directly to the metal roof or if anyone has an idea of how to make one from wood at Home Depot.....

thanks,

When I removed my headliner, there was fabric glued to a piece of foam backing board. That was held to the roof by clips that are underneath the trim.
Here is a link.
http://www.elcaminostore.com/catalogsearch/result/?search_year=1980&q=headliner

However, you take your life in your hands when you order from elcaminostore.

"Taking life in your hands when you order from elcaminostore"

Glad to know that... Ordered $1,000's of parts from Year One and Original Parts Group, NEVER A PROBLEM with either company.

Check out their online catalogs and order with confidence :nanawrench:

Buy the correct part. They're on ebay and at all g body vendors, like dixie monte carlo, opgi, honest charlies, etc. Don't use wood or anything else that could become a guillotine in an accident!

There's a contoured "shell" to which the headliner fabric attaches. The original shell, as mentioned, was a thin, fragile foam material. You'll have to do some searching, but I've seen foam, ABS plastic and fiberglass reproductions available. Some of the vendors I dealt with in the past are Honest Charley's Speed Shop and Original Parts Group, but there are others.

Bill

thanks everyone...We are very anxious and would have went the wrong way on just gluing it to the roof. We just changed sterring columns yeasterday and all the interior trim has been removed, some dyed and some bought....

Doing something with the seat will be our next mission.

be sure to compare stores when you order parts, you might be suprized at the variation in price.

Depending on how much help the seat needs, PUI upholstery is available from a number of vendors. Good quality products. nationalpartsdepot.com is one of the places I deal with. Get their Chevelle catalog for more info & parts. It covers El Camino also....

Have fun with your project !:smileyb: