hey folks

Too many Wisconsin winter days combined with too many New Jersey summers has rendered the headliner in my 95 SC2 somewhat detached from its backing. I got 15 years out of it -- I'd say I did well by any measure.

Anyone have personal experience with replacing the headliner on an S car?

My biggest fear is actually breaking some trim piece that I will never find a replacement for...

That and I'm really bad with cutting

(I love the smell of glue)

All input appreciated regarding both safe removal and actual headliner replacement

 

Hey Derf --

Is the headliner actually torn, or is it just sagging down in your line of vision?

 

sagging sagging sagging

 

Derf, I had an upholstry shop replace mine for the same reasons you are concerned. The plastic bits and pieces being brittle. Thier knowledge in this are is greater than mine and I have broken enough plastic trim pieces on mine to be really gun shy.
Mine was damaged by in large by the sun roof leaking as the plastic bits and pieces in it also broke rendering the thing useless. It too is now functional after having the dealer repair it.
I have replaced headliners on other cars. Not easy but also not aggrevated by all the brittle plastic pieces.
It looks brand new and I could afford it.

 

Derf --

As a stopgap, you might want to look into a spray adhesive (from NAPA/Reiley's/PEP/Zone) that comes in a can like WD-40 does (even has a plastic extension). Make tiny hole in headliner, insert nozzle and spray. Wait 5 minutes or so, and roll the headliner against the backerboard. I used it on my '93 sw a bit over 5 years ago (just after Katrina), and it's still holding well

 

excellent idea OA -- i have a can of headliner adhesive that i've used to reglue the fabric on the door sides around the pull bar....hadn't thought of the "poke hole n spray" method -- think I'll try it before it gets any worse

I love this place -- many minds --> many ideas --> many solutions