Sagging Headliner

[ernier]

Somewhere in another thread is discussion on headliners. I don't think you'll find any way to repair it without removing it and once it's removed you will need to replace it. It's made of a fiberglass insualtion type material. It crumbles and is no longer able to support its own weight. The hard plastic(?) replacements look identical, clean easily and with some patience and a few dirty words can be put up without removing the back glass as is required with the original. I've got a few tips for anyone taking the plunge.

[SBCA96]

Share the tips!!

My front piece came out pretty solid, which is why I thought about steaming it.

I just dont know how I can generate enough steam to do anything! Also, will

it have memory and just go back to the way it was?? I am not too concerned

with it looking factory, so I have considered bonding some thick vinyl to the

roof and calling it good. I am curious though how your install went....

Tom

[ernier]

I installed my headliner while I had the glass out of my car some years ago. When I did the front part I glued up insulation first and then the headliner. Doing that resulted in a couple of spots that "bubbled". The headliner is flexible but it wanted to go back to it's originally flat state. What I eventually did was lay the headliner on the top of a garbage can allowing the ends to droop. I glued the insulation to the drooping headlliner and then glued the assembly to the roof. It's been up there 6 years now.

The shop manual says you need to remove the rear glass to do the rear section. Because the replacement headliner is thin and flexible I believe it can be coerced into place under the side roof upholstery and then under the rear glass' weatherstrip once its up. Depending on the year you would need to cut either 1 or 2 notches in the headliner to clear the trim screws and hold downs.

If you did just vinyl would you be attaching directly to the roof?

Ernie R2 R5388

Share the tips!!

My front piece came out pretty solid, which is why I thought about steaming it.

I just dont know how I can generate enough steam to do anything! Also, will

it have memory and just go back to the way it was?? I am not too concerned

with it looking factory, so I have considered bonding some thick vinyl to the

roof and calling it good. I am curious though how your install went....

Tom

[SBCA96]

You know, I am not really sure. This is on the "to be looked into" list.

I have the headliner out right now, and to be honest it doesnt look that

bad without it. Once I rubbed what was left of the glue off it has a bit

of a track car look - which I am OK with. It stays this way for now.

Thanks for the info, I am sure others will appreciate also!

Tom

If you did just vinyl would you be attaching directly to the roof?Ernie R2 R5388