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MG MGA - Coupe headlining bows

Just getting ready to install the headlining. I know the correct sequence for the bows, but sliding them into the headlining pockets appears to be trickey, unless one end of each bow is flattened out first. I did notice that on the three bows, one end of each appears to have been altered previously, and bent back into shape. I guess that's how it's done, unless someone can clarify further?
Gary Lock

No bending required. Just put all three in at the same time.
Barney Gaylord

Gary, if I remember correctly, each end of my headliner bows was flattened for about an inch where the end attached to the top. I can't say if that's original however.

George
G Goeppner

Gary,
In the original headliner the pockets were sized to allow removal or insertion without reforming the bows. My current replacement headliner is that way. However, as I recall, there were replacements made where the pockets were too small to allow this. Perhaps you got one of those.
Cheers,
GTF
G T Foster

Going back 25+ years my first one was like that. When I finally got it hung in the car just by the bows,the whole thing was cut and sewn wrong. Replacement was fine
gary starr

Gary,
Just snip the threads on each side of the headlining to get the bows in. You will be cutting the threads more as you tension the fabric to get rid of the puckering-up at the sides.
Installed the headliner in our coupe two years ago. Make sure you have enough material front and back before you proceed.
Peter.
P. Tilbury

Juding by the comments already made, it all depends on the size of the pocket...size does matter! What I have been trying to say, is that the bows are flattened at each end to allow for the bow to body screws. The curves in the end of the bows are such that it makes it very difficult to slide the bow through the fabric of the pockets....hence I think that one end of the bow needs to be straightened a little to allow the material to slide on....then bend it back to suit the curvature of the roof where it attaches.
Gary Lock

Don't bend the bow. If it cannot be installed in the fabric pocket, send the headliner back for a cash refund. If the supplier doesn't want to give your money back they had better be able to tell you how to use the part without bastardizing the standard parts that it mates with. You should be asking the supplier this question before asking the list people how to use a part that doesn't fit.
Barney Gaylord

Gary,
Yes, the round cross section is flattened, then curved where the attaching holes are drilled, to match the shape of the top. This flattened, curved end should slide thru the pocket of a properly made liner.
GTF
G T Foster

Gary,
My head liner came from Scarborough Faire and the bows slipped through the pockets with no problem. They were a little tight, but I did not need to straighten out the bows at all.
Ditto to what Barney has said about sending it back.
Peter.
P. Tilbury

Gary I also got my headliner from Scarborough Faire and the standard bows fit into the sleeves without deforming the bows. I had help from a professional with the installation but he had it in the car and the front and rear windows back in within 6 hours. One thing that didn't fit from SF were the side cant rails over the doors and the piece over the front window. I sent them back to Cecelia for a refund and she sent me material so I could make my own, which do fit better.

Andy

Andy Preston

This thread was discussed between 09/01/2013 and 12/01/2013

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