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how to remove headliner

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Old 12-15-2007, 10:28 AM
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how to remove headliner

i plan on getting a new head liner cus the old one sags the only thing thats stopping me is it looks like the dome light is riveted in. and im not sure how the headliner is held in place so figured id ask before id attempt it afterall it is my daily driver.
Old 12-15-2007, 11:57 AM
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Re: how to remove headliner

they are held in with a couple of slider type retainers. you can wiggle them off, start with a knife or something thin to get them started. Got mine off that way. After you get them started use needlenose pliers to wiggle them down the rest of the way.

The headliner is connected at the front by 5 or 6 clips, you have to slide the headlinder to the passenger side by about an inch - maybe less. If it doesn't go then try the other way, it's been forever since I removed mine so bear with me hehe.

Have to take off the front A-Pillar trim and the panels that cover the speakers, and the plastic trim for the seatbelt guide on the ceiling. Then take the whole thing out through the back.

I've been planning on recovering mine, but I don't think I will. The "dogs ears" on one side was broken and fell off as soon as I started wiggling the whole thing out.

Maybe someone can shed some light on the quality of the aftermarket headliners for you, or use the search engine to see what people have said about them. I'm interested as well since I want to replace that sooner rather than later too!
Old 12-15-2007, 02:23 PM
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Re: how to remove headliner

i also need a headliner for my car... its gonna be tough replacing that and im not lookin forward to it
Old 12-15-2007, 02:56 PM
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Re: how to remove headliner

i was gunna redo mine aslo. my last car i put vinal insted of the fabric stuff. its acturally not all that hard to do. i like enjoy it lol. just use some good glue and your pretty much good to go hehe.
i havnt done a camaro headliner before. ill be doing that this winter tho. mine has afew rips on the edges. and glue is coming off to looks horrible.
Old 12-15-2007, 09:31 PM
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Re: how to remove headliner

that seems like a good idea i just have to figure out how to get it out and now that im looking at a foot of snow this should be fun, so were are these slider clips located? what about the seat belts?
Old 12-15-2007, 09:41 PM
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Re: how to remove headliner

The problem w/ redoing a 3rd gen headliner, is that what fails is the headliner backing itself -- I am left w/ crumbly foam that I can't clean off, and is not solid enough to glue new fabric onto. The whole thing is going to have to be replaced
Old 12-15-2007, 09:54 PM
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Re: how to remove headliner

when i redid my headliner on my old fiero i had. it wasnt to bad replacing the fabric. but i can see how they can be all crumbly. some pretty cheap material they use.
i found replacement headliner mold things but there expensive from the sites i been to.
what if you taped the crumbling headliner backing so that it doesnt fall part on you? or glue some thin cardboard on there to stiffin it up? i would try anything to get it so i can still reuse the backing. even if doing it like a ******* style to reuse it ill do it :P
Old 12-15-2007, 09:57 PM
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Re: how to remove headliner

what about a wire brushing it there has to be somethign that the backing glues to
Old 12-15-2007, 10:28 PM
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Re: how to remove headliner

so were are these slider clips located
Right at the front edge, near the windshield.

what about the seat belts
there is an opening to get the seatbelts through the headliner, so you can just slide them out from the headliner. This is the step where those dog ears are usually broken hehe.

what about a wire brushing it
Think that might be too rough for it, steel wool and lightly rubbing gets the old glue off and leaves the pressboard/fabricboard intact.

Here's another thread, just a comment on what one thought of the aftermarket headliner:

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/body...ner#post412235

Last edited by Fyrstorm; 12-15-2007 at 10:36 PM. Reason: added a link to another post on headliners
Old 12-16-2007, 12:17 AM
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Re: how to remove headliner

that brought up a good point i totaly forgot about my windshield leaks so my fiberboard is probaly shot it leaks enough for the fabric to sag of the fiberboard and the 190 for the fiberglass one dosent sound to apealing
Old 12-16-2007, 10:28 AM
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Re: how to remove headliner

I just bought a new headliner set (sail panels and visors included) and they should be in sometime in the next week. The backing material is ABS plastic and I went with it for that reason. That fiber crap they use on the headliner and the door panels is absolute junk. It looks like I may have to make my own door panels or get a local shop to do them because evidently nobody uses ABS as a backing material for those online.
I'll let everyone know how they turn out.
Old 12-16-2007, 10:14 PM
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Re: how to remove headliner

Found this article as well:

http://www.iroczone.com/technical/headliner/

and his site with parts/etc:

http://www.iroczone.com/motorsports/
Old 01-22-2018, 06:53 PM
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Re: how to remove headliner

My 87 formula has that thing with the dials and a spot light and the holders how do I get that off to take the headliner off.
Old 01-22-2018, 07:16 PM
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Re: how to remove headliner

Originally Posted by 86Formula/Iroc
My 87 formula has that thing with the dials and a spot light and the holders how do I get that off to take the headliner off.
This might help.

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/inte...d-console.html
Old 01-25-2018, 10:52 AM
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Re: how to remove headliner

Originally Posted by megtom2
I just bought a new headliner set (sail panels and visors included) and they should be in sometime in the next week. The backing material is ABS plastic and I went with it for that reason. That fiber crap they use on the headliner and the door panels is absolute junk. It looks like I may have to make my own door panels or get a local shop to do them because evidently nobody uses ABS as a backing material for those online.
I'll let everyone know how they turn out.

I tried my best to repair my original but it was too far gone. I ordered the same kit as you. ABS headliner, sail panels, and visors. I was a bit afraid of the fitment after reading people complain about it on this site but it was a very easy installation and I think it fits pretty darn good actually. I am very happy with it.
Old 01-26-2018, 07:12 AM
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Re: how to remove headliner

Good to hear your pleased with your ABS replacement.

Ignore the comments from the OE /repair/no ABS haters.

Post a pic or 2!
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