Car Interior Restoration Tips: Carpet & Headliner

For many people, exterior and engine fixes come to mind first when restoring a classic car -- but the interior is just as important. Classic car interior restoration can be daunting, but it is vital to preserving the model's authenticity, especially for cars that are destined to become show cars. Here at Customs & Hot Rods of Andice, we love car interior restoration work, including carpet and headliner replacement. Here are some tips for restoring your future show car's interior:

Car Interior Restoration Tips: Carpet & Headliner

Start with stripping the carpet and repairing rust. To start a car interior restoration project, strip the carpet and any floorboards so you can assess the floor's condition. Look for damages ranging from general wear and tear to outright holes and extensive rust. Worn areas can often be fixed with sandblasting, while repairing holes usually requires welding in new metal patches.

Lay new pieces of carpet in the sun. It can be tempting to install new carpet the second it arrives. However, taking an hour to allow the carpet pieces to lie outside in the sun with their backside facing up is important. The sun's heat will warm up the materials and make them more malleable, which makes it easier to follow the flooring contours for a very professional look.

Plan to replace the headliner and its backing. Damages to original headliner are nearly unavoidable, so if you're preparing a car interior restoration, plan and budget for a headliner and its backing.

Use sandpaper to brush the original headliner away. The entire headliner and backing must be removed before you can install a replacement. Leaving old material remnants will likely cause the new liner to prematurely sag and fall. A brush or sandpaper are the best tools for ensuring you have a clean surface to work with.

Take your time! Laying carpet and installing new headliners require patience and attention to detail. Keep the old carpenter's adage of "measure twice, cut once" in mind during both of these processes. Do not rush, or you may have issues down the line.

Need Help? Come Talk to the Pros at CHRA

While this advice will ease your minor car interior restoration jobs, there are times when a more practiced hand and experienced eye are necessary. For such scenarios, our team here at CHRA is here. Come visit our shop or contact us online or over the phone to learn more.