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MG MG Y Type - Headlining MG YA

£500.00 + VAT to fit a new headlining to my MG YA that is the figure I have been quoted today, am I missing something ? considering the material required ( 3mtrs )
would cost around £60.00 I think this is expensive. I think I will try to fit my own, is it realy that dificult?
Alan.
Alan Simpson

Yes, I think you are.
Mine was replaced about 5 years ago along with a complete leather interior for £600.
I saw a YB on Sunday whose owner had replaced his own headlining with a litle help in parts from the coach-trimmer doing his seats and it was A1. Do you want to talk to him?
Michael Nicholson

Its not easy, from memory the difficult part is round the rear window, the corners , and sewing in a channel to thread the bar through to hold the lining close to the roof , it’s a four handed job , I’d say let some one do it for you.
Malcolm Hardy

Malcolm has a point - I did my own back in 1982 but although it was OK it was a bit of a compromise around the rear window. I have recently removed the old headlining again and need to put in a new one. I have a paper pattern (drawing) somewhere I got from a contact - I will have to do mine again myself as I can't afford to pay someone to do it but I would if I could.
If you can get an old headliniong to use as a pattern and maybe get some local help for the bit involving the rear window and 'listings' (rods that support the cloth). One final point don't trim the sunroof panel until you have sorted out the way it opens and closes otherwise it will get ruined - I should know I have allowed the rod it slides on (which needs some grease to help it slide properly) to get on the cloth causing grease marks.
David Mullen

I did my own (with the help of Jack Murray - thanks Jack) but even then I made a mess of cutting out a bit for the back window. I eventually got another small piece of the union cloth and had an upholsterer retro fit it for me as I didnt want to mess up a second time. Quote does seem high though.
Paul Barrow

Alan, I own a ZB Magnette. (Not a YA or YB) So, I can only say how it was for a ZB. It was not a fun time but not too bad to replace the headlier. On a sale from 1-10 with one being change spark plugs I would place it a 5 or 6. My hadliner was suppied by a co. in Calif. and cost $75. plus shipping. A very good cloth and shipped quickly. One tip IF you do decide to DIY be sure to label the bows as to location front to back. Good luck, Arch
Arch Boston

Alan,

I have replaced the headlining on three Y types and the job is not too difficult if you are prepared to take your time. As Malcolm has already stated, the difficult bit is around the rear window - it takes the patience of a saint.
If the woodwork, that the headlining is fitted to around the rear window, is in poor condition the job is made a little more difficult. If you decide to have a go, remove the existing lining with great care in this area and take lots of photographs.
Hopefully, you'll have access to a sewing machine to sew in the loops to take the frames that support the lining across the back of the car.
If you need further help/advice, don't hesitate to email me.
P.S. Don't forget, you'll probably want to replace the 'hidem' banding so you'll need to order this when you order the headling to get a good colour match.

Jack
J.L. Murray

Echoing Jack's comment - re hidem banding. The original 'bobble' lace effect hidem IS available from W M Collingburn - see Links page under Suppliers, and Coachwork at www.mgytypes.org for contact details.
Paul Barrow

It seems the major problem is the rear window
and having inspected the rear window in our car I can well understand why, however Christine (my wife)is a seemstress and has made and altered wedding dresses and the like for many years,she also has the paitience of a Saint, so if we can unpick and remove the headlining very carefully as suggested we will use that as a template and making the headlining should not be to difficult, however fitting it will need Christine's legendery paitience.Many thanks for your replies, suggestions and comments they have been a great help.
Regards Alan.
Alan Simpson

This thread was discussed between 28/09/2005 and 05/10/2005

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