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MG MG Y Type - Headlining to sun-roof aperture

Does anyone know where I can obtain the correct size compressed wood/fibre material that fits in the inside edges of the sun-roof aperture (not the sun-roof) and to which the headlining its tacked. (This material is different from the compressed paper which fits above the doors area).I am currently attempting to renew the headlining (I did it last in 1982!)and had to remove the original material as it had perished too much . The material is held in by the channel on the inside of the sun-roof aperture and little clips manufactured into the metal in which it fits. I know fitting the headlining is a tricky job best left to experts but I lack the cash to farm it out.
Also, does anyone have a pattern for the bit of headlining that fits behind the sunroof and into which the 2 rods (listings) fit. At one time I only had 1 rod (listing) and hence this area was never correct when I last did it but I have both rods (listings) now.
David Mullen

David

I would just suggest you saw some contiplas boarding to the width, turn it sideways, so that the board is there (not the veneer) for you to tack into. Also works if you want to replace the compressed paper in the channels too.

Do you need a spare rod? I have a spare pair? Jack Murray may be able to help on the dimensions you need for the panel.

Paul
Paul Barrow

I am inserting this reply on behalf of Jack Murray who has been in touch (he has been unable to reply to this thread on the website due to technical difficulties with his PC) so I am adding his reply as follows:

"Please find attached a couple of diagrams that may be of some help regarding your headlining.If necessary, I do have the original headlining from my car that I can post to you - I saved it for such a purpose and it has travelled around quite a bit.Let me know."

Thanks Jack and I will print off your diagram and see how I get on. I will contact you if I need the pattern.
David Mullen

Dave - and any one else doing a headliner restoration,

I recently bought a complete kit from NTG and it was great. Only 2 pieces of advice

1) Dont rip out the bits around the back window with happy abandon as you will want to keep them for templates to cut new ones and allow plenty of easement on them, and

2) Although the kit comes with some hidem banding, if you want original "bobbly" trim, you can get it from Bill Collingbourne and the rubber channel is available from Paul Beck. Both have details on the Links Page.

The lace is expensive, but then Bill has had this specially made for Ys, and anyway, who said owning a Y was a cheap car? Lovely, but not cheap.

I have a quantity of "pre-owned" bobble lace too if you like that I have salvaged over the years - it is what I used in my restoration before Bill did the new stuff.

Happy Easter,

Paul
Paul Barrow

Sorry Bill - That should read Wm M Collingburn.

Paul
Paul Barrow

Thanks for all the help on this - I will have a go using
Jack Murray's paper pattern or borrowing his old h/lining if it is a bit tricky - buying the NTG kit is great but I have bought the material now so I will have to 'DIY' it. If I run out of bobble lace (I cleaned mine up in the washing machine to save buying new stuff) I may well take you up on the offer Paul.
David Mullen

Ohh! Washing machine,I am surprised it survived! I used a very soft tothbrush and warm soapy water.

You will also need toget new rubber to put it back on if the old rubber channel has gone brittle and breaks (normally does). Paul Beck is your man for this stuff.

I glued one side of the lace to the back, let it set, then gently inserted it into the gap, then glued the other side onto the back.

Paul
Paul Barrow

What is contiplas boarding? Bobble lacing?
Scott Barrow

Hi Scott

Contiplas boarding is the UK name for laminate boarding where the two surfaces of laminate are seperated by a layer of compressed mushy stuff of wood shavings and all kinds of junk. Actually on reflection, I would suggest that people use strips of 3 ply packed out to the required width as it is less likely to retain water than contiplas, especially if treated before hand.

Bobble lacing is the fancy lace hidem banding that ought to be running front to rear above the doors, over the top of the rear window and across the back of the shelf created by the sliding sun roof casing. It is real fancy, but real nice to have the original pattern as opposed to the more comman modern hidem banding.

Paul
Paul Barrow

The antique Ford supply houses, like Mac's, have TACKSTRIP for $1.20/ft. It is 1/2" wide, consisting of multiple layers of paper. Use with upholstery tacks.
Scott Barrow

Hi Scott

Do you have a sample you can send me? This may be a good lead!

Thanks

Paul
Paul Barrow

Can someone tell me where to purchase bobble lacing? Also, does the same lace do the whole car. I currently have a vinyl edging over the doors and original looking lace over the rear window and sunroof.
Ken Cowan

Hi Ken

If you have a look on our Links page under Suppliers you will find W M Collingburn's details. He is the only person in the world (as fas as we know) who has taken the time and expense to get the stuff remade. It is not cheap, but boy does it look better than any other hidem banding!

Also ask Bill when you contact him if he can supply the chanelling for you - if he cannot, then you will also need to contact Paul Beck. I would suggest that since you will be importing to Aus, if you ask Bill nicely he will get the stuff from Paul Beck for you so you have a one stop shop.

Please let us know how you get on.

Paul
Paul Barrow

Thank you Paul, I will contact Bill, but what is tha channelling you talk about? In other words is the bobble lace only for the rear window and rear of sun roof?
Ken Cowan

Hi Ken

The channeling is the little rubber extrusion moulding the lace sits in. Over time (if you have any original) it becomes very brittle and snaps.

Good luck.

Paul
Paul Barrow

Sorry, the lace goes over the top of the back window. Two strips either side of the car front to rear, and across the back of the sun roof.

Paul
Paul Barrow

Thanks Paul, I am about to replace the headlining and could not proceed till I knew exactly where the lace was fitted.
Thank you
Ken Cowan

Hi Ken

Let there be Ys covers headling placement and fasteningin quite some detail and is worth having for hundreds of other jobs too. If you dont already have it I'd suggest buying a copy.

Paul
Paul Barrow

This thread was discussed between 09/04/2004 and 02/05/2004

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