This installation guide is designed to help you fit your Optimise Automotive MK1 or MK2 (1959 to 1970) headlining kit.

Installing a headlining kit is very different to installing conventional "nut and bolt" components. The materials naturally move and stretch during installation, so the headlining must be manipulated, tensioned and positioned using the installer's judgement and feel.

I recommend taking your time, avoiding rushing the process, and double-checking the alignment before cutting or gluing any material.

If you have any questions during installation or need any assistance, please get in touch and I'll be happy to help.

Your Kit - What’s Included:

• 1x front frame headliner

• 1x rear frame headliner

• 1x driver side C pillar trim

• 1x passenger side C pillar trim

• 1x under rear screen trim

• 1x driver side sun visor (optional extra)

• 1x passenger side sun visor (optional extra)

Tools Needed (Recommended):

• Clean lint-free cloth

• Grease removal cleaning agent

• Masking tape

• Pencil

• Office stapler

• 25mm bulldog clips (x32)

• High temperature-resistant contact spray adhesive

• Scissors

• Sharp knife

Preparation:

Before installing your new headlining kit, you will need to remove:

• Front seats

• Rear seat

• Rear parcel shelf board

• Rear windscreen

• Rear quarter windows

• Rear view mirror

• Sun visors

• C pillar trims

• Under rear screen trim

• Front headlining frame

• Rear headlining frame

Although it is not essential to remove the front and rear seats, I recommend doing so, as the additional space makes removing the headlining frames and working inside your Mini much easier.

Pre-Installation:

Using a clean lint-free cloth and a grease removal cleaning agent, clean the area underneath the rear windscreen where the new under rear screen trim will be fitted.

Allow the cleaning agent to dry and/or evaporate naturally before continuing.

Before installing your new headlining onto the frames, examine how the original headlining is stapled and glued to the frames.

Pay particular attention to how the original material is cut and wrapped around the framework.

I recommend completing one frame at a time. This leaves the other frame untouched, allowing you to refer back to it if required.

Installation - Headliner to the Frames:

Lay the headlining face down on a clean bench and, using a pencil, mark a faint centre line from front to back.

On each of the tabs for the cross-member struts that run from side to side, cut two small slits either side of the centre line. This allows the tabs to pass either side of the centre strut that runs from front to back.

Place the frame onto the headlining, aligning the centre strut with the centre line you have marked.

Pull each tab around the cross-member struts and staple them into position, following the original installation.

As you approach the ends of the frame, trim away the excess material from the tabs so they can pass neatly around the edge of the frame.

On the inside edge of the frame, cut the material at approximately 45 degrees and leave a small tab which will later be folded around the outside of the frame and glued into place.

Do not cut through the stitched seams.

Start clipping the headlining into position using the bulldog clips.

Begin in the centre of one curved edge, pull the headlining tight, wrap it around the frame and attach a bulldog clip.

Repeat the process at the opposite end of the frame.

Once you are happy with the front-to-back tension, continue clipping the remainder of the front and rear edges.

Continually check that the headlining remains tight and that the stitched seams remain parallel with each cross-member strut.

Next, clip the sides into position.

Working from the rear towards the front, continue pulling the headlining tight and wrapping it around the edge of the frame while maintaining even tension.

I recommend leaving the headlining clipped to the frame overnight to allow the material to settle naturally.

The following day, make any final adjustments to the tension before gluing.

When you are happy with the fit, work one side at a time, starting at the rear and working forwards before finishing at the front.

Remove the bulldog clips from that section and apply contact spray adhesive to both the outside edge of the frame and the rear of the headlining where it will wrap around the frame.

It is important that the adhesive is allowed to become touch dry before fitting the carpet. If the adhesive is still wet, the carpet may not bond correctly.

Once the adhesive has become touch dry, pull the headlining tight, wrap it around the frame and secure it into position.

Continue around all four sides, continually checking that the stitched seams remain perfectly straight.

If required, gently warm the vinyl with a hair dryer to make it more flexible and easier to stretch around the frame. Take care not to overheat the material.

Finally, reinstall the trim clips exactly as fitted originally.

Repeat the entire process for the second frame.

Installation - Headliner to the Mini:

With the headlining now fitted to both frames, you can install the trim panels and headlining frames into your Mini.

Apply masking tape around the lower half of the rear window opening on the outside of the Mini to prevent adhesive overspray.

Apply contact spray adhesive to the rear window lip on the outside of the Mini and underneath the rear windscreen opening on the inside of the Mini.

In other words, apply the adhesive where the under rear screen trim will be fitted and wrapped around the rear window opening.

It is important that the adhesive is allowed to become touch dry before fitting the carpet. If the adhesive is still wet, the carpet may not bond correctly.

Fit the under rear screen trim underneath the rear windscreen.

For reference, this is the long, narrow rectangular trim.

Wrap the material around the rear window opening.

Using a sharp knife, trim away the excess material around the rear window opening, ensuring the trimmed edge will be hidden beneath the rear window rubber.

Position both C pillar trims into place. They will be secured later by the rear quarter window brackets.

Remove the masking tape.

Install the headlining frames back into the Mini. Install the rear frame first, followed by the front frame.

Post-Installation:

With your new headlining kit installed, you can now reinstall:

• Rear parcel shelf board

• Rear quarter windows

• Rear view mirror

• Sun visors

• Rear windscreen

• Rear seat

• Front seats

Finished:

I hope you love your new Optimise Automotive interior and enjoy seeing it transform your Mini.

When your installation is complete, please send me some photos of the finished result. I'd love to see your Mini with its new interior fitted, and customer builds are always fantastic to see and help inspire future Classic Mini owners too.