//////Has anyone had experience putting a headliner in a Hawk? /////






   It is desirable to have the bows sit tightly in place with just a small
gap between the bow and the roof.  I believe the multiple holes for each bow
are there because the exact roof width will vary a little during production and
this allows the installer to compensate by choosing a different hole to get the
bow to fit in snugly.       Normally I mark which hole the bows were in when I
remove the old headliner.  If no marks were made (oops!) it is still often
possible to tell which holes were used because the unused holes will have a
fine rust coating and the used holes will be a little shiny.  Failing that it
is also possible to dry-fit the bows into the car and choose a hole combination
which will result in a tight fit with about a quarter inch gap between the bow
and the roof.  (Be sure to mark the hole selection at this time).  Also,
sometimes rough or multiple installations of headliner bows will cause some of
the holes to become enlarged in which case it is advisable to choose a
different pair of holes which will result in a good fit.
       As far as the metal strips which you speak of are concerned, if they are
intended to attach to the headliner bows they will be a help to you, but I
would only use the two at the rear.  These will help anchor the rear bow in
place and allow you to pull firmly towards the front and stick the headliner at
the windshield area.  I would not use the front strip which you speak of
because I don't see how that strip could be calibrated to provide just the
right amount of pull towards the front, which will vary from headliner to
headliner.
     I do not use clips to install headliners.  Rather, I paint contact cement
all the way around the roof in about a 1" wide strip and paint the
corresponding areas of the headliner.  If the headliner is very light-weight,
perforated, or light in color, contact cement which is painted heavily on it
may show at the end of the job.  In this case it is necessary to paint the roof
of the car first, then pull and stick the headliner to the painted areas all
the way around (but do not leave the headliner stuck in place).  This will
leave a residue of cement in the areas which need to be painted on the
headliner and not leave any cement behind the headliner which may show through
when the job is done.
       Anyway, paint the car first then paint the headliner and allow to dry
for about five minutes until the glue will no longer stick to your finger. 
Then, with the rear metal strips hooked to the rear bow, pull tightly towards
the front windshield and stick the 6" in the middle.  Pull tightly towards the
rear and stick the 6'' in the middle of the rear window.  At this point there
should be some waviness in the headliner with all waves running from front to
back.  All the headliner bows should be upright and not collapsed toward the
front or rear.  If this is the case, pull tightly and stick 6-8" in the middle
of each side, then pull diagonally and stick the two front corners, then the
corners of the rear windows, then infill pull the front, rear and side areas
which have not yet been stuck. 
         Re-position as necessary to remove all wrinkles.  The contact cement
will normally allow for one or two re-positionings but after that you may need
to paint on more and allow it to dry a little before continuing.  It is also
possible that additional contact cement may need to be painted on in areas
which did not receive the cement the exactly the right location in the original
application.
        Do not be afraid to pull tightly when installing.  Generally, the
tighter the better as long as the bows are not collapsed.
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Does anyone know if the paper-like padding glued to the metal underside of
the roof of my 53 hardtop is made of, or has asbestos in it?  This thin pad
is between the headliner and the roof itself.  Any thoughts guys....I ask
this cause I am actually thinking of leaving it in there.   Any thoughts?
thanks herbie////////////

If it's like the later models it's just thick tar impregnated paper.The 
only asbestos you'll find is in the brake linings.
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