In terms of your car's interior, few problems are more irritating -- or embarrassing -- than a sagging headliner. In older cars, it's not uncommon for the fabric headliner-covering to separate from the contoured shell of the headliner itself. If the problem is left unchecked, you may eventually find yourself driving with loose material hanging down far enough to cause constant aggravation. A badly sagging headliner can eventually impede driver vision and create a safety hazard. If the fabric portion of the cover has simply come loose from its foam backing, there are twist-in pins that may serve as a temporary fix if the problem isn't already too severe, but these merely ease the symptom without fixing the problem. They may also cause damage to the headliner shell. The best solution is to replace the entire headliner cover -- a relatively expensive proposition if you have it done professionally. Headliner material and replacement kits are available, however, if you should want to undertake this repair yourself. Since there are different grades and thickness of headliner material, be certain that you select good-quality material. Also, since these attach by means of a spray adhesive, use only an automotive-upholstery adhesive that is specially made for this particular application. You can purchase the cover material separately, or you can purchase the materials for this installation as a kit. Replacing a headliner cover can be a somewhat tedious job, and it requires some care and precision. Take your time and follow any instructions that come with the kit and the adhesive in order to get a professional appearance. Materials: Replacement headliner-cover material
Headliner spray-glue or automotive-upholstery adhesive
Cordless drill with screwdriver attachments
Socket wrench
Panel tool
Utility knife
Protective mask - The headliner is held in place by the upper trim panels (figure A). Remove the screws holding the trim in place, then use a panel tool to loosen and remove the trim pieces, being careful not to scuff them. You may be able to simply loosen the trim panels enough to remove the headliner without removing the trim completely. You may also need to loosen and remove the shoulder harness.
- For easier access and a less cramped workspace, it may be helpful to remove the front seats before taking out the old headliner. This will make it easier to maneuver the old headliner and replacement during the installation. The seats are held in place by bolts underneath the bench portion (figure B). Use a ratchet wrench to remove the bolts and carefully remove the seats.
- Remove any objects attached to the headliner such as handles, dome lights, visors or overhead consoles (figure C).
Tip: When removing the console, dome light, etc., use a zip-lock bag to collect any screws or mounting hardware so that they don't get lost. Once the headliner is unsecured, carefully remove it from the vehicle. The headliner is made up of a shell and a fabric covering that has a foam backing (figure D). When replacing the cover, you'll want to select one of high quality. Check the construction and thickness of the foam backing since there are different grades available (figure E). Tip: Cut a swatch of your old headliner cover to take with you when you go to purchase a replacement. This will help ensure that you get a proper color match. With the headliner removed from the vehicle, carefully peel away the cover fabric from the headliner shell (figure F). You may be able peel it away in one piece, but if it's deteriorated, the cloth may separate from the foam backing, leaving bits of foam attached to the headliner. If this happens, brush or scrape away any foam residue (figure G). Be careful not to puncture or damage the headliner or loosen its plastic coating. (Newer headliners are constructed of fiberboard, but older ones may be of cardboard and can be easily damaged.) Once the headliner is clean and free of any debris, spray adhesive evenly over the bottom surface of the headliner as well as the back of the headliner cover (figure H). Important: Wear a protective mask when applying spray adhesive. Read and follow any instructions and safety precautions on the spray-adhesive container. There are differences among brands of adhesive, and the vapors from these adhesives may be toxic. Place the new headliner cover over the headliner, ensuring good contact over the entire area and in any contours, and smooth it out evenly (figure I). Trim off any excess material from around the sides, but leave a small amount of overhang that can be tucked around the edges of the headliner shell. Use a utility knife to cut any openings or slits to accommodate any necessary wiring (figure J) for dome lights, console, etc. Reinstall the newly covered headliner in the vehicle by simply reversing the steps you used to remove it. Reinstall the trim and seats.
RESOURCES :
Auto Repair for Dummies
Author: Deanna Sclar
ISBN: 0764550896
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