How to Install a Headliner: 12 Steps
Replacing the headliner in your vehicle may seem like a daunting task, but it is actually quite straightforward if broken down into manageable steps. Follow these 12 steps to install a new headliner and give your vehicle a fresh look.
1.Gather Materials and Tools:
Ensure that you have the necessary materials and tools before starting this project. Basic tools required are headliner material, adhesive spray, utility knife, screwdriver, pliers, scissors, masking tape, and sandpaper.
2. Choose the Right Material:
Select a high-quality headliner material that matches your vehicle’s interior or suits your personal taste.
3. Remove Interior Parts:
Start by removing any items attached to your vehicle’s roof, like sun visors, grab handles and dome lights. Keep track of any screws or clips for later reassembly.
4. Carefully Remove the Old Headliner:
To avoid damage to your vehicle’s roof, use pliers and gently pry it away from the edges. Once loosened up, remove the headliner from the vehicle.
5. Remove Old Adhesive Residue:
Using a utility knife or sandpaper, scrape off any remnants of old adhesive from the roof of your car. The surface needs to be smooth for proper adherence of the new headliner.
6. Preshaping Your Headliner Material:
Place the new headliner material on a flat surface outside of the vehicle and shape it according to your car’s roof contours. This will help in achieving a perfect fit when it is time for installation.
7. Apply Adhesive Spray on Both Surfaces:
Spray adhesive on both the roof of your car and the backside of the headliner material. Make sure to follow instructions on the adhesive spray can for proper application.
8. Position Your Headliner Material:
Carefully place the pre-shaped headliner material inside your vehicle without touching any surfaces yet. Position it according to your car’s roof.
9. Attach the Headliner to Your Car’s Roof:
Working from the center outwards, gently press the headliner material against the roof of your car. Use a smooth flat tool to remove any wrinkles or air pockets.
10. Secure Edges:
Wrap the edges of the headliner material around the contours of your car’s roof, using masking tape to hold them in place. Make sure all edges are smooth and even before proceeding to reinstall any interior parts.
11. Reinstall Interior Parts:
Reattach all interior parts, like sun visors, grab handles and dome lights that were previously removed. Be careful not to damage your freshly installed headliner in the process.
12. Check Your Work:
Once everything is reassembled, inspect your handiwork to ensure that the newly installed headliner looks clean, wrinkle-free and secured in place.
By following these 12 straightforward steps, you will successfully install a new headliner in your vehicle and give it a refreshed appearance.