Proper way to fix sagging Headliner

[thecantaloupeman]

So I don't wanna cheap out on this or be lazy. 2hats the proper/professional way to fix a sagging headliner. The headliner looks brand new but sags quite a bit. I bought this adhesive to try and fix it. I thought maybe I could just stick it where the dome light is and spray it underneath the headliner, but I feel like that's the easy/cheap way. If you were fully restoring this truck how would you do it? Thanks.

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[DoubleDingo]

Will be watching this one, as mine does the same.

 

[Blue Ox]

The problem with this fix is that there is a layer of foam between the fabric and the backer of the liner. It's that foam deteriorating that allows the fabric to drop. Unfortunately an adhesive is not going to re-stick it unless you get rid of all that foam which isn't easy to do.

The only workable solutions I have found is either a replacement headliner or taking it to an upholstery shop and having them clean the backer and install new fabric.

 

[CSFJ]

The other thing to consider, there were different materials used on the headliners. The adhesive only works with the cloth style material, the other type, which looks almost like a thin perforated vinyl, will melt if sprayed with adhesive.

 

[thecantaloupeman]

The problem with this fix is that there is a layer of foam between the fabric and the backer of the liner. It's that foam deteriorating that allows the fabric to drop. Unfortunately an adhesive is not going to re-stick it unless you get rid of all that foam which isn't easy to do.

The only workable solutions I have found is either a replacement headliner or taking it to an upholstery shop and having them clean the backer and install new fabric.

How much do you think that would cost?

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[DoubleDingo]

.........which looks almost like a thin perforated vinyl, will melt if sprayed with adhesive.

That's what mine is.

 

[Snoots]

Did mine in my Fiero. I used 3M Super 77.
Ripped out the old stuff and took a sample to Jo Anns (any fabric/hobby) store will do.
Used some ScotchBrite to get the remnants off of the shell (cover EVERYTHING and wear a mask!)
Sprayed both shell and material. Had a neighbor help me get it started by holding up the other end.
Work slow but steady. Once it sticks, it's stuck!
Material cost me about 25 bucks. I got 2 square yards. They had the correct color, pattern and it had the foam backing.

 

[Shorty81]

Or.. You could just peel it out and get rid of it. All my Chevys were non head liner. They look good just painted steel, IMO.

 

[BBBURB]

Or.. You could just peel it out and get rid of it. All my Chevys were non head liner. They look good just painted steel, IMO.

I have a commercial E-150 van with no headliner, just a painted ceiling and here in California when it gets to be 100*F that thing is like an oven inside. Not Even my A/C can cool that beast down.

Since becoming a burb owner the one thing i noticed and love the most about the burb is its ability to stay cool in 100*F weather. That insulation on the ceiling is a God Send. What is that cork? Its an amazing insulator. If you like staying cool/hot I wouldnt scrape that stuff off unless you plan to replace it. Im cruisin around all summer here in the socal desert with no A/C (fixing it soon). The insulation saved my life here. If you scrape it off can I have it? Ill put it on my doors.

 

[dvdswan]

When I did the headliner in my truck about 8-10 yrs ago I spent like 20-25 dollars on it. IIRC the headliner comes in 2 sizes, small and large width. Most fabric stores have it but I'm sure you can find it all day online now.

In today's market I would guess you'd spend 75-80 to do a suburban.

 

[75Monza]

I've done multiple headliners like this, last one I did in my 91 s10 blazer and doing one now in my geo metro. I just buy the material color I want on ebay, remove the old headliner board carefully so as to not break it. You can peel the old material off pretty easy once it starts sagging from the foam deteriorating, then what I do on the board is take a wire brush and carefully remove all the old foam left and any glue spots that peel up, without damaging the board material. Takes a bit of care on the corners to not crack anything, my metro board took me about 45 minutes to prep for new material. Buy the correct glue for whatever material you end up using, most of the time I use 3M 38808. I lay out the material over the board and let it sit for a day to get any wrinkles out, then rough trim it with enough material to fold over the edges a good 2", then like Snoots said, spray both surfaces, two people works best, start at the middle and work your way out the the edges. Most anyone can do this, not really worth taking it to someone based on what you'll get charged.
First one I did was in my 86 burb with dual air, that was a pain by myself, lol.

 

[4WDKC]

Remove the headliner, clean the old stuff off, I have always heard use 3M spray adhesive, material of choice and do it.

 

[RoryH19]

Had mine redone in my r10.
I removed and brought to a local upholstery shop I've used before.
They were able match the material from a swatch book. My backer board was in good shape. Remove the old, clean and install the new. $90

 

[thecantaloupeman]

Had mine redone in my r10.
I removed and brought to a local upholstery shop I've used before.
They were able match the material from a swatch book. My backer board was in good shape. Remove the old, clean and install the new. $90

Is the backer board the foam underneath? Could mine be In okay shape? How can I tell if it's reusable?

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[shiftpro]

The other thing to consider, there were different materials used on the headliners. The adhesive only works with the cloth style material, the other type, which looks almost like a thin perforated vinyl, will melt if sprayed with adhesive.

Wow really? Well thanks I was about to try it.