Headlining

[normski6969]

The headlining on my car has started to sag around the interior light cluster and sun visors, tried main dealer for replacement not available, anyone any idea where I can get a replacement. thanks

[J44EAG]

This is a most unusual occurrence and the first time I`ve heard of the issue affecting the X350.

You might call Jaguar Heritage Classic Spares and try a direct approach.

Eurojag who advertise in the magazine would almost certainly be able to find you a really good second hand unit. Their prices are always fair.

I suppose a good line to investigate is taking the car to a reputable trimmer to see if he can either repair the issue or make a complete new lining. Always ask for an estimate or better still a quote for such work before you commit to the job.

Sorry I can`t be more helpful.

Mike K

[jagecosse]

I had to have my headlining replaced after I imported my car from the Middle East. (Every make of car has this problem out there.)

The car was with the Jaguar dealer in Edinburgh who kindly got a local trimmer to do the job. The car had a sunroof, which makes the job slightly more difficult as the sliding cover panel has to be done as well.

The other issue is that my car is an XJR, which is the SWB model. On SWB models either the front or rear screen has to be removed as it is impossible to remove the headlining card otherwise. This is not an issue with LWB cars.

[BrianG]

Mike,
Unfortunately this problem is becoming more common; there are several posts on the jaguarforum.com website about this and no-one has yet come up with a fool-proof method for rectification. I assumed it was just on the earlier models, but I am now becoming VERY interested in this as my 2006 car has started to show the problem around the overhead console. Not as bad as some - where it's almost draping over the driver's head - but it needs an eye kept on it for further deterioration.

The main problem reported with repair is the difficulty of removal of the rigid foam base former in order to re-apply the covering material or replace it with fresh fabric. Apparently on LWB models the foam can just about be manouvered out through the rear passenger door without breaking it, but on SWB models it's considered necessary to remove the rear window and take it out that way . Getting one from the breakers may be of limited help if this is indeed the case. One poster who has had his re-trimmed professionally needed to have all the seats taken out to make room; another suggested that as he needed a new windscreen he'd use that access route to get the headlining sorted at the same time.

I'm really not keen on those options and want to try and find a way of re-attaching the lining without removal, possibly by injecting some sort of adhesive under the affected areas. I'm open to any ideas on the subject, but SWMBO says leave well enough alone!

[mstanley3814]

Hi,

An old motor trade tip, but only a temp measure, is to staple the roof lining up in the sagging areas... not a staple gun just an opened office stapler and gently fired into the board behind the lining, and then spray with a decent quality hair spray..... the sticky hair spray will stick the lining back to the roof lining back board.
Leave it as is for an hour or so and then pull the staples out with your finger nails....... DON'T use pliers / staple remover etc or you will damage the roof lining obviously.

It will last a month or so and the dents where the staples have been removed disappear after a few days too.

Like I said, only a temporary measure but it's OK until you can find a trimmer to sort properly and it will stop the weight of the sagging area pulling more away from the back board.

[alanr]

This is a useful thread, if a little depressing!

I have a 2006 XJR imported from Japan and it is "featuring" similar issues with its headlining, albeit not too saggy yet.

It's also a SWB and has a sunroof so is going to throw as many complications as possible at me!

I suppose I am looking at a stay in a trimming shop...after I've tried the staple & hairspray tip!

[Al]

I just replaced my headlining windows in situ. Sourced a replacement from Myrtle (they're on the net). Lowered the front seats, took out the rear squab. Then peeled back all four door trims,popped the a-pillar covers (the nearside one just sits on the dash as it has a cable connected. Next I undid the multi plugs on the a-pillars removed the interior light cluster, the four grab handles and the high level brake light cover. Now for the hard bit, as there are no multi plugs on the rear pillars, (well I couldn't find any) the wiring has to be peeled of the roof with it dropped down but still in the car. This is the worst part and I went in for a cuppa put my head in my hands and did the whole I wish I hasn't started bit.... Refreshed and determined (past the point of no return!)I peeled back the soundproofing (gently as it needed to go back) removed the two roof thingies (mikes for the phone or sensors of some kind?) then all the cables (which are hot melted on) need to be eased off. Now I folded the back edge of the roof down behind the front seats which pulls the front of the roof into the back of the car. It comes out fairly easily and would have been reusable I think if I had had the time, requisite skills and patience to recover it. Now the fun bit, fit the two sensor things into the holes provided (I made a template from the old roof so I could check the hole shape and adjust with a dremmel).The replacement headlining creaked a bit when I bent it double (lining inside the fold )to get it in through the back door but it didn't break and popped open, Haynes' cover all saying now applies. I am happy to share more details if required as I am very happy with the end result, the colour match is pretty good and not a sag in sight. I did it in about six hours in total and the headlining cost £325.00 which included the £45.00 delivery charge.

[BrianG]

A very interesting post as I have to do my headlining at some point soon as it is now sagging at the back as well as the front. I was not impressed by jaguarheadlinings.com site as they only 'show how' with an X308 with its rear window removed. When I asked if they were planning instructions for an X350 they said "it's just the same as for the 308" !

I note that you say you peeled back the soundproofing as it needs to go back. OK you've seen it and I haven't yet, but I was under the impression that the soundproofing foam was the cause of the failure as it crumbles to dust and the cloth has nothing to adhere to?

[Al]

No the sound proofing is on the other side of the headlining "biscuit" it's the foam on the cabin side between the material and the "biscuit that fails. It turns into a lumpy powder that prevents glue adhesion if you can introduce any into the space. I forgot to mention the rear pillar removal in my post they pull out and up and lie on the parcel shelf with the seatbelt still through them.

[jookul100431]

Some interesting stuff here mine too I starting to go around the light cluster. I had a retrim guy look at it and for now he said leave it alone it's not bad enough yep...but would like to try something if poss to minimise the future damage...so I am on the hunt for info

[bozthesax]

Had my headlining redone by a firm in Sussex - SM trimming. good job too. only thing is, the radio is a bit crackly now. is it easy enough to check at home whether the radio aerial wire is dislodged behind one of the rear screen pillars? (C pillar). is it nearside or offside I wonder?

[PhilEC936]

Morning all,
I have the same issues, with the headline just starting to sag on my X350 - with sun roof. Is anyone aware of a good contact in the Midlands to help sort this. I'm not sufficieintly handy to do this myself I fear.
Thank you, Phil

[Norbertflyer]

AJ Retrims in Netherton. Top job.

[kfoster]

Gents - I was interested to hear of Al's experience using a roof lining from Myrtle, as I need to source a replacement for our 'S' type and they have been pretty helpful so far... however that was back in 2018, has anybody had any dealing with a headlining from them more recently?

Many thanks!

[mikethomas1956442]

I recently had the headling in my SWB XJR with sunroof replaced by Studio Cars of Preston (he advertises in the magazine). It took about a day to do, didn't need to remove the windscreen, just the front passenger seat and he made a fantastic job of it. The cost was very reasonable compared to other quotes I recieved (<£500).

He also had a Ferrari and an XJS awaiting attention. I can thoroughly recommend Anthony

Mike