Cleaning the Vinyl Headlining

PostPost by: simonriley11 » Sun Oct 23, 2022 11:17 am

The headlining in my 1969 Plus 2 is grubby but otherwise in good condition. Does anyone have any tips as to the best way/products to clean it with?
simonriley11
Second Gear
Second Gear
 
Posts: 92
Joined: 19 Jul 2005

PostPost by: alanr » Sun Oct 23, 2022 11:44 am

Mine is the same and I think some of it is nicotine stain from previous smoking owners. I have tried all sorts of things to try and clean it without any real success.
The conclusion have come to is that changing the headlining when I get around to changing the windscreen (bonded in!) is unfortunately the only real answer.

Alan
Alan
'71 +2 S130/ 5speed Type9.
alanr
Coveted Fifth Gear
Coveted Fifth Gear
 
Posts: 1026
Joined: 14 Sep 2018

PostPost by: Foxie » Sun Oct 23, 2022 12:12 pm

My headlining had also gone a bit grubby, especially the rear upper quarter panels.

I carefully painted it with some well thinned water based white paint (Dulux Weathershield ) and was pleased to see how well it came up. It might need a few coats to get it right.

:)
68 Elan +2, 70 Elan +2s
User avatar
Foxie
Coveted Fifth Gear
Coveted Fifth Gear
 
Posts: 1209
Joined: 20 Sep 2003

PostPost by: types26/36 » Sun Oct 23, 2022 5:10 pm

alanr wrote:The conclusion have come to is that changing the headlining when I get around to changing the windscreen (bonded in!) is unfortunately the only real answer.Alan

............or just spray it satin black with a rattle can ......obvously not original but I had a Capri with an original black head lining and it looked good :wink:
Brian
64 S2 Roadster
72 Sprint FHC
User avatar
types26/36
Coveted Fifth Gear
Coveted Fifth Gear
 
Posts: 3407
Joined: 11 Sep 2003

PostPost by: RichardS » Mon Oct 24, 2022 1:03 pm

I think there was a tip here years ago (I think, can’t find the post) suggesting using white shoe polish.
I must admit I tried it some years ago as my headlining was very grubby, and it worked pretty well and still looks reasonable!
Could be a cheapo option before replacing the headlining.
Richard
Lotus Elan Sprint FHC 1973
User avatar
RichardS
Third Gear
Third Gear
 
Posts: 488
Joined: 23 Apr 2007

PostPost by: wotsisname » Mon Oct 24, 2022 4:57 pm

I have used Vinyl paint" on seats (black) and centre console to give a bit more life. I also used the same on sunvisors (white). the visors were very brown from nicotine. If they come up too glossy you over coat (more a mist) with matt clear coat. The sunvisors are a temporary measure as they are knackered inside. I was pleased with how white they have come up and they look good against a new headlining. I got them from http://vinyldye.co.uk
and it is the "TRG" paint I used. the instructions on the site are good and you really do have to do it slowly with lots of "coats" that are applied more like a mist. Hope this is helpful.
1968 Elan plus 2 - project
2007 Elise S2 [modified with a Hethel 70th sticker (yellow)]
2000 Elise S1 - Sold
wotsisname
Third Gear
Third Gear
 
Posts: 452
Joined: 24 Jun 2015

Total Online:

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 24 guests