Vinyl headliner in cockpit (2452 hardtop)-gctid385505

Well, the Dap worked. I applied a 2 coats to each surface (foam and vinyl). I let the first application dry for 45 min or so before the second application. The headliner seems to be staying up after a week.

Additionally, I made a strip to run the length of the hardtop. I used a strip of wood (3/4" wide, 1/8" thick, approx. 50" long), added stainless steel "T" nuts thought the wood strip, added a piece of weather stripping to the face and covered in white vinyl. The finished product matches the vinyl top and has a bit of padding, looks like it was professionally made. I then countersunk 6 screws into the hardtop and attached to the "T" nuts. The end result covers the facory seam, adds a mechanical attachment in the center for support and you cannot see any hardware in the interior.

The center strip was a bit of an overkill, but I grew tired of it sagging.

Oh, yea the contact adhesive stuck to my arm too. My right forearm is now bald......

OJ

[richardson]

Contact adhesive. Be sure to wait for it to become tacky or dry before mating the two serfaces together.

[Go Aweigh2452]

3M 77 super adhesive spray. Spray both the underside and backside of vinyl then let sit till tacky 30 secs to a couple mins. Then start at back edge and push forward. That is what I used to install my radar and had to reglue the vinyl back on my 96 2452.

I bought some Dap contact cement (non-flamable). It isn't the gel, it was more of a liquid. I also bought a small, low profile roller. I will drop the back again and this time roll on the adhesive to both surfaces (use a pole to get up at the front). We are washing and waxing today, but if I get motivated and don't get overwhelmed with schoolwork I will attack this tomorrow.

I will let you know the outcome.

Vincent

I have the same condition on our 1996 2452. I purchased a quart of vinyl top glue from local auto paint store,rolled it on and pressed new headliner material in place Braced it up for a few hours. The new headliner looked great for two weeks then started to sag again. If you find a better way, let me know. JIM in SC

The vinyl headliner on my 2452 has separated from the foam and is sagging. I removed the metal trim, pulled down the rear section and tried to correct with Loctite Spray adhesive. I used scaffolding and foam to hold the headliner in place for a couple of days, but about an hour after removing the scaffolding, the headliner has started to sag again at the forward area of the cockpit. The rear section where I got decent coverage seems to be holding. I think the product I was using is ok, but my limitation is the ability to apply to the forward, less accessable area since I am avoiding dropping all the trim and removing the entire headliner.

I really don't want to remove the entire headliner, and I am hoping I can get a brush on adhesive and drop the trim and rear of the headliner again and reattach. The foam is intact and holding to the headliner find.

I am considering contact cement (Dap or 3M) that says it is ok for vinyl and polyurethane foam, that way I can get a brush or roller on a stick and get better coverage in the forward sectioin.

Any thoughts, advice or experiences on this type of repair?

Thanks,

Vincent