Headlining - the different GRP products or recover OE?

[domedan]

The garage owner who I'm taking my car to in Macclesfield says he can always tell straight away cars that have been fitted with GRP headlinings and that they don't feel as right as those with foam. I presume this is because they don't kill sound as well as the original etc. He does fit them though and concedes that they are the least expensive option, furthermore he doesn't know a trimmer who can do a good job with the original.

A few years ago I did have a trimmer replace the headlining (not GRP) on an XJ40, which then fell down some 6 months later.

So I have 2 questions, (if anyone out there can help).

1. Does anyone know of a trimmer who can re-cover the original with long lasting results (i.e. it stays up!).
2. Or, if GRP is definitely the way to go and I shouldn't be considering anything else, is there any difference in quality/spec between the products out there? There are the ones from Myrtle, Jaguarheadlinings.com, headlinerworld.co.uk but I also see that Aldridge sell one, which is more expensive than the others. Is that because its better?

Thanks any help.

Dominic

[LN6X300]

My X300 has had a replacement headlining fitted. Unfortunately, it was fitted by a previous owner so I am unable to advise who supplied it. I am pretty sure it is a GRP version but looks absolutely fine.
I can, however, clarify what your garage owner is saying about the original headliner vs GRP as I have seen these parts manufactured.
The original headlining is made of a sandwich of materials, most of which are sound deadening and insulation together with the facing fabric, which is pressed and trimmed in a mould. The thickness is substantially more than the grp version and therefore easy to identify when you tap it.
I have in the past replaced a XJS headlining which I believe was supplied by Myrtle and fitted perfectly. I had considered recovering it myself but I didn't fancy scraping off all that foam and fabric. It was very easy to install and only required part of the passenger seat to be taken out to allow entry. In the case of the X300 it is such a large headlining I would be inclined to go down the GRP route to ease maneuverability if you was planning to do this yourself. (happy to be corrected but I think you have to remove the rear window for access).

Good luck with it.

[RichardSEL]

FWIW, a X308 SWB also needs rear window out to access a GRP without folding.
A LWB will allow access thru rear door with some jiggling and possibly rear bench out

Aerosol contact adhesives have improved over the years.
A roller and tacking up with an open stapler helps. The
staples' holes don't show after

[domedan]

Thanks for your replies.

In view of my experience with a trimmer replacing the XJ40 headlining and it coming down 6 months later, I think GRP is probably the way to go unless someone knows differently. I saw a video which showed how flexible the myrtle/jaguarheadlinings.com one is and it rolls up to get it in the car as per this video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8jSqXVKwDg.

I was just a bit put off by the comments from my garage and wondered whether anyone knew someone who does a better job with the original. Also, if the Aldridge one was any different (I will give them a call).

Thanks all.

[LN6X300]

That looks a doddle to me and probably something you might consider doing yourself. Much better than having to remove the rear window.
It sounds like you was very unlucky with the XJ40 headlining, possibly something wrong with the adhesive used by the trimmer. I doubt it would happen with the version in the video as the adhesive needs to be strong and flexible to facilitate the headlining being folded.

Let us know how you get on.