12/31/2023
This is the second post for the ‘66 Chevy Nova station wagon headliner project. We left off the last post with the rust treatment. Since then we have done the following: Straighten the crossmembers. Seam-seal the Crossmembers. Dry-fit the headliner bows, straighten the old ones and manufacture new bows where needed. Fabricate rear dome, light mount and run wiring. Install sounding insulation. Straighten door pinch-welds and manufacture interior trim. Cut and sew new Headliner and Visors. I don’t know if you’ve noticed how many times I had to mention the word straighten, I left a lot unsaid because after all this is a post not a novel. I can’t stress how important it is for the sheet metal fabricator to at least finish the inner structure to the same standard that the factory did. (Not a very high standard in most cases) The lack of attention to detail and the carelessness of how the inner structure was left has made the job of prepping for this headliner, very labor-intensive. When it is left to the Auto Trimmer/Upholsterer the project has already been body filled and primered, and in most cases painted. Parts that can get damaged by heat are already installed, so I don’t have the luxury of cutting things out and working them on the bench or putting new pieces in because welding and cutting in most cases are out of the question! When taking on projects like this, my advice is, before you do, have a clear plan on how you’re going to get from point “A” all the way to point “Z”. Leave yourself a good budget for the Auto Trimmer/Upholsterer. We are the guys at the very end of the project, and have to deal with anything lacking at the time we get it! I have nothing against fabricators and body men and women. I love working with all my trades! What irritates me are the hacks, and the lack of attention to detail! Kicking the can down the road ruins a project! The irritation I’m sure is coming through in my text here! If you are a fabricator/bodyman-woman and that offends you, it shouldn’t!! I should be preaching to the choir here! If I’m not, look within yourself and possibly rethink your career! That’s where we’re at for now. We are nearly finished with all the preparation to install the headliner. All this preparation is crucial if the end product is to meet our standards. There will be a third installment, which will probably be with everything completed. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
