How to replace your headliner

Is the automotive fabric in your vehicle's headliner begining to sag? Don't spend hunderes of dollars at a repair shop. You can do this your self.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Standard mechanic's tools (wrenches, ratchets, extenders, screwdrivers, nut-drivers, etc.)
• Headliner tool (or wooden spatula)
• Scissors
• Marker
• Needle-nosed pliers
• Soft-bristle brush
• Glue gun and Spray-on automotive-grade contact adhesive
• Duct tape
• Razor knife
• Scissors
• Respirator mask
• Eye protection

1. Roll down windows and open both doors.

2. Remove your front seats. Remove trim from around the headliner. Remove the dome light and sun visors. Remove rear view mirror (if attached to the headliner). The headliner should come down now. There may be Velcro or double sided tape holding it in the center.

3. Remove material from cardboard. Clean off old glue and foam backing from cardboard.

4. Measure and trim material to fit cardboard. Spray 3M adhesive to cardboard in a heavy coat. Place material on cardboard. Smooth out with a rolling pin.

5. Let dry for 24 hours. Re-install headliner.

Tips & Warnings

• The headliner board can be taken out in one piece by curving or bending it, but only if this is done slowly and carefully. Bending the board too abruptly will cause the board to crack
• As a standard safety precaution, always disconnect the vehicle's negative battery cable before you begin work on any electrical or mechanical components.
• Bending the board too abruptly will cause the board to crack
• Take your time as you remove the headliner board. The corners of the board are the areas most likely to break.

[Lung]

on 6/14/2007 I wish I read this before I spent $400 fixing my car.