Club Cobra - Hardtop Project

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Time for another update. I decided i wanted a more finished look than a spray in finish, so I took a run at headliner.

I primed the inside and scuffed with 150 grit to (hopefully) give the adhesive something to grab

http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/d.../IMG_3406.jpeg

For material I used this, perforated textured vinyl with 1/8 foam backing to help hide my uneven fiberglass work. I ordered 3 yards.

http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/d.../IMG_3408.jpeg

In it goes. I ended up using 3 large sections, and a smaller piece at the windscreen. Lots of compound curves in there.

http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/d.../IMG_3409.jpeg

This is the windscreen section. I used a length of rope glued in to create a bead and to get the curves I needed.

http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/d.../IMG_3411.jpeg

http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/d.../IMG_3412.jpeg

Next the windows go back in. They didn’t go back anywhere as easily as they came out.

http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/d.../IMG_3414.jpeg

I apparently changed the shape of the back window opening enough to cause issues, so I made a pattern and trimmed the window some.

http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/d.../IMG_3415.jpeg

Once it was back in, I tucked the material behind the window gaskets, and made some beading to cover the seams, ending up with this.

http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/d.../IMG_3416.jpeg

http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/d.../IMG_3417.jpeg

Very nice work on the headliner. When I was completing my hardtop I decided to use a black headliner foam material and cut it from a single piece, the goal was no seams. I painstakingly applied glue in sections , clamped and stretched ….repeat. Now note that I have never ever made a headliner before this attempt. My gallery shows the results. It turn out just average since I was unable to avoid wrinkles in the back corners using 1 piece. I’m convinced my process was flawed. Thankfully when the top is on since it’s black , and in a shadow , the wrinkles are hard to see. But I know they’re there. So I can appreciate this craftsmanship. Nice. Oh and my rear window install left my fingers bruised and battered but it’s been in now for 3 years and hasn’t blown out with 80 mph highway driving. Yet.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kitcarbp (Post 1519006)

Thanks, I was planning on a one piece headliner too, but just too many compound inside curves to not have a bunch of wrinkles, so 3 pieces it is. And I agree, those windows were a chore, tool most of 2 days to get them in, including lots of breaks to rest the fingers. Tough job.

Congrats on seeing it through to fruition! Great job!

Very nice job, impressive work!!

Excellent craftsmanship !