Replacing headliner in 88' 300da

[tacconelli7]

I took out the teak curtain holder up towards to the v-berth. I peeled the headliner back to expose a metal strap that was screwed into the deck to hold the foam backed carpet. This metal strap creates a seam along the ceiling about 12" back from the curtain holder.

It seems that it was either installed to hide the headliner and then another piece of headliner was tucked under it and then folded over it and pulled under the wooden curtain holder OR it was an added deck support hidden in the headliner.

My question is: Does anyone know if that metal strap is there for re-enforcement of the deck or is it just there to make the install of the carpet easier to finish off at the factory.

I would like to eliminate it and run the new headliner directly under the furniture for the curtain.

 

[AKBASSKING]

I ripped out all the "monkey" carpet out of my v-berth and am in the process of replacing it with a vinal, foam back head liner. On mine the carpet was just glued to the deck. I did not have a metal strip.

 

[tacconelli7]

I should have specified this is the headliner in the salon/galley, not the v-berth.

Do you have a seam in the salon/galley area on your headliner?

 

[SCORPIO]

Can't help you with this one but I'm interested in the answers you get, as my '89 must be the same as your '88. I have the segmented headliner on mine but its some kind of dimpled fabric over foam backing. I figure someday it will require replacement and I'd like to know what I'm in for when that time comes.
BTW what are you replacing it with?

 

[tacconelli7]

Mine has the same foam backed dimpled fabric. I wish it was in good shape so I could leave it alone. I am replacing it with a foam backed marine vinyl. It looks pretty good and it will be easy to wipe down.

I removed the radio cabinet with ease and the upper window shade cabinets. I ran a couple extra speaker wires and power leads while I had it all apart. I'm glad I am doing it, I just wish I had more time to work on it during the week. I just want to run it.

I'll post some pictures when done. After consideration of the tiny screws that held this strap in place I have concluded with my caveman brain that is was installed to make the seam job easier, therefore I will not re-install it.

 

[AKBASSKING]

If you are looking at the galley, I don't have a headliner there, just a hard top as I am a sedan bridge. We did receive our samples this past weekend and will soon order our material.