Windlass removal and install help

Rooster34

Active Member
Joined
May 24, 2020
Messages
225
Reaction score
168
Location
Maine
Hey there guys and girls I will be undertaking replacing the windlace on my 65 fury 2 4dr hardtop and need a bit of help on how to remove it. The headliner is in excellent original condition and I don't want to replace it. I know I'll have to remove the b-pillar panels and sills and I'm guessing the front trim panel that abuts the headliner and windshield. Anyway any help is appreciated! The pictures I attached shows the better condition of the passenger side windlace and the original headliner

20210418_201257.jpg


20210418_201303.jpg
 
Last edited:
Yes remove the side panels, and as I remember for this year, you will likely see how the windlass retaining strip is attached with the body sharp pointed stamped sheet metal spike-like retainers. Then I believe that you will have to release the edges of the headliner by gently stretching and pulling the material out where the windlass passes. Replace the windlass and then the headliner edges. I used a couple different width putty knives with duct tape covering the blade to avoid damaging the headliner when stretching and re-tucking. Start at the mid-point and work toward the front and back.
 
Yes remove the side panels, and as I remember for this year, you will likely see how the windlass retaining strip is attached with the body sharp pointed stamped sheet metal spike-like retainers. Then I believe that you will have to release the edges of the headliner by gently stretching and pulling the material out where the windlass passes. Replace the windlass and then the headliner edges. I used a couple different width putty knives with duct tape covering the blade to avoid damaging the headliner when stretching and re-tucking. Start at the mid-point and work toward the front and back.
Awesome thank you so much!! Can't wait to tackle this!
 
Sorry to post on a (somewhat) older post, but did you have any luck with this? I'm in the exact same situation with a 66 Fury III 4 door sedan. I've tried pulling the headliner out but can't get it to come loose. If you have any tips, they'd be greatly appreciated.
 
Ken, different year and models you are working on can offer some variables. But in general, you must unscrew and remove all the inside trim surround pieces, side panels, untuck and pull all the edges of the headliner free, (a tool with a hook end helps), and then start the front and back and un-tension the bows and pull them down working toward the middle.
 
Ken, different year and models you are working on can offer some variables. But in general, you must unscrew and remove all the inside trim surround pieces, side panels, untuck and pull all the edges of the headliner free, (a tool with a hook end helps), and then start the front and back and un-tension the bows and pull them down working toward the middle.
Thanks for your reply; I have all the trim and side panels off (I'm also replacing the carpet), but haven't had any success getting the headliner disconnected on the sides. I'm using hooked plastic trim tools to try to pull the headliner out, then down, but there doesn't seem to be any give in the material at all. Obviously I don't want to pull on it too hard for fear of tearing the headliner. The service manual says that the headliner is glued in the front and back; do I need to cut that loose to get the sides unhooked? My goal is to loosen the side enough to get to the windlace clips above the doors and behind the c-pillar sail panel, but without damaging or completely removing the headliner.
 
No, don't cut anything, or you'll need a new headliner for sure. If original, the glue, contact cement, is usually long since given up and will easily release with an even pull. Years ago, last time I did a headliner, the plastic trim tools were just for external body trim. I'm busy right now or would dig out my stuff and take a picture, try in a few days if still an issue.

Check all around the edges, you should be able to find loose spot somewhere to start and work from there. You have sort of push it up to make a little slack to unhook the material from the "teeth" and then pull it down, should be about 4"-6" of selvage.
 
Back
Top