I ordered a pre-sewn headliner from SMS (yes, I am very familiar with SMS) for my 1959 DeSoto Fireflite Sportsman 2 door hardtop and the stitching locations are not quite exactly the same as where my three metal bows in the car are located. I guess what I am wondering is from those that have experience with installing one of these headliners whether or not there is any adjustability of the metal bow placement or if they have to go in exactly the same locations they are in now? I'm mostly concerned with bow #2 as it is near the dome lights and bow #3 as it is designed to fit with the curve of the rear windows. If this headliner will not work for my car, I need to go back to SMS and try to explain that they sewed it in the wrong spots. Any input from someone experienced in these headliners with the metal bows is appreciated. Measurements below were made down the center of the roof.

On Car

Section 1 (windshield to bow 1): 14.5-15 inches (hard to say exactly with windshield trim covering the front lip)

Section 2 (bow 1 to bow 2): 16 7/8 inches

Section 3 (bow 2 to bow 3): 15 1/8 inches

Section 4 (bow 3 to rear window trim): 6 inches

New headliner

Section 1 (windshield to bow 1): 16.5 inches

Section 2 (bow 1 to bow 2): 15 inches

Section 3 (bow 2 to bow 3): 14 inches

Section 4 (bow 3 to rear window trim): over 6 inches

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IMG_20201206_150515554_a.jpg (132KB - 161 downloads)

IMG_20201206_141243698_HDR_a.jpg (165KB - 170 downloads)