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Model specific boards => Golf mk2 => Golf mk2 how to guides + info => Topic started by: scottishpedro on 14 April 2012, 21:23

Title: Headlining reupholstery complete
Post by: scottishpedro on 14 April 2012, 21:23
For anyone thinking of doing this, or in fact thinking of replacing thier sagging headlining, this is definately worth a shot.  It was a much easier job than I expected and produced a very nice result, dare I say nicer than than the original headlining....

Tools:

Various screwdrivers
Scalpel
Long nosed pliers
Wheel nut wrench
Duct tape
Iron
A helper! (not essential but highly recommended)
Trimfix - 3 cans (£15 ebay)
(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj310/PRGoudie/trimfix.jpg)
Antracite coloured acoustic Carpet - 3m x 1.35m (£12 ebay) - I bought 3m but 2m would probably do
(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj310/PRGoudie/carpet.jpg)


Total time taken:  3 hours

So the first job was to remove all the screws/fixings/bits of trim that hold the headliner in place
I wound the sunroof fully back for this

Sun visors
(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj310/PRGoudie/DSC00437_1152x864.jpg)
Rear view mirror - pull and twist firmly
(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj310/PRGoudie/DSC00438_1152x864.jpg)
Interior light - the light surrond should unclip and come away
(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj310/PRGoudie/DSC00439_1152x864.jpg)
(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj310/PRGoudie/DSC00441_1152x864.jpg)
Sunroof winder
(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj310/PRGoudie/DSC00442_1152x864.jpg)
Sunroof surround trim
(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj310/PRGoudie/DSC00443_1152x864.jpg)
Rivets above drivers door - use long nosed pliers
(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj310/PRGoudie/DSC00445_1152x864.jpg)
Handles x 3
(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj310/PRGoudie/DSC00446_1152x864.jpg)
Loosen and slide down pillar trim - remove seat belt with wheel nut wrench
(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj310/PRGoudie/DSC00506_1152x864-1.jpg)
Loosen front and back pillar trims also - the rear seatbalets need to be removed for this but the plastic trim does not need to be fully removed, it can be bent out of the way when removing the headlining
(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj310/PRGoudie/DSC00504_864x1152.jpg)
(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj310/PRGoudie/DSC00449_1152x864.jpg)
Plastic trim at boot
(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj310/PRGoudie/DSC00450_1152x864.jpg)
The final 4 rivets then need to be removed with pliers
(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj310/PRGoudie/DSC00447_1152x864.jpg)

Removing the headlining is the next step and this is the part where 2 people are required if possible, the healining is seriously brittle.  Mine came out with a few cracks (inevitable I think) but once out the car these can be repaired using duct tape or similar on the reverse side of the headlining.  In honesty the tape does not have to be super strong as once the new material is on, the headlining should be much stronger and better supported.

Pull the old material off carefully.  I then used a brush to gently remove the foam left behind which is essential to ensure the new material sticks well.  It is worth going over with a vacuum at this point to remove all loose debris
(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj310/PRGoudie/DSC00508_1152x864.jpg)
(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj310/PRGoudie/DSC00503_864x1152.jpg)

My material looked like this when removed from its packet
(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj310/PRGoudie/DSC00518_864x1152.jpg)
Easily ironed out
The acoustic carpet was a great choice, especially in anthracite, as it has enough stretch to work into the irregular shapes of the headliner backing, it looks great - very standard looking, and the bonus for me was I didn't need to recover the sunvisors, light surround or sunroof panel as the colours were a great match and compliment each other well.

Lay the material over the backing and fold half back on itself.  Spray the trimfix glue to both the material and the backing and wait 3 minutes or so its not wet to touch. 
(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj310/PRGoudie/DSC00520_1152x864.jpg)
Work the material into the shapes of the backing and then repeat for the other half
(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj310/PRGoudie/DSC00521_1152x864.jpg)
Which should leave it looking like this
(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj310/PRGoudie/DSC00522_1152x864.jpg)
Use the scalpel (or sharp scissors) to trim round the edges - it is worth leaving a few mm to be sure no backing will be exposed
(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj310/PRGoudie/DSC00523_1152x864.jpg)
Its important to leave about 1.5cm around the sunroof section to glue round the roof opening - I did not need to glue mine as the glue used to stick the original headlining was still present and stuck fine
(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj310/PRGoudie/DSC00524_1152x864.jpg)

As mentioned above the headlining is now much easier to move as it is reinforced by the material and is much less likely to be damaged.  To my surprise it was much easier refitting it.  To quote the haynes manual, "Refitting is the reverse sequence to removal"

(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj310/PRGoudie/DSC00527_1152x864.jpg)
(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj310/PRGoudie/DSC00528_1152x864.jpg)
(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj310/PRGoudie/DSC00531_1152x864.jpg)
(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj310/PRGoudie/DSC00533_1152x864.jpg)

This left me with a brand new looking headlining.  I'm very pleased with the result, and it's one of my few projects that turned out much better than expected!  Its a fiddly job but not too difficult; I would definitely recommend trying this before trying to source a good used one.



Thanks for reading

Pedro
Title: Re: Headlining reupholstery complete
Post by: Loynes on 14 April 2012, 23:20
That my friend looks great, I will put that on the list of jobs to do on mine!!
Title: Re: Headlining reupholstery complete
Post by: Lukechamp83 on 15 April 2012, 15:30
Brilliant post mate! Nice looking car too :cool:
Title: Re: Headlining reupholstery complete
Post by: Roverdose on 15 April 2012, 17:11
one for the how too section methinks! nice job dude!
Title: Re: Headlining reupholstery complete
Post by: mikemk4gti on 15 April 2012, 22:05
Definately going to be doing this, Great job!
Is this the stuff you got?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Anthracite-Acoustic-Box-Carpet-300cm-x-135cm-3m-x-1-35m-/270715259770?pt=UK_In_Car_Technology&hash=item3f07e30b7a
Title: Re: Headlining reupholstery complete
Post by: scottishpedro on 16 April 2012, 21:03
Definately going to be doing this, Great job!
Is this the stuff you got?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Anthracite-Acoustic-Box-Carpet-300cm-x-135cm-3m-x-1-35m-/270715259770?pt=UK_In_Car_Technology&hash=item3f07e30b7a

Yeah that's the stuff, perfect for the job as its easy to wek with, reinforces the headlining and looks great.  Post pics of how you get on and give me a shout  (pm or email H_dundee@hotmail.com) if you have any questions
Title: Re: Headlining reupholstery complete
Post by: X4MGS on 21 April 2012, 02:56
Great Write Up...

As you say you will never get one out in 1 piece - They always break around the sunroof winder & rear view mirror...

Also Note; Don't Do It On A Windy Day, Unless Your Are In A Garage - as they can snap in the wind as my son found out!!

An Expensive mistake - For Me!! :grin:

You say the sun visors & sunroof surround match - do you have a picture showing how close the match is? Just for a reference..

 :cool:
Title: Re: Headlining reupholstery complete
Post by: moby dick on 21 April 2012, 06:42
Great post. Really helpful photos thanks.
Title: Re: Headlining reupholstery complete
Post by: scottishpedro on 22 April 2012, 16:33
Great Write Up...

As you say you will never get one out in 1 piece - They always break around the sunroof winder & rear view mirror...

Also Note; Don't Do It On A Windy Day, Unless Your Are In A Garage - as they can snap in the wind as my son found out!!

An Expensive mistake - For Me!! :grin:

You say the sun visors & sunroof surround match - do you have a picture showing how close the match is? Just for a reference..

 :cool:

(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj310/PRGoudie/DSC00527_1152x864.jpg)


I think this pic is a good representation of the colours.  They are not a perfect match but complementt each other nicely.  Certainly close enough that it would never bother me.

Thanks

Pedro
Title: Re: Headlining reupholstery complete
Post by: X4MGS on 22 April 2012, 17:16
Great Write Up...

As you say you will never get one out in 1 piece - They always break around the sunroof winder & rear view mirror...

Also Note; Don't Do It On A Windy Day, Unless Your Are In A Garage - as they can snap in the wind as my son found out!!

An Expensive mistake - For Me!! :grin:

You say the sun visors & sunroof surround match - do you have a picture showing how close the match is? Just for a reference..

 :cool:

(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj310/PRGoudie/DSC00527_1152x864.jpg)


I think this pic is a good representation of the colours.  They are not a perfect match but complementt each other nicely.  Certainly close enough that it would never bother me.

Thanks

Pedro

Looks Good...

Think I would do the sunroof inner panel... as it looks like your's is coming loose anyway...

The other parts as you say look good...
Title: Re: Headlining reupholstery complete
Post by: mikemk4gti on 25 April 2012, 19:03
Got the stuff to do this in the post today. The old headlining is out but one corner has broken off :(
 Anyway hopefully be able to fix that, but someone has tried glue on it before and the back half has loads on which ain't coming off, hoping it'll be ok.
Title: Re: Headlining reupholstery complete
Post by: scottishpedro on 25 April 2012, 21:12
Got the stuff to do this in the post today. The old headlining is out but one corner has broken off :(
 Anyway hopefully be able to fix that, but someone has tried glue on it before and the back half has loads on which ain't coming off, hoping it'll be ok.

My headlining had lots of cracks etc, as long as it is taped up from the back and the broken bit is being held in the correct position, the whole thing will be much more solid/reinforced when the material is on.

Keep us updated on your progress
Title: Re: Headlining reupholstery complete
Post by: mikemk4gti on 26 April 2012, 19:33
Decided to get on with this after work today, with the help of this guide it went well.
Couldn't get the old glue off as it was pulling the polystyrene stuff off with it.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v498/mhar737/70c3023d.jpg)
Did it in two halves, and worked it well into the recesses
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v498/mhar737/4569b98f.jpg)
After trimming around the edges it ended up like this.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v498/mhar737/a229f1e2.jpg)
The acoustic carpet is really good stuff, and easy to get to shape how you like.
Not refitted to the car yet as its p***ing it down out there
Title: Re: Headlining reupholstery complete
Post by: X4MGS on 26 April 2012, 19:37
Looking Good!!
Title: Re: Headlining reupholstery complete
Post by: scottishpedro on 27 April 2012, 22:42
Great job, it looks just like mine did!  Yeah the acoustic carpet was just a best guess at what would work and it seems perfect for the job.  I'm glad you have found the guide useful.

Pedro
Title: Re: Headlining reupholstery complete
Post by: scottishpedro on 27 April 2012, 22:45
Got the stuff to do this in the post today. The old headlining is out but one corner has broken off :(
 Anyway hopefully be able to fix that, but someone has tried glue on it before and the back half has loads on which ain't coming off, hoping it'll be ok.

Re the glue used previously to stick the headlining up; I could not get all of ti off mine and there seems to have been no issues. 
Title: Re: Headlining reupholstery complete
Post by: mikemk4gti on 27 April 2012, 23:07
I put it back in the car this evening, really pleased with it. Could of done with a helper bit not essential. Might consider doing the sunroof panel too
Title: Re: Headlining reupholstery complete
Post by: mikemk4gti on 28 April 2012, 16:26
And here it is
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v498/mhar737/980a769d.jpg)
Really pleased with it!
 Need to do the sunroof panel aswell really but I haven't got enough material left.
Title: Re: Headlining reupholstery complete
Post by: scottishpedro on 29 April 2012, 09:20
Looks really good, great job!
Title: Re: Headlining reupholstery complete
Post by: Jamtarts on 18 June 2012, 10:31
what a brilliant guide!!! Thanks for posting this, :D

my headlining has come away at the back and starting to come away at the front, it's a bit saggy in the middle.  I'm hoping to use the original material, I'm psyching myself up to take this on. 

If i take it out and it take me longer than expected to complete it, is the car still driveable with this removed? (is it legal?) maybe a silly question, but just to check whether to put it off road until completed.

I assume I can just use the original material or is this likely to rip when removing it?

Is there anyway I could just spray glue in and flatten all down without removing it all and only removing the areas I need access to?

sorry for all the questions, I was just hoping to be better prepared before I started,
Title: Re: Headlining reupholstery complete
Post by: Mr Blue on 27 June 2012, 21:13
One of mine needs this treatment. Very nice! So lets get this right - No issues with this glue even with the heat?

I guess people have issues when they don't scrap off the old bits properly?
Title: Re: Headlining reupholstery complete
Post by: Steve_B on 29 June 2012, 09:44
Mine has shown no signs of sagging after 2 months, not been that hot yet though. I did sand down the headlining board to get rid of the majority of the old glue, enough so it looks and feels like a decent surface to bond to.
Title: Re: Headlining reupholstery complete
Post by: scottishpedro on 30 June 2012, 09:55
One of mine needs this treatment. Very nice! So lets get this right - No issues with this glue even with the heat?

I guess people have issues when they don't scrap off the old bits properly?

Mine has been fine since I did it months ago.  This glue is said to be fine in the heat unlike most others.  Also I think it helps that the acoustic carpet is pretty light so less likely to be a problem.
Title: Re: Headlining reupholstery complete
Post by: scottishpedro on 30 June 2012, 10:09
what a brilliant guide!!! Thanks for posting this, :D

my headlining has come away at the back and starting to come away at the front, it's a bit saggy in the middle.  I'm hoping to use the original material, I'm psyching myself up to take this on. 

If i take it out and it take me longer than expected to complete it, is the car still driveable with this removed? (is it legal?) maybe a silly question, but just to check whether to put it off road until completed.

I assume I can just use the original material or is this likely to rip when removing it?

Is there anyway I could just spray glue in and flatten all down without removing it all and only removing the areas I need access to?

sorry for all the questions, I was just hoping to be better prepared before I started,


Hi, before I wrote the guide I tried to stick mine back up with no success. The problem, as mentioned above, is the headlining material will have seperated from the foam backing.you could potentially stick it back after removing the headlining from the car (not too daunting a job if you have a helper) but it could be difficult to get a perfectly smooth finish with the vinyl after the foam has been scrapped off.  The acoustic carpet I used was good because it reinforced the fibreglass headlining and so any repairs will be better supported and perfectly secure.  Regarding legality of driving round without the headlining, I guess this wouldn't be a problem however you would need to refit the seatbelts, rear view mirror etc which would be a bit more work.

If you have the trim fix and new material (or if you're going to have a go at sticking up the old stuff) you could probably do the whole thing in an afternoon with a helper)

Pedro
Title: Re: Headlining reupholstery complete
Post by: Mr Blue on 03 July 2012, 23:06

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v498/mhar737/a229f1e2.jpg)


Noticed you guys have cut a piece that crosses over the sunroof winder handle.  :tongue:

I retrimmed mine in the same way using the same products. I really like it.
Tip - Worth putting some foam backing or leave the original material on the sunroof panel because it has shapes in the metal.

Worst part is the sunroof seal bit. What a chore to get it sitting nice :evil:
Title: Re: Headlining reupholstery complete
Post by: rob.043 on 09 July 2012, 15:32
Just changed my headlining, with a mint replacement from a car being boken, out of interest, whats the going rate for a genuine headlining? I reckon £20 was ok anyway...

Couple of notes I wanted to add to the how to:-

Front seatbelt/ B pillar trim removal-

1. The belt height adjuster knob pulls straight off, but can be very tight. I applied leverage with a screwdriver behind it. 
2. once the 17mm bolt holding the seat belt is removed, the trim slides UP and off, dont pull it stright off or the hooks on the back will brake. This allows complete removal of this piece, easing installation of the headlining.

Rear seatbelt/ C pillar trim removal-

1. I removed the parcel shelf supports to again allow complete removal of the trim pieces. These ones do just pop off.

One or two helpers is essential to help support the headlining on removal and refitting to prevent cracks/breaks.
Title: Re: Headlining reupholstery complete
Post by: scottishpedro on 02 December 2012, 13:53
Just changed my headlining, with a mint replacement from a car being boken, out of interest, whats the going rate for a genuine headlining? I reckon £20 was ok anyway...

Just checked this thread for the first time in a while.  Yes £20 seems like an excellent deal!  When I was looking there were only a couple for sale in the UK and were costing around £115 posted!  That is the reason I reupholstered it myself

The headlining has remained in perfect conditioned by the way, the glue has been fine and there is no sagging.

Cheers

Pedro
Title: Re: Headlining reupholstery complete
Post by: jimmydub on 15 February 2013, 12:31
excellent guide pedro, has given me the confidence to attack the job myself on my mk3.

I've been looking at different materials and i'm thinking about using matt black vinyl. the plan is to stick some upholstery foam to the headlining followed by the vinyl.

just wondering if anyone has experience with vinyl, how adhesive it is, what it will and wont stick to etc...
I've looked through the forum for info on vinyl but can't find too much about it.

cheers
Title: Re: Headlining reupholstery complete
Post by: Sgt_Lemon on 19 April 2013, 13:28
I have been doing this today, little extra tip so others don't follow my mistakes. The central pillars do not just slide down, they need to be unhooked which means pushing them upwards first then pulling them towards you. Trying to pull them down once all fastenings have been removed leaves you with a broken central pillar like me.
Title: Re: Headlining reupholstery complete
Post by: notenoughtime on 30 August 2013, 20:59
Great guide, may do this to mine if the headliner dops down again,

good works
Title: Re: Headlining reupholstery complete
Post by: jonk710 on 12 May 2014, 19:57
Did this at the weekend, would never have even attempted it (or thought about it) if it wasn't for this guide.
Thanks very much, great thread and guide.
Title: Re: Headlining reupholstery complete
Post by: 199016V on 20 July 2014, 08:18
Only picked up my latest project on Friday.. 1990 Royal Blue 3 dr 16v. Lovely car but roof lining appears to have shrunk. May well consider doing this sometime. Great Forum and full of info.

Cheers

Title: Re: Headlining reupholstery complete
Post by: david8831 on 09 September 2016, 14:31
Unfortunately, I need to sell my 1990 16V so I've got my acoustic carpet and 3 cans of trim fix.  I plan to do it this weekend.  Wish me luck and a big thank you to Pedro and the rest of you guys for the great tips.
Title: Re: Headlining reupholstery complete
Post by: scottishpedro on 09 December 2016, 19:00
How did it go David?

Cheers

Pedro
Title: Re: Headlining reupholstery complete
Post by: alexperkins on 23 December 2016, 12:26
Pedro - how thick is the acoustic carpet?

Currently deciding whether to replace the lining, or attempt to reuse the existing vinyl covering