Please help with headliner

My 87 Jetta GLI 16v has developed saggy headliner syndrome. So, I was searching the net for solutions since the Elmers Spray adhesive didn't work for crap. I don't want to clean all the existing foam crap off the headliner (way to messy and I'm lazy). So, I noticed some people suggesting using Rubber cement. Should I use that? Thanks

Reply to
PJ4LIFE
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the headliner is styrofoam isn't it? I'm pretty sure rubber cement will dissolve it IIRC.

Reply to
Matt B.

Reply to
Randolph

Okay, here it is, the only way to permanantly fix the infamous A1 and A2 saggy headliner.....

Replace it.

Reason?

The factory material has foam backing that, over time, deteriorates and no amount of glue of any type will keep it stuck since the material just keeps falling apart, leaving the glue and some material stuck to the headliner, and the cloth on your head. This is the same issue that strikes other makes, such as millions of GM vehicles.

So, if you wish to fix it, you gotta replace it. Since this is a job that requires an artist's touch (kinda like repairing car seats, or painting the exterior) I recommend that you go into a shop that does sunroofs and have someone there do the job. It will cost like $150 or so for a non-sunroof lid.

Tim Wohlford '89 Golf, 246,000 miles

Reply to
Tim Wohlford

Sorry, but Tim is right. You have to replace it. Time and hot sun destroy them. Consider it like tyres, you just need to replace them from time to time.

You may want to check at a convertible top shop. Many of them can do a good job for less than you might think.

Reply to
Joseph Meehan

Snipped from a previous post:

p.s. To whomever it was on this group a month or two ago bragging about how happy they were having replaced the sagging headliner in their car. Mine ('97 Passat) was getting really bad despite a couple of ASS/2 attempts to put it back up with the 3M spray on glue. I found a local shop (Atlanta area) that replaced the thing with new fabric and did a great job. Quite likely the best money ($150) I've ever spent on vehicle maintenance.

trebor

Reply to
trebor4258

Reply to
verndog

After reading the other replies I'll jump in with some advice I picked up from (I think) the Phat Rabbit guy. (I could be wrong on were I read it from originally).

Pull the existing headliner backing (in sedans it's easier to back it out the rear doorway.

Scrape all the old foam off the old material, and then flip it over and using the good stuff (3M Heavy Duty adhesive spray) apply the headliner to the clean reverse side of the board.

Reinstall and voile.

hth, TBerk

Reply to
T

It won't work.

First, the headliner material has stretched since the factory, where it was put on drum-tight on that foam board.

Second, when you put that adhesive on it, it shrinks back and I guarantee you that it won't look right now!

Third, the reason it fell down to begin with was that the foam backing was falling apart doing due to oxidation. Unless all that foam is gone (in which case you now have a thin piece of cloth, certainly not that plush, sound-absorbing fabric that came from the factory) it will come down again, I don't care if you use 3M or Elmer's or a nuclear force field.

You guys are the same ones that pay $100 for a few gauge faces? You pay an extra $400 for a set of tires that wear out quickly and don't work in the snow just so they make it handle like a go cart? You're the ones that forgo the NAPA struts and shocks in favor of the good stuff that actually makes it ride like a truck, just to pick up a few more tenths of a G? PAY THE DAMN $150 AND GET IT DONE RIGHT.

Tim Wohlford '89 Golf

246,000 miles

Reply to
Tim Wohlford

Thanks for all the advise guys. It's apparent this affects many of us dubber including the newer gen people :(

While my jetta looks pretty darn good for an 87 I don't think I'll be getting this done professionally. Instead. I'll probably cut the 1/3 of the headliner that is sagging off and mask off the inside and spy the f-er black. I just can't justify $150 for my snowboarding/party car as much as I love it.

Reply to
PJ4LIFE

I've tried the 3M Type headliner cement it didnt hold so I just shot staples up in to it it hold like a dream :0)

ChepO fix from : Jeff

Reply to
FONATURE

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