Original '66 headliner

[Seibert66]

Hello all,
If you have an original headliner in your bug, would you please let me know if the section around the rear window has white vinyl with printed dots like the area near the front visors, or actual perforations like in the area above the front and back seats? The area under the rear window is the only section I'm missing (the rest of my headliner is in good condition) and I want to make sure to repair it with the correct stock material...


Thank you

[Seibert66]

I forgot to attach a pic of the area, it's right under the rear window ...

[jmartini]

Hi Seibert66! I had mine replaced back in 2005 while it was in California, before it was shipped to me. Mine is perforated.
I also noticed that WolfsburgWest, who seem to be pretty spot on with their replacements lists the entire headliner, even around that rear window as perforated.
https://www.wolfsburgwest.com/cart/Deta ... 867499AAOW

[Seibert66]

HI John,
Thanks for checking in! I went into a deep dive on the Samba website and it turns out that original headliners had a printed vinyl in that area. Unfortunately Wolfsburg West and TMI didn't follow originality in this specific case. It's too small of a detail for them to bother, and I understand that...the majority of their customers probably don't really care. Interestingly, the original 1966 headliner had a separate piece for the rear window area...while nowadays it's just one piece to simplify the installation.

This is the link for anybody interested in the subject:

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewt ... highlight=

[jmartini]

Thanks for the info, good to know!

[jmartini]

After reading that post it makes perfect sense that that part of the headliner would be printed to prevent glue from seeping through the holes. In my first 66 that part of the headliner (under the rear window), was missing. Not sure if condensation from the rear window had taken its toll or it had been abused by the previous owner. As a cheap 18 year old, i just cut a piece of carpeting and glued it into place back there. It looked pretty cheesy but it was the 70's so...

[Seibert66]

Yeah, that rear window area seems a really challenging spot for upholstery and headliners...the combination of hot sun during the day and various moisture issues ruined many interiors...only garage kept vehicles kept throughout the years...I attached a picture of the original printed pattern for reference, this was taken near the visors and the rear view mirror...fortunately it's still in excellent condition...now I'll have to search for similar material to replace the rear window section...

[jmartini]

That piece looks brand new! Let me know if you find some printed material!