Suggestions..

[oliver88]

I have gathered all the parts and accessories from my late dads 1962 BN7 tri-carb and am now cleaning them up and inspecting...The hardtop and windows are in OK shape...not perfect but OK...I imagine they are original as I don't reacll him ever having them restored...I am wondering if I should put a new headliner in the hardtop or leave it as is? The windows are relatively scratch free but the rubber will need to be replaced at some time.

 

[HealeyRick]

Kind of depends where you're headed. If you want a concours restoration, you'll probably want a new headliner. Otherwise, if it's not too bad, you can stick with the original.

 

[andrea]

Oliver
I have see your old photos of Hard Top headliner
https://www.flickr.com/photos/brantgiere/3120668618/in/photostream/
It seems in good conditions-if you haven't make a "strong cleaning operation" is time to do it
see my HT headliner(20 years of barn)before and after:
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6EWZ-91-RL8Oo92N89BdYg?feat=directlink
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YkXq887-2w05WEGkYmpsgw?feat=directlink
You must be DELICATE
and can use the normal domestic cleaning products

What I see bad are the side of the interior of HT that appear yellow in the photos
This is a difficult piece- hard to find for me new support materials to renown-I have maintained the oldest only cleaned- and this is the result (old support are badly bended)
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3BHBmo0gVynYjjOqpA6x6A?feat=directlink

Rubber of side screens are easy to fit
you need only two MOSS spares- cleaning accurately the rubber rails and some glycerin on it -two more hands can help in this operation
Cheers
Andrea

 

[HEALEYJAG]

Remember....originality only happens once.....


Pete

 

[HealeyPassion]

Oliver88,
You'd like a suggestion?... okay, I think that it's a mess and you should abandon the entire project before you go any further.

Having said that, I'd be happy to take if off you hands. :angel:

I'd love to do a frame off rotissiere restoration of BN7 tricarb. I promise to keep it original and not get pulled to the darkside... no EFI, A/C, etc. this time as I've been known to do.

Feel free to contact me off list to close the deal. :crazy:

Cheers,
Steve
https://stevesaustinhealey.com

 

[drambuie]

Hello Oliver, Try using spray on carpet cleaner and a soft brush. If That wont work try some tide non bleach detergent with a soft brush, I also wonder if a dry cleaner in your area could help you? I don't live far from ohio, If you ever decide to sell your healey or know of one in your area for sale please contact me im always looking for healeys to restore. Good luck with your healey. Michael.

 

[Rob Glasgow]

The backing pieces (brown cardboard like material) for the side inserts of my BT7 hardtop were warped when I bought it and I couldn't figure out how to straighten them. Finally got some scrap plastic counter top laminate (Formica) from a cabinet shop (for free) and used that. Same thickness as the original and will not warp. I contact cemented the new vinyl to the laminate and wrapped the edges around the sides as originally done. Looks perfect. Cost nothing.

 

[John Turney]

My understanding is that the replacement material is not quite like the original. Judging from the photo of your headliner (no tears) and Andrea's before and after photos, I would suggest you keep the original one and clean it.

I can't help with cleaning suggestions, mine was torn and needed to be replaced.

 

[Johnny]

It's your decision but restoring a hardtop may not be as difficult as you think. Visit this website, it's a real how-to.
Lin Rose hardtop resto

A good source for new rubber would be Bill Bolton.

Good luck with your resto, send us some photos.