I recently started to have trouble with my headliner in my '04 Crossfire. My car stays garaged and is driven very rarely. I found out through this forum that I was not the only one with this problem (to say the least). Like most, I called the dealer to see what a complete replacement would cost and found out that I wouldn't drive off with it fixed for less than $900--$1000.

I found an upholstery repair shop in Alvin, TX (I am from the Houston area). The shop is nothing special and the owner doesn't speak very good english, but the guy did a great job and I drove off for $90 - material and labor included. As far as I can tell, it is the exact same material that the car originally came with. I'm no expert, but I can't tell the difference and I was told it was the same material prior to agreeing to have it replaced. It only took him two hours for the whole job, start to finish. Needless to say, I was relieved at the over $800 savings.

Ibarra's Upholstery
413 Avenue E 1/2
Alvin, TX 77511
832-921-3324

 

That's a huge savings. Now, by "headliner," do you mean the top portion of the seat? Is this leather or fabric? What exactly was the issue with it?

 

Same situation here with my 2005 base coupe. The headliner started peeling and got worse. Must also be the Texas heat! The guy charged me 100 dollars here in San Antonio. He was recomended by my body shop and had been doing headliners for 40 years. He showed me the old material and the foam.... couldn't believe how bad it was for such a new car. He said they probably used bad glue but more importantly did not wrap the headliner around the edges properly. He felt they should have wrapped it around and sealed it up better. Once moisture gets in, it is all over.

900 dollars at a dealer for the same old junky headliner that will probably peel again? Forget it! I bet your new headliner will stay on longer than we will live on this planet!

 

Let us know how it holds up after 1 yr.

 

By headliner, I mean the fabric abover your head when you get in the car. I think the Texas heat and humidity contribute to the problems, as mentioned by one of the replies to this post.

...and yes, it's a very big savings. I can't believe the dealers can get away with charging near $1000 for the same fabric + labor. This headliner could fall down and replaced 10 times and I'd still be ahead. I just wanted ot make sure everyone at least checked with a reputable upholstery shop prior to thinking the dealer was their only hope on this issue.

 

Not only are the dealerships charging a lot... but are they putting the same crappy headliner back up. If that is true then it is guaranteed to fall down again! Better off having someone else do it right because I really believe it was the materials used at the factory and the way they wrapped the headliner that caused it to fall in the first place.

 

Hey JC,
Thanks for the info...!!
I'm in the Houston area too and just TODAY..... in the 103% HEAT INDEX, I noticed that my Headliner on the passenger side was sagging ALOT.

It would be worth the trip to Alvin (from Rosenberg) to get this fixed at Ibarra's. I'm always amazed at the wealth of knowledge and shared information at this site. I really appreciate you guys!
Steve

 

There is a guy here in San Antonio that did mine. He has been around for 40+ years doing headliners. He did mine back in Nov08 and no problems since. He said they must have used crappy glue and didn't wrap the headliner properly around the edges. He was also amazed to see the foam wear off so early.

 

Well,,, my COMPLETE headliner separated from the glue so I found a shop close to my office in NW Houston (not the one in Alvin) and he did it for $200.00

He came by my office on Monday to remove the complete headliner and returned the finished product on Tuesday (at my office) to re-install it. I have attached some photos in My Gallery in case ya'll would like to see the clips and gadgets that hold all of that up there.
Later,
Steve

 

What's the name and location of the San Antonio shop.. I may need it in the future. Thanks.

 

Upholstery shops that have been doing headliners for 25-40 years -- how many do you think they fix compared to a Chrysler dealer. I had the same problem with a Pontiac in Ft Myers FL. I'm driving along and suddenly the headliner is flopping in front of my face. Another reason to live in the great state of MI...perfect weather.

 

I will stick with South Texas. It is a much better state (with other things besides weather).... the weather is beautiful 8 months of the year. The other 4 months are really hot--- but your body adjusts. Better than being too cold... been there and done that!

 

I just had my headliner replaced for $110.00 at Auto Seat Cover Co. 127 W. Carson St. San Antonio, TX. (210) 225-8284, owner's name is Lupe. Blackcrossfire07 recommended him. I had a shade darker put in.

 

Hi Blackcrossfire2007 I'm new to the area what body shop do you recommend in the San Antonio area, I need to freshen my paint.