Headliner on closed/hardtop kits, do you bother with this

[HotRodaSaurus]

I have not seen many models with a moulded headliner, do many kits have this moulded in? or does anyone ever bother with this part? We usually view or photograph our models from above so who bothers and who doesn't.

Quite a few of the older kits have the 'glass' connected by runners in the vehichle interior and I have to admit i have not worried about this but am considering detailing an interior to include it.

J

[ricky12]

i dont go all out , but i will at least paint the headliner area and the glass runners alot of times i cut out those center runners . and maybe add a dome light.

[James W]

I've heard judges at contests say headliners are most often overlooked.

Yes, older kits had glass runners, very unrealistic discouraging detail efforts.

I sometimes just paint headliner and runners black to make it harder to see by a casual observer.

More recently I would trim the window glass to a minimum and paint the headliner.

You don't have to go nuts, but it's a good idea to hide where you taped the bottle to hold the body for painting.

[Harold]

I did on my '69 Thunderbird that I did this year, and it wasn't that hard- just find out how many ribs there are, scribe them in and add a dome light and visors. There's a first time for everything....

[Semi Trailer Mechanic]

What's goin' on...

You're right. Not many kits have detailed headliners. I guess it all depends on weather or not you want to go the extra mile.

[HotRodaSaurus]

What's goin' on...

You're right. Not many kits have detailed headliners. I guess it all depends on weather or not you want to go the extra mile.

I would like to see more models with moulded headliners, I am not a super detailer but this is an interior part that can add detail. Why not a vacform insert? We get under hood detailing even on some of those old AMT kits(I think)and who actually looks at the underside of the hood when viewing the engines.

Thanks, J

[Pete J.]

It depends, in my book. If the model has something to call attention to the headliner such as gull wing doors, or a T top or sunroof, then yes. If not, a coat of paint or flocking or whatever works fine. If you are doing a super detail, it is a must do item. A fully detailed car without the liner is a looser. If you are doing race cars, interior color or bare metal is the order of the day. Pete J.

Edited November 11, 2008 by Pete J.

[Zoom Zoom]

Most models don't have it molded in place because it then creates plenty of chances for sink marks in the roof. A few models have a separate headliner. I often just paint the area if it's visible...I don't really build for contests and if I can't see something I don't worry over it, but I definitely appreciate it when a modeler takes the time to add this kind of detail...Juha comes to mind first, and he almost makes it look easy.