1957 Pontiac headliner chrome moulding problems

[Zeb]

Hi, due to a previous owner putting larger self tapping screws in the chrome mouldings that fit to the outer edges of the headliner I now need to replace the insert that they screw into and fit the correct screws. I have never seen this kind of fitment before and was hoping someone could put me straight on:

1, What kind of material is it?

2, Is it bonded in the channel?

3, They have done the same to the rear screen surround and this screws directly into the metal. Does anyone have any tips on reducing the fixing whole other than removing the rear window/headlining then welding the holes and re drilling?

[Bhigdog]

Pictures. Just one is worth 1000 words...

Bob

[Zeb]

6 hours ago, Bhigdog said:

Pictures. Just one is worth 1000 words...

Bob

 

[m-mman]

On 10/4/2024 at 3:28 PM, Zeb said:

Does anyone have any tips on reducing the fixing whole other than removing the rear window/headlining then welding the holes and re drilling?

I have sometimes had luck putting a plastic insert in the enlarged hole. The kind of thing that you might put into drywall to hold self taping screw. Available in different sizes at a hardware store. 

[Oldtech]

The aircraft guys have various gizmos for attaching things. Rivnuts come to mind. 

[TTR]

On 10/4/2024 at 3:28 PM, Zeb said:

Hi, due to a previous owner putting larger self tapping screws in the chrome mouldings that fit to the outer edges of the headliner I now need to replace the insert that they screw into and fit the correct screws. I have never seen this kind of fitment before and was hoping someone could put me straight on:

1, What kind of material is it?

2, Is it bonded in the channel?

3, They have done the same to the rear screen surround and this screws directly into the metal. Does anyone have any tips on reducing the fixing whole other than removing the rear window/headlining then welding the holes and re drilling?

 

First and with all due respect, I have no idea what exactly you're asking for or referring to with this ^^.

 

16 hours ago, Zeb said:

 

The interior trim molding (with red arrows on it) appears to be and is likely stainless steel instead of "chrome" plated steel.

Same with headliner bows.

Rear screen/window inside trim moldings (not pictured) in some American production cars of this era (mid-to-late 1950's) were either stainless or chrome plated or painted steel.

As for the trim screws, their holes ("fixing whole" ???) or retainers ("insert" ???) on the body (none pictured), there potentially are variety of options, but without (clearly) seeing what exactly the problem(?) is, any suggestion for correct remedy is just a shot in the dark (as demonstrated by all previous answers).

 

Edited 1 hour ago by TTR (see edit history)

[Bloo]

Have you seen original screws? I don't know if it is the case here, but Fisher Body sometimes used oval head screws with an undersize head. It can be deceiving. Maybe the holes aren't oversize?

 

Also I gather most of the screws are not into metal? What are they into? Fisher sometimes used some sort of impregnated cardboard in channels along the edges (over the doors) for tacks when they were using more conventional headliners. If it's more impregnated cardboard in your case, wood should work for a substitute.