Headlining in my xjs 5.3 auto

[HarryT]

I have a sad occurrance of the headlining coming undone on the passenger/ rear of my car.
Any enthusiasts out there who know the cure for this?
Thanks in anticipation

[HerefordMark]

Harry, the only real cure, especially if it's concours you want, is a new headlining. However, you can repair it so it is at least serviceable - get it out carefully. Then you can carefully peel back the offending area, spray on some contact adhesive (has to be the right sort, others are not strong enough), then pin it up and leave it to dry. When dry, take out pins and refit. I did mine in this way (with the addition of half a tub of PVA and a 4 inch paintbrush). It's not pretty, but it won't sag anymore! A tip I learned through experience - don't overtighten the sunvisor clips - they are only plastic and will probably break if you do.

Hope this is useful

HM

[dhdove]

Harry
In my experience the only foolproof solution is to get the headlining professionally re-trimmed (or fit a new one). DIY solutions don't seem to "cut the mustard" and the finish can be dodgy (flops down again after some time). The base "board" is prone to delaminate and needs sealing properly before you re-apply the lining.
I had my 3.6 Coupe done three years ago inc. D-posts and side rails to match, cost £250 Inc VAT, quality fantastic and still looks like new. Also you get to choose your colour, I went for a pale cream colour which lightened up the interior no end.
My trimmer is in Bath, but I would guess any professional trimmer will offer the same service at a similar price.
"You pays your money and takes your choice"
Regards
DH Dove

[SimonR]

In my experience the only foolproof solution is to get the headlining professionally re-trimmed (or fit a new one). DIY solutions don't seem to "cut the mustard"...

I'm not sure I agree with that: I've found that the knack is to use the correct materials and spend as much time as you need to prepare it properly.

My father and I replaced his XJ6 headlining about 8 years ago, I did my Maestro's 3 years ago (here's what I wrote about it at the time) and another one since and they are all going strong with no signs of sagging or de-bonding.

The headlining material usually consists of an outer layer of nylon or tweed which is bonded to a thin layer of foam; this is then glued to a pressed textile, cardboard or polystyrene 'biscuit' or backing board (depending on what you want to call it). The sagging is caused by the foam degrading over time and then de-bonding form the outer layer. In my experience there is no mileage in trying to repair a headlining in situ by re-using the old cloth.

In terms of buying the right materials, I have always bought from Wollies Trim in Market Deeping, near Peterborough.

I use their high-heat resistant adhesive (about a tenner buys you more than enough for an XJ-S) and one of their foam-backed nylon cloths from here. As you can see, it's about a tenner a metre, or even less if you go for Empire Grey which is not an XJ-S colour, btw.

The preparation consists of removing the liner from the car, removing all the old cloth and then using a hand-brush to remove completely the old foam backing. That last bit is the most important!