How hard is it to remove a Cessna headliner (the old kind with the wire bows)? I need to repair the zipper if possible and if not replace the headliner. I have looked for a youtube tutorial with no luck. Is it possible to remove it and reinstall without it looking like crap?

its possible to reinstall the headliner, although the retainer clips on the sides make small holes in the fabric and you may have a hard time aligning and stretching it. Only take down the front if you plan on attempting this.

I'd suggest purchasing a new headliner from Airtex and expect to spend 2-3 days to reinstall. Airtex has instructions avialable via online with a passcode.

Andy

David

I know not if a 150 is similar but I will tell you that in a 182 you will not remove and reinstall a fabric headliner and have it look decent. I tried. I am not incompetent with tools and did recover the seats in my 182 with Airtex. They came out good. I recovered the dash with vinyl, it came out good. I painted and installed (under supervision) most of the interior plastic, it looks pretty good. The headliner I would not wish on my worst enemy.

Ended up buying the Airtex and getting an interior shop nearby to do it. Best 500 bucks I spent on the interior. Looks great, only took a few hours - after my co-owner and I tried for most of 2 days to reinstall old and have it look decent.

RAS

Hey, Take it over to the Cezzna Forum

I've installed a cessna headliner. You install it then trim the excess. You won't be able to stretch it back out for the reinstall without the extra material. It's not a hard job but easier with 2 competent interior guys. Just buy a new one. You'll be happier in the end

Did you use an automotive shop? I think the liner is identical to what was used in most cars made in the 50s, so there should be some knowledge base there.

Are you aware of any aircraft shops close to East TN that do nice work? I called Airmod and they have zero interest in doing a headliner only. In fact, I called them in the past about doing my interior and they said they were too busy. They apparently have no interest in small jobs.

A lot of 210 owners, including myself, had to remove it to accomplish the carry thru spar AD. Taking it off is easy, of course, but take a bunch of pictures to help with the re-installation. Re-installation was when I called in my wife for help since she was skilled with sewing and similar projects.

If it's an old vinyl headliner it'll be hard to reinstall with good results, especially if you change the size at all re-stitching the zipper. The old ones just don't have the stretch anymore.

As others have mentioned, Airtex is a good choice for replacement, if that becomes necessary. Mine has been pulled down and put back up many times for maintenance and it still looks good.