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8 June 2023 Car headliner: How to remove, fix or replace it
If the headlining in your car comes loose or even needs to be replaced, there is no reason to take your car to the garage. You can easily do the job yourself with perhaps a pair of extra helping hands to make the job a bit easier and faster.
How to repair the roof lining
If the lining has only come loose at one spot, you only need to remove the adhesive residue from the backing in this particular area. You can then apply the fresh adhesive to both the fabric and the substrate (backing) and press the lining firmly into place.
Instructions for replacing the fabric headlining car
Most people prefer to replace the fabric themselves. The renovation requires patience, but you will be very happy with the end result. To replace the headliner in your car, you will need to have these materials on hand: upholstery glue, fabric, a screwdriver, a hoover, brushes, tape, scissors or another type of cutting tool.
Unscrew the old headlining car
To remove the old lining, use a screwdriver or Allen key to remove all covers, lights, and other “accessories”. Now remove the car clamp that hold the headlining in place. It really is worth asking another person for help to avoid damaging the frame.
Article number: 38762
£ 1,13
Price per item
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
FEBI BILSTEIN Clamping Clip
Article number: 38765
£ 1,06
Price per item
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
AIC Clip
black, Interior Trim
Article number: 55656
£ 10,81
Price per set of 25 pieces
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
Article number: C60591
£ 0,90
Price per item
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
FEBI BILSTEIN Clip
Article number: 37570
£ 1,39
Price per item
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
Dismantling the headlining car
Pull the loose panel downwards with both hands. Continue pulling down until it is completely separated from the vehicle roof. Grasping the corner of the headlining, carefully pull it off. Continue until you have removed all of the fabric. It’s a good idea to put the frame on a stable table, this will make your work much easier.
Remove foam residues with a hoover and a wire brush and clean the whole area with a cleaner or another type of solvent. Vacuum the headlining panel – don't forget the corners and edges – and remove any small pieces of old glue and foam.
Repair any damage to the headlining panel with the car trim tape. If there are cuts and tears on the panel, these must be repaired so that the new lining will fit properly. Be sure to use a suitable fabric that is flexible and easy to work with. Match the upholstery fabric to the headlining using the old fabric as a template.
Take the new upholstery fabric and place it on the panel. (There will most likely be a lot of excess material over the edges.) Smooth the fabric so that it lies flat and fold the fabric in half. Now you can apply a thin, even, layer of adhesive to the exposed car headlining panel. Then spread the adhesive on the folded fabric so that the underside is covered. Apply the glue to the frame and the fabric, and try not to make the layer too thick. Place the material on the panel and use your hands or a roller to smooth out any wrinkles or bubbles between the fabric and the panel.
Repeat this process with the other half of the fabric. Now wrap the excess headlining and glue it in place and let everything dry for about 12 hours (the time of drying depends on the room temperature). After it has dried completely, use a knife or cutter to cut the material where it will cover the holes for the lights or mirror. Again, it is helpful at this stage to use the old liner as a template.
Reassembly car roof lining
Insert the panel back into the vehicle. Be sure to turn the panel so that it can be placed back in the vehicle with the fabric side facing outwards. You can now refit the lights, mirror, or any other accessories you removed. Make sure that all screws are tight so that they will hold the new lining well.
