Headliner from a 75 Wag into a 79 W/T?

[BlueduckFSJ]

I came across a headliner for a 75 Wag the other day. Will that headliner fit in my 79 Chero W/T? What years are compatable? Thanks, Roy

[Retro93]

Yes..the headliners will switch from the '75 to '79 with minimal problems. The roof sections are the same year to year. The only problem you might run into would be with slight differences with the interior overhead lights. smile.gif

[BlueduckFSJ]

Retro...I no longer have evidence of the lighting arrangements in my Chief...could you clarify the arrangement for me? i.e. dome lights or square lights; one or two lights, etc. Also, this headliner came in two seperate parts; is this the case with the 79 W/T? Or is it a one piece headliner. The two pieces were seperated by a piece of plastic trim; is this also true with the 79? Thanks man...Roy

[Retro93]

Roy,

The headliners come in 2 pieces as you describe. There is a plastic snap in piece that seperates the front/rear sections. My '79 WT has a front overhead light [rectangular in shape] and a round light in the rear. The '78 WT has 2 round lights. If you need the '79 style front light, you can use one from a Ford pickup. They are identical. :D Now the '79 "should" have had a manual light switch at the very rear of the headliner. You might not find the switch with the earlier headliner, but it would be pretty easy to install. smile.gif If the h/l from the '75 is the wrong color, you can paint it to match your interior with a good enamel. smile.gif

Hope this helps.

Kim

[BlueduckFSJ]

Kim...thanks for the info...I just ordered some black vinyl headliner material, and I am going to get that headliner board. The board has the insert for the rectangular light, but does not have one for the rear. Do you have any tips on this install? My wiring does not exists, so I would have to do that all over again as well. Any tips on this matter? What year are you referring to for the Ford matching light?...Thanks Again! Roy

[Retro93]

Roy,

Ford has been using the light that I mention for at least 20 years in their pickup trucks. It has 2 individual switches for the map lights, and a central main dome light. You can use any type automotive light for the rear. Both of the lights are attached to the roof bows with metal screws. You can look at the pictures of my '79's roof in the following post.

http://www.ifsja.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=3;t=010669;p=1

Now the wiring is another problem. Do you have a wiring diagram that you can look at? If not, I can try to scan one and email it to you.

Kim smile.gif

[BlueduckFSJ]

Kim...I have my trusty Chiltons, so I guess I will just need to decipher that encrypted piece of paper...haha...thanks a lot for this info. I will snap a shot before and after and send it to ya when I get all materials and work done...Thanks!...Roy

[Retro93]

Roy,

One thing to remember about the wiring is that the switches in the doors are on the [-] or ground side of the circuit. :rolleyes: Be sure and take that into account. smile.gif

Kim

[BlueduckFSJ]

THANKS! I will give you a holla if something goes awire(cheesy there).

[Retro93]

ROFLOL! Sounds good. smile.gif