Roof lining

**rob-ae86** · 28-04-2007, 09:59 PM

hey all,

Recently i have noticed that the roof lining in my girlfriends car (ae101 Corolla) has started to fall down. Is there any quick fix ways to fix this problem or is it a job for a re-trimmer? If it is a job for a re-trimmer an approximate price would be great

Thanks

**Sprinter-Saurus** · 28-04-2007, 10:24 PM

VN Commodore stylez, increases vehicle value.

**Mr Multivalve** · 28-04-2007, 11:02 PM

I replaced a roof lining on a Pintara TRX by myself it was quite easy. I bought some nice black velour from spotlight and some spray adhesive from supercheap.

I removed the moulded roof piece pulled off the old sagging material, cut the new material to size then sprayed the adhesive on the fabric and roof piece and stuck it together let it set then reinstalled it. Looked great.
Just dont get a fabric that is to thick or heavy.

Total cost probably about $30.

**rob-ae86** · 28-04-2007, 11:19 PM

Thanks MrMultivalve, i have some spray adhesive here i just wasnt sure if its the right stuff to do. the roof lining its self is still good no tears its just sagging so i might try and salvage that if possible

Ha Daniel i was thinking about the thumb tacks as a temporary solution however i dont want to damage the original material.

**Mr Multivalve** · 28-04-2007, 11:24 PM

Originally Posted by rob-ae86

Thanks MrMultivalve, i have some spray adhesive here i just wasnt sure if its the right stuff to do. the roof lining its self is still good no tears its just sagging so i might try and salvage that if possible

Ha Daniel i was thinking about the thumb tacks as a temporary solution however i dont want to damage the original material.

Just make sure you spray both surfaces and it is worth using a good brand adhesive so it lasts.
Good luck with it

**Sprinter-Saurus** · 28-04-2007, 11:24 PM

I reckon have a crack at it Rob, better than paying an auto trimmer a few hundred $$$ for 1/2 an hour's work.

**oldeskewltoy** · 29-04-2007, 03:06 AM

on old SAABs it is easiest to use a staple gun through small pieces of cardboard(20mm square)

If you are going to recover the existing one... make sure you remove all the old decaying matter from the backer board(headliner board).... From my expereince... it isn't the glue decaying that causes the layer to fall... it is the foam/felt padding originally affixed to the layer that has broken down in time. If you uses fine steel wool(or similar type abrasive) to clean the backer board... you will get it to stay up MUCH longer

**clubagreenie** · 29-04-2007, 09:18 AM

Above is correct, steel scourer to clean (gently)backing. Good quality (3M not 2$ shop) contact adhesive, better yet get around to a kitchen manufacturer. They use spray adhesive for laminates. Either get some for a six pack or two (a litre should be more than enough) or better yet get them to spray it.

Don't buy the material with too thick a foam backing. I made that mistake the first time and it's a cow to wrap and the edges will be to thick.

Don't try to do it all at once. Start in the middle, flatter area (leave the edges free at this stage). When stuck down, filp over and where there are any holes (interior lights etc) you want to remove the foam backing. Just slice CAREFULLY through the foam and it'll peel away from the material. Also when cutting the hole have someone else press a flat board against the material and cut from the back, stopping about 2-3 mm short of the edge. Making at least 4 full cuts in an asterix shape. Removing the foam will prevent padding the inside of the hole and also adding thickness to the back and flexing the lining down. Any small holes (sunvisors, screws etc just need to be cut out)

Cut away the foam from the edges as well, just be careful not to stretch the material to much or leave it to loose or it will look wavy where it is tight then loose.