Topic: 1978 - 1981 Trans Am Fisher T-top Headliner Kits

[GPlover74]

Has anyone purchased and installed the 1978 - 1981 Trans Am Fisher T-top Headliner Kits available here at 78TA.com? Looks like they have an ABS plastic board and are pre-cut for the fisher t-tops. Looking to replace my headliner and I am wondering if this is the way to go?

http://www.78ta.com/store/product.php?productid=14&cat=26&page=1

Thanks,
Matt

[RENOVATIONS]

I have used them and they fit well

[Corellian Corvette]

I've replaced two headliners. The overall fit is good. My advice is to mount the headliner using the trim first, as in both cases the holes for the sun visor mounts were not in the right place - using those holes to mount the headliner caused them to be off center.

[Justin]

I made mine for less then $40. I was told the ones on the site do not fit well but would work if you were not worried about gaps.

[brian c]

On the advice of a previous member I ordered a hard top kit through Brett for the Y88. As long as you take your time, you can cut the headliner board with a dremel - use lower speed and double up on the cutting discs - you can make it work.

Just another option I'm going to toss out there for you.

[Corellian Corvette]

To clarify my point - the headliner fit is fine. If you fit the headliner FIRST using the trim to make sure you have no gaps.

If you bolt the headliner up using the sun visior supports - it will be out of alignment. You'll get gaps.

Mount it up to remove gaps FIRST, then enlarge the holes for the sun visor supports and it should be fine...

[GPlover74]

So I finally got time to go ahead and install the headliner I ordered. I got the headliner I believe from Ames (it is a PUI Interiors - Fisher T-top with the PVC backer). I am in the process of some what dry fitting it as recommended with the trim although she is 90% installed. I ran into an issue with the passenger side T-top opening at the rear. It basically looks like it was cut crooked. I thought something looked off when I was unwrapping it but thought it would be alright...I was wrong.

You can see how much the headliner overlaps the t-top opening here at the window (and how it is tight at the t-bar):

http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/s409/GPlover74/IMG_1868-1.jpg

As a result, the trim pieces don't fit right...it is pushed as hard as possible in the pic and still 3/8" or so off:

http://i1050.photobucket.com/albums/s409/GPlover74/IMG_1871.jpg

The headliner is pushed as far back toward the rear window as possible and front side of that t-top fits fine (as does the drivers side). WTF!

I think it is going to be near impossible trimming the backer board without destroying the fabric. Anyone ever run into this?

I am thinking my only option is to go back to Ames and see if they will exchange it.

Matt

[RENOVATIONS]

I'd definitely contact Ames first and see how they handle the issue.

IF it comes down to handling it yourself, I'd carefully peel back the vinyl, trim the ABS board to fit/correct the problem and re-glue the vinyl in place with contact cement