Hello everyone, like many of you I recently had the sagging headlining problem on my car and I've found a solution that I'd like to share.

At first I tried looking online for a quick fix but I didn't find what I was looking for and I didn't want to go to the expense of having the headlining replaced at a trim shop, I've done this in the past with a different car and although they did a fabulous job I felt that the problem would return in time.

So I thought I'd try something different, it might not be for everyone but I like the look of it.

First I removed the headlining from the car, I won't go into detail about this because there are already good instructions on here. Needless to say it's a bit fiddly and you need to be patient and careful with it. You should protect the rest of the interior and dashboard with bed covers or curtains etc before you begin as they will probably be damaged otherwise. I think the headlining was probably fitted at the factory before the windscreen.

Next I removed the fabric lining from the actual headliner panel, it's a messy job and leaves glue and foam residue behind which can be rubbed off with care, when it's all been removed you should be left with a nicely textured headliner, don't try to make it too smooth as the texture gives it character.

I coloured the hard headliner black with a sponge and some black interior reconditioning stain which I'd bought for the carpets and upholstery of another car, but I'm sure you could use something else or even spray it with satin or mat black paint. I also sprayed the A post trim panels and sun visors with satin black to match. The total cost was a few hours of time and about £10

I've attached some photos, the ones before look worse than they might have done because I originally tried to glue the fabric back to the headliner but it just made things worse.

I hope you like the finished result.





Headlining sagging, even glue couldn't keep it in place

It sagged so much that I was wearing it like a hat when I was driving

Headliner removed, covers are essential to protect the interior when you do this

Headlining replaced after being stripped and stained black, the sun visors and A post trims were sprayed with satin black

Removing the fabric has accentuated the characteristic central ridge in the headliner. Another great styling cue of this wonderful car.

 

Nice work, looks good!