TOM............... I replaced the headliner in TAMZIN, well what was left of it, about eight years ago with a plastic or pvc material I found at Homedepot.  The material I used was about an eighth of an inch thick and has sort of a bubbly or bumpy texture to it.  It came in 4x8 sheets and I glued it directly to the plywood overhead with teak strips to cover the joints.  The stuff is wonderful, was relatively easy to install and is a snap to maintain.  You've probably seen it in just about every gas station bathroom you've ever been in used as a wall covering.  I mention it because I recently noticed that they've come out with a board-and-bead finish that I wish I'd seen way back when  that might be a workable alternative for you.