Is your headliner sagging, torn or simply falling down? This can create a hazard to a driver’s vision and should be addressed right away. Many times when the headliner starts to fall it happens at the corners or rear middle area of the headliner. Over time the glue starts to break down because of exposure to sunlight, water damage or simply age. The headliner material and foam starts to separate from the cardboard, that’s when you start to see the yellowish flaking and crumbling combination of glue and foam getting everywhere.
In some cases, if caught soon enough, the headliner can be repaired. Make sure to scrape off all the old existing foam and glue so when you spray on your new adhesive it will be sticking to the headliner cardboard backing and not the flaking, crumbling foam, it will just fall down again. You can also spray a fine mist of glue onto the headliner material itself, but don’t go too heavy it can bleed through and cause dark spots to show when you adhere it back to the cardboard.
We recommend replacing the headliner if the above-mentioned repair can’t be done. This process is a lot more involved. First, you will need to remove all clips, hand grips, dome lights, visors, and any other media devices you might have attached to the vehicle's ceiling. Disconnect any electrical wiring. After this is done you can now remove the headliner from the vehicle by either sliding it out the back or carefully through the side door, depending on what type of vehicle you may have, make sure to move the seat backs to a lower position.
Put the headliner onto a flat surface and peel off the headliner material, this should come off pretty easily. Next, with a fine bristle brush or a wire brush scrape off all the existing yellowish glue and foam, make sure to wear a dust mask and eye protective glasses. Now the headliner board should be clean and smooth with no more old foam or glue.
Now you can measure out and cut your new headliner material that will go onto the headliner board that was just cleaned. Make sure when cutting the material you allow yourself a few extra inches all the way around. Separate the two, lay the headliner material on a flat surface and begin spraying glue. Make sure to spray light, even coats so there is no build up in any one area that could show through once it’s applied to the cardboard. Repeat the same process now onto the headliner board. Now that both pieces have been sprayed with glue, you can apply the headliner material to the cardboard. I recommend having another person assist you if this is your first time. Make sure to lay the material flat and evenly with NO wrinkles. Begin smoothing out the material starting at one end and working your way down.
Now you are ready to cut out for any handgrips, dome lights, and visor holes. Insert the headliner into the vehicle the same way it was taken out. Connect all wiring, attach all components that were previously removed. You have just replaced a Headliner!
We hope this information has been useful. If you have any questions or would like to have your headliner professional installed, please contact us at 949 276-2242.