How would you tackle this headlining section?

[SquanderedSavings]

We are in the midst of updating the inside cabin of our 1997 Bayliner Ciera 2355 and I need to line a few areas with the foam-backed vinyl stuff. The area to be covered is the vertical sides of the seating area between floor and seats, which previously had the horrible carpet stuff stuck all the way up it. The new flooring will only go on the actual floor section, while the seating (currently being re-upholstered) will have those vertical panels re-attached, meaning it's only a small section running all the way around that needs to be covered by me. However, the part I'm struggling with is how to tackle the two 90-100 degree corners of the three-sided seating. A first attempt at cutting the vinyl to size resulted in an unsightly mess. One possible idea is to run a long continuous strip of the vinyl all the way along, sticking it to all three sides and not cutting it into three sections at all. Is that a totally daft idea? The other possibility I'm mulling over is whether to cut so there is a little excess vinyl, strip back an inch or two of the foam backing from each edge and fold them in. I plan to use this method where the vinyl meets harder surfaces but not sure if/how it would work at the right angle corners where vinyl meets vinyl. Any thoughts?

(Just to add, covering ply panels with vinyl to place in isn't an option because of the seating panels that will have to fit over the top half. Similarly trim strips would likely add too much bulk there too, as well as seeming like a somewhat odd feature there.)

Any suggestions gratefully received.

 

[pvb]

Welcome to the forums! Some photos would help people to understand your problem.

 

[SquanderedSavings]

Hi there, thank you, yes I did try but sadly my technical skills let me down. I’ll try to figure out what I did wrong and attempt it again this afternoon. Sorry.

 

[Eeyore]

(Just to add, covering ply panels with vinyl to place in isn't an option because of the seating panels that will have to fit over the top half. Similarly trim strips would likely add too much bulk there too, as well as seeming like a somewhat odd feature there.)

Any suggestions gratefully received.

Is it possible to use plastic? The stuff used to make shower room walls etc., on power cruisers and the like. It's available in 3mm thick sheets, easily cut with a Stanley knife, fire retardant and can be bent into the corners with a little heat application. Wipes clean, no ingrained dirt like like you get with the vinyl.

 

[PaulRainbow]

Is it possible to use plastic? The stuff used to make shower room walls etc., on power cruisers and the like. It's available in 3mm thick sheets, easily cut with a Stanley knife, fire retardant and can be bent into the corners with a little heat application. Wipes clean, no ingrained dirt like like you get with the vinyl.

I'd prefer the vinyl, doesn't run with condensation like plastic would.

 

[SquanderedSavings]

Thanks, yep, I've already bought the vinyl too, so I'm a bit committed.
Regarding attaching a photo, I've had a closer look and near the bottom of the page it says "You may not post attachments" and I don't seem to have this functionality available to me, so it looks like I can't share anything like that. If anyone knows what I would need to do to be allowed to attach a pic, please let me know. Otherwise I'm afraid I can only try and describe in words. Thanks.

 

[pvb]

Thanks, yep, I've already bought the vinyl too, so I'm a bit committed.
Regarding attaching a photo, I've had a closer look and near the bottom of the page it says "You may not post attachments" and I don't seem to have this functionality available to me, so it looks like I can't share anything like that. If anyone knows what I would need to do to be allowed to attach a pic, please let me know. Otherwise I'm afraid I can only try and describe in words. Thanks.

I think you can't post attachments because you're a new user. Here's a pic of a Ciera taken from a broker listing. I'm assuming the area you're talking about is the sort of U-shaped bit above the floor but below the upholstered part? Looks to be about 20cm high?

 

[SquanderedSavings]

Great detective work! Thanks for finding and posting a pic for me. Yes that’s exactly what I’m talking about. So not very high but all along the sides there. Would people go with one continuous piece or three sections somehow meeting in the corners? Any tips for neat finishes very welcome. Thanks folks.

 

[sogood]

I'd certainly go with one piece. After relining the cabin on my Wellcraft, anywhere that you can cover in a continuous strip is a bonus. Less joints or overlaps to contend with. You could easily make a paper template for your fabric first, with maybe enough extra to allow for a "hem" at the top and bottom. Or is it possible to remove the wooden supports at the top edges and finish the fabric behind them, then refit the wooden trim. It's a neater finish and prevents the fabric from being snagged or peeling back at the top.

Mask what needs to be masked and a good spray adhesive will do the job. Do a dry fit first and mark reference points for the final fitting. (Use masking tape on the surrounding area and on the fabric for the purpose of marking) Align the marks when dry fitting. Sometimes, giving a foam backed fabric a light spray first, can help to "prime" or seal the foam and the second actual "fixing" spray will take better.

Then start in the centre of the panel and work outwards along each side. Starting at the centre gives you more allowance for being a bit off, as opposed to starting at one end, whereby, if you start to run off, it will get worse as you go along.

 

[SquanderedSavings]

Brilliant, thank you for the very helpful answer! It’s always useful to hear from someone who has done it before! Thanks also for the additional tips about lining up and getting a neat finish, that will all come in handy! Now for the weather to warm up a bit so I can actually get to it...

 

[rogerthebodger]

Brilliant, thank you for the very helpful answer! It’s always useful to hear from someone who has done it before! Thanks also for the additional tips about lining up and getting a neat finish, that will all come in handy! Now for the weather to warm up a bit so I can actually get to it...

I would make up a template in stiff card to ensure you have the correct shape

 

[chewi]

Consider using double sided self adhesive foam ( from Hawke house)
you can position the panels by exposing a couple of inches of adhesive on the back, then if the fit is good, reach behind, peel away and stick the rest. Then same technique with face to attach the facing material.