Screwing into the headliner

*Hartman* · 01-01-2002, 06:59 PM

I have a neon setup in my head that I really want to do, and it involves putting some tubes up on the ceiling. My question is, I want to screw the tubes up there, but I don't know what type of screws to use, or where I should screw them in at. I DO NOT want to take the headliner down.

If anyone has screwed something into the headliner, please share your ideas PLEASE! Thanks.

*mahieber* · 01-01-2002, 07:17 PM

Make sure you hit a crossmember or it is going through the roof. When you drill the holes, get "drill stops" that clamp on your drill bit with a set screw so when you bust through you don't go through the roof. Use sheet metal screw with a blunt end (usually come in brass), so that if you screw them in too far, you have less chance of making a point in your roof. Most of the roof area has a single skin of metal. You can see where the crossmembers are, but you should really consult a set of drawings from someplace like AllData so that you don't drill through a wiring harness.

*Hartman* · 01-01-2002, 07:22 PM

Will do, gotta look for a set of plans. Thanks for your help.

yob_yeknom · 01-01-2002, 11:04 PM

My best advice for you is to suck it up and remove the headliner. It's way too risky not to. Plus, with the headliner down you will be able to make a sturdy mount above the headliner and not have to ever worry about the light falling down.

*Hartman* · 01-02-2002, 03:02 PM

Yeah, but I heard once you take the headliner down it'll never be the same again. Plus, it's a pain to take it down.

*mahieber* · 01-02-2002, 03:39 PM

You can always replace it with shag carpeting and call it Retro-plorer.

01-01-2002, 06:59 PM	#1
Hartman Elite Explorer Indianapolis, IN 1996 5.0 Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 8,444 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Screwing into the headliner I have a neon setup in my head that I really want to do, and it involves putting some tubes up on the ceiling. My question is, I want to screw the tubes up there, but I don't know what type of screws to use, or where I should screw them in at. I DO NOT want to take the headliner down. If anyone has screwed something into the headliner, please share your ideas PLEASE! Thanks. __________________ 1996 Explorer 5.0 V8 - TT/shackles, 31" BFG A/T - Registry thread 2005 Mustang GT - Sonic Blue

01-01-2002, 07:17 PM	#2
mahieber Elite Explorer League City, TX '92 XLT 4x4 Join Date: Dec 2000 Posts: 547 Vehicle Specs	Make sure you hit a crossmember or it is going through the roof. When you drill the holes, get "drill stops" that clamp on your drill bit with a set screw so when you bust through you don't go through the roof. Use sheet metal screw with a blunt end (usually come in brass), so that if you screw them in too far, you have less chance of making a point in your roof. Most of the roof area has a single skin of metal. You can see where the crossmembers are, but you should really consult a set of drawings from someplace like AllData so that you don't drill through a wiring harness. __________________ Michael 92 XLT 4 Dr 4x4 33x12.50s on Black Rock Crawlers, SmittyBuilt Tube Front w/W9000, 3" body lift, Lift Lips, 2 1/2 "Rancho suspension lift w/Warrior shackles.

01-01-2002, 07:22 PM	#3
Hartman Elite Explorer Indianapolis, IN 1996 5.0 Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 8,444 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Will do, gotta look for a set of plans. Thanks for your help. __________________ 1996 Explorer 5.0 V8 - TT/shackles, 31" BFG A/T - Registry thread 2005 Mustang GT - Sonic Blue

01-01-2002, 11:04 PM	#4
yob_yeknom Moderator Emeritus Glade Hill, Virginia '97 XLT & '06 Limited Join Date: Nov 2000 Posts: 4,536 Vehicle Specs	My best advice for you is to suck it up and remove the headliner. It's way too risky not to. Plus, with the headliner down you will be able to make a sturdy mount above the headliner and not have to ever worry about the light falling down. __________________ ~ My Mugshot 1997 XLT and 2006 Limited Try not. Do. Or do not. There is no try. ~ Jedi Master Yoda

01-02-2002, 03:02 PM	#5
Hartman Elite Explorer Indianapolis, IN 1996 5.0 Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 8,444 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Yeah, but I heard once you take the headliner down it'll never be the same again. Plus, it's a pain to take it down. __________________ 1996 Explorer 5.0 V8 - TT/shackles, 31" BFG A/T - Registry thread 2005 Mustang GT - Sonic Blue

01-02-2002, 03:39 PM	#6
mahieber Elite Explorer League City, TX '92 XLT 4x4 Join Date: Dec 2000 Posts: 547 Vehicle Specs	You can always replace it with shag carpeting and call it Retro-plorer. __________________ Michael 92 XLT 4 Dr 4x4 33x12.50s on Black Rock Crawlers, SmittyBuilt Tube Front w/W9000, 3" body lift, Lift Lips, 2 1/2 "Rancho suspension lift w/Warrior shackles.