I am in the planning stages of my 23 Window Microbus Project and I am wondering if any of you have added a headliner with fabric or some sort of flocking on any of your projects? There will be a minium of 3 doors open on this model with the front driver/passenger doors still being considered so I am really trying to make a scale replica of the interior as well including the headliner. I am trying to replicate this:

Any tips or advice? Thanks!

 

Flocking might have too 'heavy' of a texture to make that headliner in scale IMO......how about some careful masking and shooting the inside of the body with textured paint(Scale Motorsports' Faux Fabric or Krylon's Make It Suede)?

I think it would be most effective to just focus on getting the underlying shapes right and then use flat paint, and no texture. If you look at the photo itself, you can't see fuzz or anything--you just know it's there. The problem now is finding something that looks like pinned down panels of soft material.

tissue paper and thread.....moisten the body shell lay down some TP(single ply) mist with a 50 50 mix of white glue and water, lay the thread over it and let dry.then mist Testors fabric spray lacquer over it.

 I did this once in a Tamiya Volkswagen Beetle. My solution was to use 0.3mm sheet styrene, which exhibits the same characteristics in scale as that stuff VW used. First I used masking tape to get the size and shape of the roof, then cut out styrene for the parts I wanted to cover. It can be scored and folded slightly to recreate the creases in the real thing. I don't have any pictures but can say it worked well for my first attempt and could be adapted or refined as a technique to make a pretty convincing headliner.

I did it twice....first a total failure second looked OK, got so excited I didn't shoot any pix

I was going to try this Model Master Flat Interior Fabric tan airbrushed on the inside.



But Id like to  make the seams.. if it could be given a fine fuzz that would be cool but might be difficult to accomplish?

 If leather is an option, you can cut the leather off of an old wallet. Might have to be black or dark brown though...

OvalWindowBucket, What micro bus kit are you building ?  Was wondering as I have a Micro bus project in the works also, Mine I'm converting to a 1963 15 window walk through. I'm using the Revell kit and it very lacking in details. was just curious as youve come up with a good question , I'll be watching  this.

Jerry

 Bonneville67: I have the 1963 23 window Hasegawa kit. It is curbside and only interior is dash and seats. I am scratchbuilding all interior panels etc and opened the rear decklid, hatch, side doors, and might do the front doors as well. The Ragtop might be opened but Im not sure yet.

Also, if youre working on a 15 window there is  a VW Community Build Project going on in that section of the forum. Might be worth a shot to see if you can still enter.. Good luck with your project.. 

VW Dave:

Flocking might have too 'heavy' of a texture to make that headliner in scale IMO......how about some careful masking and shooting the inside of the body with textured paint(Scale Motorsports' Faux Fabric or Krylon's Make It Suede)?

I was at Micheal's yesterday and they happened to have Krylons Make It Suede in Berber (Beige) color on sale and I picked it up. Seems like it might be a great match to the color int he photo. Scale Motorsports is out of Buff Beige Faux Fabric apparently, but i have a feeling the Make It Suede might work. Not only do I need to scratch build a proper headliner, but also what about masking it for paint? Should I paint it before or after the body paint? Should I try and make an assembly that can be glued in later? I'm trying to work it all out.. Many ideas, many options... all input is greatly appreciated.

 

 If you want it in scale, I'd hesitate to add any texture at all.

I've used masking tape, then painted flat.  Scoring lines with a stipple or toothpick will give a seamed appearance (for 50's and 60's H/L), 

I think you might wanna look at this tutorial,You can adapt this technique for exactly what your wanting.

http://www.briansmodelcars.com/tutorials/tutorial/96