'95 Coupe Sagging Headliner

[Rod in OKC]

Does anyone have any tips for fixing a sagging headliner on the roof panel? Since you're not staring at it constantly and wouldn't really notice it, I was wondering if a small slit could be made and then shoot some 3M spray adhesive in there. Does anyone know if the entire headliner panel will pop out? If so, I could lift it starting at the edge and not have to make any cuts.

 

[Rod in OKC]

I just found the thread on Drooping Headliner. That should work. Does anyone know if the later C4's had that panel velcroed in?

 

[Moonunit 451]

Can you give a link for the thread, I can't find it. Thanks.

 

[Corvette-Pilot]

Can you give a link for the thread, I can't find it. Thanks.

Ya,
show us you link, show us your link ! !

:gap

 

[rrubel]

I can confirm that Joann Fabrics does carry headliner material - it's 10.99 a yard, 54" wide (early C4's at least can get by with about half a yard of material). Available in 5 or 6 colors, too.

However, not even all early C4 liners are velcro'd in. Mine (86) was glued; it doesn't look like it was originally velcro'd, either, as there are no marks where the stuff would have been stuck to. I used a putty knife and pried around the edges; once one side was started it was easy to get the rest even with the glue. Now, though, I have to figure out how to get the old foam backing off the liner panel.

My wife is picking up the material right now, as she had to go there anyway; I hope to replace the stuff next Friday. Will post results.
[RICHR]

 

[JonM]

rrubel...just rip the cloth off...then take a wire brush to the foam backing (outside it gets everywhere) then just glue the new back on (I used 3M adhesive)

I found the post for you other guys
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=20808&highlight=headliner

 

[Rabbit]

If anybody is interested I have an article from C/F that covers replacement of the headliner. If you want to check it out e-mail me at roman67844@cs.com.

 

[Rod in OKC]

The headliner is fixed and is lookin' good!!!

FYI... On a '95, the headliner fabric is glued to a formed fiberglass shell. It's very loosely laid glass, however, and came apart on me in a few places while removing it. I used a Duco all purpose spray adhesive and repaired the formed piece, let it dry and then went to work on the headliner material.

Mine was in excellent condition and had likely just not been adhered well by the manufacturer. I simply peeled the material back from the fiberglass shell as far as I needed to in order to get the spray adhesive into the area that had come unglued. From there, it was simply a matter of spraying both surfaces, waiting a few moments until it got tacky and then smoothing it out with my hand. I worked all the way across in approximately 4"-5" bands until I got to the edge. I let that sit for about an hour and then flipped the whole piece over and wrapped the edges the same way.

Mounting the finished piece back into the roof panel was a breeze using the same spray adhesive. Good luck to all the rest of you who appear to be tackling the same project. I hope you're as happy with your results as I am with mine. A factory new look for $4.99. You can't beat that!!!!!

Rod

 

[jedi]

Guys,
I took a look at my headliner to try to pull the material out and I am not sure I have the same headliner you guys do. I seem to have some sort of crunchy soft material. Almost like thick insulation. Further I noticed on the 4 corners a access hole which is covered with some sort of plastic cover. I was able to pull it off but unable to identify what it is for.

I think I could pull the material out from part but will probably rip it in the process as it is in there fairly tight, with the exception of the center which hangs down of course. Any ideas what is going on?
Jedi

 

[jmccloud]

Head liner

Jedi,
Some headliners had a foam backed material that gave out (disintegrated). Although you can glue the foam backed stuff back on. it's worth the few bucks to get new material if the old was disintegrated foam.
The secret is in Rod's comment "a matter of spraying both surfaces, waiting a few moments until it got tacky and then smoothing it out" So spray both surfaces and wait.
If you try to stick it while it's wet, it will crush and bleed through. Perhaps even glue your fingers to it.
I've tried the expensive glue at Joann's (my wife does upholstery) as well as 3m and the generic Duco stuff. They all work about the same if you're patient and wait for the glue to set up a little. Don't worry about it not sticking, it will retain its tack. Also, use a minimal amount on the material to avoid soaking it.

 

[rrubel]

Jedi, if your roof panel is like mine, the access holes at the four corners are a red herring - no need to worry about them. You can pry the whole liner panel out with a butter knife around the edges. That "soft crunchy" feel is the harder foam (liner panel) that the soft-foam-backed cloth is glued to...

Incidently, I have to disagree with the comment about the generic glue working. I have the Duco stuff, and it's not heat-resistant. Glued the new foam to the panel and left it sit in a hot garage overnight. The edges had peeled back by the next day, and by the end of the week only the center was still attached. Used the "Heads Up" headliner repair spray and had no issues.

I also had problems with 3M's adhesive when I used it for my door panel carpets - again, not heat resistant. It's possible I'm buying the wrong stuff, of course...

[RICHR]

 

[Moonunit 451]

;stupid Every thing Rich said is right on. I repaired the one that I had, but I didn't brush off all the old glue or lining material well enough. Gonna hav eto do it again. This time I think I'll get the new materials and get it right.

:confused Man I don't know what my previous post in theis thread was all about, doesn't make any sense:bash But I crashed my hard drive and lost ALL my bookmarks that I had saved for Vette stuff:cry