Headliner - how did you secure it?

[Aint2Proud]

I am getting ready to install my 1/8 inch birch headliner and I would like to do it with a minimum of holes. What is the best way to apply pressure to it? If I have to use staples I would like to pull them after it dries. I may fill the holes or find a decorative solution to cover them. Thanks!

Ryan

[doug hodder]

I carefully shoot screws with 1x1" ply (thin) backing like a washer into the ribs, spaced evenly. Once the glue has cured, pull the screws, replace them with nickel finish washers and oval stainless screws. Just one method, but I don't mind seeing a fastener if it's done right. Doug

[Gage]

Well, I just used a lot of Titebond II and a lot of clamps where I could and then shored it up like a mine shaft. People told me it wouldn't hold but the ceiling has been in the same place sense 2002 with no sagging. And I've probably got close to 25,000 miles on it in all kinds of weather.

[angib]

I can see that no fixings is likely to give the nicest finish, but if you want to use staples, here is a variation of the trick used by guys who cold-moulded wooden boats (for whom 1000 staples was a few) - fire the staples through old polypropylene packaging tape:



The tape is strong enough that the staple doesn't leave an indentation plus if you're lucky, just pulling on the tape will get the staples out. That's why the staples need to be put in cross-ways as shown - if you put them lengthways, the tape splits at the staple when you try to pull them out.