The rebuilding of Norman's 75 Eleganza II

After reading the articles I found on the web page called "1977 Palm Beach, Reptar Wagon" at http://teamteets.org/gmc/ I decided I liked several of the ideas the author used. (The author neglected to sign his website, so I can't give him proper credit). In particular, his application of FRP Paneling Sheets (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic) for the replacement headliner turned out to be a terrific idea. With a pair of tin snips, a hand drill and my trusty Dremel tool saw for the curves, I managed to create some rather tidy replacement panels. I opted for the textured gloss white variety FRP (found at Home Depot, @ $26.50 per 4'x 8' sheet) to do the job. They are aesthetic, easy to clean, highly reflective of light, which makes the interior seem much brighter and best of all water rolls right off the stuff. Any future leaks cannot trash your new headliner. Isn't that clever? The original GM dimensional specs for the first headliner panel, which has the forward ceiling vent hole, are 72.75" x 50.90". It turned out that upon measurement of the original panel, I found that it had shrunk longitudinally by about a half inch. I therefore, cut the new panel to the GM original outer dimensions and centered the old panel to use as a template for determining the cutouts for the holes. All measurements worked out to within 1/8 inch of center upon installation and only required very minor shaving of the holes in order to true the edges. This was not a tight fit side to side. There is perhaps room for a 3/16" pad between the panel and the ceiling. However, I have decided to attach the panel directly to the newly insulated ceiling without the use of any further insulating material at this time. Another thing that has always bothered me about the automotive industry is their use of sheet metal screws to attach everything together. I am personally very fond of machine screws and bolts, so as I happen to own a self-retaining nut insertion tool, a complete number drill set, tap set and a desire to keep this thing from rattling apart from vibration as I go down the road. I intend to replace much of the existing hardware with the right stuff. "Death to sheet metal screws and particle board!" This may take a while. So, on to a few other things…