Headliner - Spruce or Airtex

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

We need a headliner and before my partner actually makes it himself, which he has threatened to do, I need to buy one.

Has anyone installed a headliner from Aircraft Spruce? Their gray wool headliner is $218.95 making it $175 less than Airtex's gray wool headliner. Seems a no brainer which to buy if the Spruce liner has any quality to it at all.

[GAHorn]

I was informed the Spruce headliner is made by Airtex.

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

I was informed the Spruce headliner is made by Airtex.

I wouldn't be surprised to find this except for the large difference in prices which I got from each companies web site. Maybe I should quick buy the Spruce headliner before they raise their price to the Airtex level.

Can anyone confirm the Spruce headliner is Airtex or the same quality as Airtex?

Leroy has mentioned that he has enough material of some sort, probably the green floral stuff he recovered most of the interior in our plane with, to make a headliner. He brought it up when I mentioned the price of the Airtex headliner. Having flown my last 170 without a headliner for 8 years I really don't care if we even have a headliner. But I have to act fast or I might find more green floral in the airplane.

[bagarre]

Headliner install:
This would make a great newsletter article

I don't know the answer to your question but, I'm just as curious and would love to read someone's experience with installing one.

Mine is an incredibly thick vinyl that's got thick open celled foam glued to the back. I have nightmares of what's hiding up there. I'd like to pull it all down, clean it all up and put a new liner in someday.

[Bill Hart]

Bruce,

I installed a wool headliner from Spruce last year. I had absolutely no issues with it. They make them to order and because I live right by Spruce I was able to walk in order it and pick it up so no shipping cost. I'll be happy to send you photos of it if you would like.

[170C]

Bruce, as one GREEN airplane owner to another ( ) you might want to go ahead and install that green floral headliner. Just think how much faster your plane would go with that GREEN FLORAL in it Sorry Bruce, I had to do this to get ahead of George. No telling what he might gig you with regarding that headliner color

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

Bruce,

I installed a wool headliner from Spruce last year. I had absolutely no issues with it. They make them to order and because I live right by Spruce I was able to walk in order it and pick it up so no shipping cost. I'll be happy to send you photos of it if you would like.

Thanks Bill. That is the info I was looking for.

[Bill Hart]

Bruce,

They did have me measure where the bows went and fill out a sheet that I got off of the web site. It was straight forward and the installation was as you would expect. It was not the easiest thing I have done on my airplane but it was by far not the hardest thing I have done. I would rather install head liners than fuel valves.

[DaveF]

Spruce often undersells their suppliers. All the McFarlane stuff is cheaper from Spruce than McFarlane.

[Poncho73]

I was planning on installing the spruce liner in mine but got side tracked with a broken Scott tailwheel. Anyway, my plan is to go with the Spruce liner. The issue I have is the previous owners removed all of the bow-rods and installed a bogus headliner. If Spruce need the bow-rod locations I will need to buy some SS welding rod and do some additional work. Anyone have picutres of their new wool headliners would be nice.

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

Spruce often undersells their suppliers. All the McFarlane stuff is cheaper from Spruce than McFarlane.

True but usually only a few dollars not $175.

They did have me measure where the bows went and fill out a sheet that I got off of the web site.

I'm thinking they use to sell Airtex but might be making their own now which might account for the price difference and them asking for bow placement. They have a choice for a 170A headliner (but not 170B) so hopefully this will not be the first they've made.

[Bill Hart]

Mine is a 49' A model and yes they have a little old lady there who actually sews them up. They will also ask how you want the zipper to run. Across the airframe or fwd to aft. Mine runs fwd to aft. Here are some photos. One is during the install before I shrank it. The next is how it looks today. This was the first headliner I have installed so it’s not perfect and having done it once now I could make it look a whole lot better the next time. Installation was straight forward; I started at the back and worked my way forward. I used tongue depressors to work the fabric into what I call the tiger teeth (don’t know the actual nomenclature) this worked well you just need to take your time. After it was in I used water from a spray bottle (make sure it’s clean) and a heat gun to shrink it up. Be cautious of using too much heat. A good hair drier would work well.

[Poncho73]

Thanks for posting pictures it looks great.

[Sixracer]

I have been thinking about a new headliner for my 172B. It has a heavy vinyl in it now that is used up and falling down. The zipper is cross wise,at a bow, and is broken open. I've tie wrapped it up. Why do you have to have a zipper?? If you do have to have one will the lengthwise be better?? (like in Bill's picture) Reason? This white looks nasty. I don't think the grey will go with my brown interior. What color is supposed to be used with the brown?? Sorry I ask so many questions, but this is a new adventure for me and I would rather rely on "others" experience and suggestions than plowing ahead and be making mistakes. Thanks in advance. Bill, nice looking job!!

[c170b53]

I found installing a wool linerwasn't as difficult or as hard as I had thought. Your worst enemy are the little bits of trim and the little teeth that grab the liner around the windows and such. The zipper orientation depends on your model, you would want to keep yours crossing the cabin at the aft carry through spar . That way you can get at cables and possibly wiring at that point. It's a good idea to look in there every now and then . I went with the tan which is quite light but I 'd check with your better half or equivalent for a advice here.