Removed the headliner. What to do while it's out?

[fowlerjk04]

1996 D1. What started with a replacement of the two rear windows has turned into a full interior pull, which was going to happen anyway. I have rear air and it's been interesting to see how it all fits together. I also pulled the sagging headliner and am going to work on stiffening, re-covering, and re-installing it. The sunroofs were caulked shut due to leaking and I pulled those out as well. Found two working ones at a junkyard and will be installing them.

Main question: while the headliner is out and everything is exposed, is there anything I should inspect or repair for good measure? The entire rear A/C assembly is coming out, the plexiglass alpine window pass-throughs and ductwork are coming out, and I have a couple of lighting issues I need to chase down. When I replace the sunroof assemblies I am thinking of putting some sort of sealant between the pan and body even though that was never there to begin with (or at least doesn't seem to be).

While the headliner is out (and assume this is going to continue to a full interior strip), what would you do?

 

[LRDONE]

silicone the plastic caps on the on sunroof trays that hook to the drain tubes. Those leaked on mine. Brand new sun roof seals and good working motors so they close the sun roofs tight to the seal.

 

[kris812]

Seals on the roof rails and make sure they're tight! Mine rattles #1 on my list when headliner goes down

 

[German Gruner]

To check rust and salt signals of leak. Some people put extra thermal insulation between reinforcements of roof sheet

Regards

 

[fowlerjk04]

To check rust and salt signals of leak. Some people put extra thermal insulation between reinforcements of roof sheet

Regards

I have seen this recommended. I am going to give that a shot.

 

[fowlerjk04]

Seals on the roof rails and make sure they're tight! Mine rattles #1 on my list when headliner goes down

I can see the bolts and funny-looking ends of the screws for those things. I got three crossbars at a junkyard and they look just ok, and the roof rails themselves are similarly ok but could use some refinishing. At the very least I will get new seals.

 

[kris812]

I can see the bolts and funny-looking ends of the screws for those things. I got three crossbars at a junkyard and they look just ok, and the roof rails themselves are similarly ok but could use some refinishing. At the very least I will get new seals.

Can you post a picture of the funny screw ends?? I'm curious now!

Also worth pouring some water onto the sunroofs and make sure the drains, well, drain..

 

[WaltNYC]

-- blow compressed air through the sunroof drains to make sure they are clear.
-- replace (likely) worn bungee cord on the nets above the rear seats

 

[p m]

I'd run the wiring for auxiliary lights and antenna cable(s), on top of maintenance items.

 

[stu454]

...-- replace (likely) worn bungee cord on the nets above the rear seats

Definitely do this. It's so easy but is often overlooked.

 

[fowlerjk04]

silicone the plastic caps on the on sunroof trays that hook to the drain tubes. Those leaked on mine. Brand new sun roof seals and good working motors so they close the sun roofs tight to the seal.

Done! These things are tight now.

 

[fowlerjk04]

-- blow compressed air through the sunroof drains to make sure they are clear.
-- replace (likely) worn bungee cord on the nets above the rear seats

Done. I scavenged new nets from a D2 and am going to use them. Previous owner must have kept heavy fruit in those things.

 

[fowlerjk04]

I'd run the wiring for auxiliary lights and antenna cable(s), on top of maintenance items.

On the lights and antenna....like roof rack lights and CB antenna?

 

[p m]

Any radio is better than no radio. But I wouldn't mount a CB antenna on the roof.

 

[fowlerjk04]

Any radio is better than no radio. But I wouldn't mount a CB antenna on the roof.

Ah, you mean like a sharkfin antenna. So far I'm doing ok with the stock radio and antenna.

 

[p m]

No, I don't mean sharkfin antenna. I mean two-way radio, but not necessarily CB. You have a choice of two good options - ham and GMRS - that both eclipse the limitations of a legal CB setup.

 

[kris812]

Amazon.com

You drill a 3/4" hole in the roof and add a NMO mount, then your choice of antenna for the band you want to work in..

PM is correct, HAM / Amateur Radio and even lower power unlicensed GMRS works a LOT better than CB.. With HF you can talk around the world!

An Antenna in the center of the roof is by far the best spot from an RF standpoint, Angle brackets off fenders are usable but about 6db less than the roof.. So that is 1/3 the signal. HF antenna are MUCH longer and best suited on the rear bumper.

Having installed 1000's of these coaxes for commercial reasons, I'm still not sure I'd do it on my Rover with clearance issues already. When they get Ripped out from car washes etc, its ugly what it does to the roof! At the VERY least, get a flexible antenna!!

 

[kris812]

https://www.amazon.com/Baofeng-Portable-Rechargeable-Handheld-Antenna/dp/B09CTSBHMR/ref=sr_1_6?crid=VS2FGMO8B0Q&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.M1QDK9Ydoc6oxTnBW3wGSGqtP60mktBvd_nFU3WNNNPe_NxUSJC7B4rvqNXKPtg4enFb7rX6f17qbOcJd-x01ut51_ppYblxHfH9AAbHr_B335Iq6MLxzgRk5UPv_anjXAW3V-0_7mxNmaXT_gtO4eQg-D3E8zJqCpFAPQB8XfefhS8t7h2j9xqbh9cZ-z6B92PPn0Lk5HL6UzA-LaCFmRZZu2JBMS5vloZ9TBICLM0.fAHR90dRphhYr3EQ2KbU3NLBGk-FWjERbt62756-ayk&dib_tag=se&keywords=2%2Bway%2Bradio&qid=1721668261&sprefix=2%2Bway%2Bradio%2Caps%2C212&sr=8-6&th=1

Highly recommend some of these CHEAPO radios for GMRS/HAM usage.. Great little transceivers and power!

 

[fowlerjk04]

No, I don't mean sharkfin antenna. I mean two-way radio, but not necessarily CB. You have a choice of two good options - ham and GMRS - that both eclipse the limitations of a legal CB setup.

Oh! Ok, as you can see, my expertise is not in radio communications. I am a computer networking and data analytics guy. Thank you for the clarification.

 

[fowlerjk04]

Amazon.com

You drill a 3/4" hole in the roof and add a NMO mount, then your choice of antenna for the band you want to work in..

PM is correct, HAM / Amateur Radio and even lower power unlicensed GMRS works a LOT better than CB.. With HF you can talk around the world!

An Antenna in the center of the roof is by far the best spot from an RF standpoint, Angle brackets off fenders are usable but about 6db less than the roof.. So that is 1/3 the signal. HF antenna are MUCH longer and best suited on the rear bumper.

Having installed 1000's of these coaxes for commercial reasons, I'm still not sure I'd do it on my Rover with clearance issues already. When they get Ripped out from car washes etc, its ugly what it does to the roof! At the VERY least, get a flexible antenna!!

Given that I have the roof rack (stock rails with stock crossbars) and two working sunroofs to deal with, where would a practical mounting point be?