[Hwyhogg]

HI all,
Working on a 56 Ford panel truck. Wondering if there is a type of headliner I can construct at home. I do NOT want the "bow" type headliner. I was wondering how hard it would be to build a "framework" of wood, secure some fabric, then coat it with resin. Then I would take it down, fiberglass it ? OOOORRR?? Just looking for ideas....would like it best covered in suede leather, but not sure I can do that.....
Thanks,
James

[DanTwoLakes]

The easiest way to do it would be to construct a framework and then upholster individual panels made of waterproof panel board or PVC foamboard that are attached to the framework.

Build the framework, then screw a piece (or pieces depending on how long the panel truck is) of 1/4" luan plywood to the framework to act as a base. The individual panels would overlap each other, or butt up against each other and be glued to the luan plywood. You would need to use bulk, spray grade, high heat resistant top and trim contact adhesive to hold the panels up I would do the truck in at least four separate panels, one panel for the cab area and three panels for the rear area. You could cover the seams between the panels in many different ways.

[Hwyhogg]

sounds like a much do-able way in sections. guessing I would need to make the frame work in "arches" and anchor on the sides, how does the frame work get attached to the truck's roof ? Maybe I should go look for some vans in the junk yards...pictures are always welcome

[DanTwoLakes]

I use metal "T" brackets from the hardware store, but there are all kinds of epoxies that will hold them in place also. Your framework needs to go side to side and front to rear as well. Make your bows out of 3/4" hardwood plywood. They won't twist that way, and they're thick enough to drive screws into. The last time I did a headliner framework like that I could actually hang from it, but that was in a car.

[Hwyhogg]

thanks again for the responses....I will at least try to do this

[horvath]

Originally Posted by DanTwoLakes

You could cover the seams between the panels in many different ways.

Hmmm ... I'd love to see the various ways, Dan!

I'll be putting those buffalo hide seats in my truck the end of this month and then, in May, I'll be working on my truck interior (the *entire* interior).

Alan

[DanTwoLakes]

Wood strips, fabric covered panels, metal strips, the list goes on and on.

[Hwyhogg]

hmmmm....maybe some mood lighting strips at the seams? Bring back the Vannin' stuff from the 70's but in a 56 panel truck, (read van).

[horvath]

LOL. You made me laugh, Hwyhogg - the 70s were something.

Thanks, Dan.

I'm planning on making an overhead console in the center, which will split my ceiling left and right. The overhead console may be wood mixed with my dark chocolate buffalo hide ... and left and right of the console I'll be doing cream colored buffalo hide. I'm not sure about how to blend those top panels into the back wall panel.

Alan