Team Extreme~The Volvo 1800 E Build by 1800e

2 minute(s) of a 111 minute read

Here's a little update of my weekend project. Hot rod guys do this trick to make a custom headliner so I thought I would give it a try. The stock headliner is made up of wood slats that deteriorate over time. Mine are okay but I wanted something that would last for the next 40 years. Here's what you do: Lay painter's tape one direction across the top of your car. Now do a second layer in the opposite direction. This will make sure the resin doesn't get on the car. Don't try wax paper since it sticks to the fiberglass. Now comes one of the most important parts. Wax the tape with some car wax on a rag. Pour the resin with the hardener down on the tape and cover with the fiberglass. I used a filler blade to get all the air bubbles out. You take the fiberglass off the roof when dry, trim out a couple inches in the middle and cover with leather. Boom! Custom headliner! I'll be adding 3 more layers and some cross pieces for strength over the next couple days. Here are some pictures of what it looks like so far!

8-2-2016

Hey guys,
I received a call from the powder coat guy saying come and get it! I was so excited....until I saw my hard work covered in bubbles from the air getting trapped in the old aluminum. I'm pretty upset, but I never give up. I'm going to sand the manifold down again and have them re-shoot it. Hopefully this time I'll have less air trapped and a smoother finish. If this doesn't work, I'm buying a Ford. Just kidding! Here's a pic of the fuel rail and valve cover. I think they look pretty good, but not what I expected.