Headlining drooping!

[Tashman]

The headlining in the rear of my 1999 W210 E Class has been gradually separating from its backing for the last couple of years, but its now reaching the point where I'm beginning to see it in my rear view mirror!

Has anyone tackled this job before? Is it DIY over a weekend?

Does the main dealer still sell them new, or do you have to take the old one somewhere to be retrimmed?

Thanks in advance

 

[harrye500]

A different car, but I did this in a Rover I owned. A fairly big job and one would have to be handy with a Stanley Knife and scissors. Scared me, so I took mine to a specialist and let them do it with some original material. Was like new when done. You could peel back to where it is drooping and re-glue it yourself I guess if you're not fussed about an A1 finish but if looking good is key then I'd find a specialist to do it for you, they are likely to be able to find new material as well. Plus if you only did part, the rest is likely to start sagging sometime soon.

 

[brandwooddixon]

I doubt that a dealer would sell them anymore, but you could always try.

I would think that you could DIY it (results might be variable), whether you could perform it in situ is another matter.

I would imagine that the old spray adhesive will leave a powdery residue behind that will need to be cleaned off before new adhesive can be applied.

I think that the removal process would be something like: remove the rear view mirror, front light dome, rear light dome, sun visors, trim from A, B and C pillars, grab handles, upper door seals. There will likely be pop fixings holding the liner to the pillars.

If you have a sunroof fitted you might need to open it so that the "sunshade" panel is pushed back and rests on the headlining and to see if the lining is fixed around the sunroof opening which I suspect it is.

The headliner will be flexible to degree. You might be able to turn it sideways and pull it out through the front passenger door (to avoid the steering wheel), after you've laid the front seats down of course, on an estate you could probably remove it through the rear door.

A convoluted and laborious process to remove and install it, you'll also need a large clean, flat area to rest it whilst you reglue the fabric.