Chevy Express cockpit headliner removal...

[galladanb]

For those of you that have a Chevy Express, only please...

I heard a lot of weird rattlings going on under the headliner during our recent trip.
Also, I felt a rush of heat as soon as the engine shut down... It was very hot outside!!!

I think the best thing to do is drop it down and see what is going on, and while it is down, I want to put
some polyiso up there...

Maybe find a way to custom mount some switch panel, GPS or even an aftermarket radio, etc...

So, have any of you dropped your headliner and reinstalled it?

Looking for steps on the how to and tips. THANKS!

Such Fun!!!

 

[MrNoodly]

The headliner is molded to fit everything that's behind it. If you add rigid insulation the headliner won't fit anymore and you probably won't be able to get it back in place. Or if you somehow manage to do it, it will probably keep popping out.

 

[galladanb]

I pondered on that... LOL!!!

I still need to pull it down and see what's loose up there.

May be as simple as a wiring bundle or some goofy clip thingie ma bob!!!

I luv your Blog! I like your style!!! U ROC!!!

 

[Almost There]

I've only pulled down part of mine far enough and long enough to put in LED lighting over the passenger seat so I'm far from expert.

On mine I'd have to remove the interior trim parts around the two side windows which would include taking out the upper brackets for the seat belts. The trim pieces are held in place with metal fasteners that snap in to slots in the van upright beams and the window channels.  You may be able to leave the ones in that have the seat belt attachments and just slip the headliner past them...I'd try that first rather than taking out the seatbelt attachments. Then take off both the sun visors.

The interior light comes out by popping out the center light to access the screws holding the fixture in place.

There's also a little cubbyhole storage spot in the middle that is held in place with a couple of fasteners that are hidden under plastic caps.

The headliner itself is the least of the problem, it's held in place by velcro like plastic pieces that are glued to the headliner and the van roof. Mine has a layer of 1/4" foam as a sound deadener...  

And dammit, when checking the fasteners I pulled part of mine down and found more #$%^&* pink fiberglass insulation...Thought I'd found it all 2 1/2 years ago...sigh!

IMO, you'd be hardpressed to put any polyiso up there, the headliner is a custom tight fit and with anything up there, it's not going to fit again, particularly around the edges where the trim pieces have to go back in tight.

If it was very, very hot out, the rattling you might have heard was from the headliner itself coming loose if the glue holding the plastic fasteners let go in the heat.

 

[galladanb]

OK, THANK you for the info...

After we get rested up, I may drive it around locally and see if it needs attention right away or if it can wait for cooler weather...

I'm opting for cooler and waiting... Just lazy, I guess!!!

Such Fun!!!

 

[Teammuir1]

OK, THANK you for the info...

After we get rested up, I may drive it around locally and see if it needs attention right away or if it can wait for cooler weather...

I'm opting for cooler and waiting... Just lazy, I guess!!!

Such Fun!!!

I have done some work on my VAN...     its new to me ..  and I basically turning it into what I want....
       I am new here cause I found this post of the oh inteweb   and registered and figured I would offer 
 my assistance if wanted...   
   I belong to another forum that is specific with Express and Savanna Vans... Cheverolet Forum 
 and there I have a build thread .. if you will ...
    but I have taking out my head liner...and installed boards under it and insulation... 
 and then reinstalled the head liner...  if your interested I can either show you a link to the 
build thread and or I can post pics here....
         I dont know how well it would be welcomed to add a link here for another forum
 but I am offering.

 

[Teammuir1]

So for the ones that said it cant be done...
    here are some pics as to what I did myself.

 

[Teammuir1]

OOOO K..
   I tried to post 2 pics at the same time and it only allowed me to post 1 pic..
        hhhhmmm

 

[Teammuir1]

I just have to get used to how to post and add pics here its some what different...
      but I will get used to it...
            so you can see I had no problem adding the insulation and wood under the 
 head liner...

 

[galladanb]

Wow! Red faux fur shag!!! Omg!

Feel free to send me the link via pm if you want!

I'd luv to check out your build threads!
Not to mention a new rabbit hole for express info!!!

Yes, please!

 

[Dgorila1]

OOOO K..
   I tried to post 2 pics at the same time and it only allowed me to post 1 pic..
        hhhhmmm

Where did you find 1970's shag carpeting!!! Pimpmobile!!!!?

 

[Teammuir1]

https://chevroletforum.com/forum/express-g-series-vans-30/best-up-grades-done-85622/

here is the link
if for unknown reasons that it does not work
please let me know I will then PM you the link

 

[Teammuir1]

Empire Fabric online
I have place several orders now... lol
I have gone threw 1 and half gallons of
Glue...

 

[Teammuir1]

Here is a view of my van from the outside.
     this was before I actually started the interior work.

 

[Teammuir1]

Here is the view from the side.
     as well as my Toy Hauler.

 

[galladanb]

Teammuir1, Sending PM...