Hi all,

We've finally got to the stage of fitting the headling in the Mini. We've got one lining that's pretty good (only 1 small tear), BUT it has stains around the edge, which I believe to be caused by condensation/sweating of passengers The rest of the headlining is good- nice and clean, flexible etc. Has anyone had a good result from trying to remove the stains?

So far it's been scrubbed with soapy water, scrubbed with some Sard thing (not bleach), and have applied Meguiar's Quick Out stuff. However the stains remain.

Even if I manage to get the stains out, what's your view on using a second-hand headling? It's out of a '78 Mini, so it's the newest possible, that's a plus . I've tried searching for previous topics, but haven't found one for what I'm after. If required I'll go for the eBay white headlining, but it'd be good to have money for something else

By the way, the headlining is going in a Mini for my first car - so not going for concours!

Edit: are there alternatives? Have people fitted carpet or something? Could I please see some photos if possible

Thanks in advance for your advice!

_________________
Saxon Green 850: http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=62641
Nightfire Red 850: http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=66555

Can of vinyl spray, make it whatever color you want and tape up the tear from the inside with duct tape

I agree with Mini Max. Looks very good if done in a nice colour.

_________________
Ryan Filippi
Minis In The Gong
[email protected]
www.minisinthegong.com.au

Yeah, that was another option we considered. 'just want something light, not dark and gloomy. It's just whether the light colour (probably blue) will cover the stains. I'm guessing yes.

Yep, the tape was already planned. Easy and simple. Thanks Maxx and Ryan

_________________
Saxon Green 850: http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=62641
Nightfire Red 850: http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=66555

+1 here. The only other thing I would add is that these things do get brittle with age, so if it were me, I'd for a newy, but have a talk to a trimmer before buying one of those from ebay

_________________

On this subject, has anyone had any experience with A1 Auto Trim Supplies ?
They claim to be able to make head lining out of which ever material you choose? For $140 it doesn't look too bad.

Considering mine have all but fallen apart!

_________________
1978 Leyland Clubman S

Just to also add that I used vinyl spray aswell on my first minis (68' deluxe) headlining.

Came up great, but I got a hell of headache using that stuff in such a confined space. Get as many fans as possible to keep the fresh air flowing.

I would suggest Vinyl spray or get a trimmer to replace the headlining for you as it can be hard to get right. The stains are original, the glue that BMC/Leyland used discoloured the vinyl. You will see it it lots of original minis, 1800s etc.

_________________
Have a Nice Day.
If already having a nice day please disregard.

If the headlining is white and has stains, does the vinyl spray come out darker in some places (where the stains are)

Not from my experience. Good quality vinyl spray works wonders. But as Mowog suggests, check for brittleness as you could well be wasting your time ie it will look good until you try the stretching routine when fitting.

_________________
1967 Cooper S - new front bearings to do.
1965 Cooper S shell - Slow progress. No time or money!
1966 Deluxe- next rustoration!
Mk 2 & XJ6 Jags. Less said the better.

Can you spray it still in the car????

would not recommend it. getting an even finish might be a problem, then there's the issue of overspray and also the fumes - unless you feel like a trip

_________________
1967 Cooper S - new front bearings to do.
1965 Cooper S shell - Slow progress. No time or money!
1966 Deluxe- next rustoration!
Mk 2 & XJ6 Jags. Less said the better.

thanks for the replies...

dad went to the paint shop yesterday and they can apparently mix what ever colour you want. will be getting the colour to match the original lining, in case it gets scratched etc. sometime down the track...

(the lining is out of the car, bare-metal respray/restoration)

_________________
Saxon Green 850: http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=62641
Nightfire Red 850: http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=66555

Thats how I did mine, the body was stripped of everything except the headlining, so all the window rubbers etc were out and I just squirted it with a can or two of cream coloured vinyl paint, it looked fantastic when it was done. If anything, it looked a little bit too perfect.

Tim

_________________
1951 Morris Commercial J Type Van
1955 BSA C11G
1961 Morris Mini Traveller
1969 Triumph TR6R
1977 Leyland Moke Californian

The ones on ebay are OK. I purchased one a few years ago and it fitted OK.
I found the vinyl spray makes the vinyl go hard if sprayed on too thick.

_________________
1969 Cooper "S"
1967 Mini Deluxe
1973 Clubman Van (the fleet spare)
1978 ex 1275 LS ("Wizard" Eaton Supercharged)
2015 HSV GenF GTS(occasional drive & tow car)
2019 MINI F55 Cooper S