A 5-step guide on how to fix sagging headliner without removing it

Car parts, just like any other things in this world, will eventually age and will start to fail or break down. One example is the headliner which can sag over time.

There are several reasons why the headliner of the car sags. Often, it’s because the car is too old or because it was poorly maintained. It could also be because the car was exposed to the blazing heat of the sun for too long. If a car is left unprotected under the heat of the sun, the headliner of the vehicle can sag.

In most cases, repairing a sagging headliner requires you to take it off. But Philkotse.com will help you fix it without having to remove it. Read this article to know-how.

1. What is a headliner?

Before we dive into the details of headliner repair, you should first know what precisely the headliner is. Most hardcore motorheads already know lots of information about cars. So this information is for those new car owners and folks who know very little about car parts and terms.

Headliner refers to the fabric fitted to the car's roof. Its role is to be an insulator against the heat and cold temperatures. Additionally, it serves as a barrier from the noise coming from the outside of the vehicle. It is often made of a smooth fabric that is pleasing and soft to touch.

Headliner refers to the fabric fitted to the car's roof

Strong glue is used to stick the headliner to the car’s interior roof. However, the adhesive loses its potency when exposed to extreme heat. When a vehicle is left uncovered under the sun's blazing heat, the headliner will sag earlier compared to other cars. The smooth fabric will be separated from the supporting board, which will ruin the overall look of the vehicle’s interior.

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2. Fixing a sagging headliner

If the headliner of your vehicle is already sagging, you can opt for a replacement of a new one. However, this option is quite expensive because replacing the headliner means you have to replace their backboards as well. The total expense might cause you to consider buying a new car instead. So if you’re on a tight budget, follow the tips below to repair your headliner practically.

Step 1. Stick it back using glue

You can try using glue first before any other methods. As mentioned earlier, a durable adhesive is used to stick the headliner to the supporting board, and it can fail over overtime. This means you need to reapply the glue. Take note that this method is only applicable for headliners that are partially sagged.

Apply the super glue for the headliner parts that have come off. You also try hot glue for a quick fix. But if none of these methods works, try searching for a particular adhesive used in sticking the fabric to the supporting board. For the best results, make sure the glue is evenly and adequately applied.

You can try using glue first before any other methods

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Step 2. Hold it up using pins

The next thing you should try is using pins to hold the headliner up. It is one of the best options if you want a quicker and cheaper fix. Pins are easy to apply and won’t require too much time. Purchase a set of thumb pins. Put the pins against the headliner's sagging part.

Then put it back together with the backboard. For a more appealing fix, you can make designs or patterns using the pins. This will make the interior of your car more appealing. You can do this method without any specialized expertise, and it is the best option if you have limited time to spare.

The next thing you should try is using pins to hold the headliner up

Step 3. Using twist pins

Twist pins are termed as the real solution for a sagging headliner. It is a particular type of pin that has a pointy end which can be twisted in the head. All you have to do is push the pins against the supporting board then rotate it so the headliner will stick in place.

Aside from the method we mentioned above, it is also one of the cheapest ways to solve the problem with a sagging headliner. For a more attractive fix, utilize clear-headed twist pins and make different patterns and designs in your cabin's roof.

Twist pins are termed as the real solution for a sagging headliner

Clear-headed twist pins are a great option because it doesn’t damage the supporting board as other pins do. It will not create any holes in the backboard, which can cause it to disintegrate further. If you ask us, we can say it is a better method compared to thumbtacks and glue.

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Step 4. Utilize a steam cleaner

As mentioned, the main reason for a sagging headliner is the loss of glue potency.  Try reviving it back using a steam cleaner.  It has the power to melt the headliner’s glue and bring back its stickiness.

It will allow you to stick the headliner back to its place in the backboard. After using the steam cleaner, utilize a ruler or a paint roller to attach the headliner firmly to its frame. This way, it won’t leave any crevice or wrinkle most especially if the sag is at the edges.

As steam cleaner has the power to melt the headliner’s glue and bring back its stickiness

Step 5. Stick it up using a double-sided tape

Double-Sided tape can be used in a variety of ways. It is used to do a quick fix in anything inside your home and even in your vehicle.  You can also use it to solve your problem with a sagging headliner.

All you need to do is to purchase a double-sided tape then stick it to the frame of the roof and the headliner fabric. It will firmly hold the headliner back to the backboard. This method is preferable if there are extensive damages on the sides.

All you need to do is to purchase a double-sided tape then stick it to the frame of the roof and the headliner fabric

You can use either of the methods stated above depending on which you find yourself comfortable of doing. Just make sure you properly inspect the sagging part of the headliner first.

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This way, you will be able to determine which method would work best. You also need to remember that the above methods are quick fixes, meaning, it can fail sooner or later. So the very first time you see signs of sagging, you better start to save money for its permanent repair.