How TO: Headliner trim fix and more (Lots of pics)

[94_240sx]

This is what I've been up to recently. Finally, I've decided to fix cracked headliner trim piece along with other small things and this is what I did. It came out pretty nice, so I'm very satisfiled with the result.

First, side trim pieces have to come out. There's one screw to remove near the sun visors on each side.

There are total 4 clips on back of the trim, and the clip that goes to this hole near the dash is different than others, so you have to be careful with it.

Pull the upper section of the trim to pop these clips...

And pull it upward to slide this lower clip out.

Once side trims are out, you can remove sun visors, sun visor clips, clear interior light cover and interior light assembly.

My headliner trim looked like this. I've never seen headliner trim pieces without any cracks.

Passenger side

Driver's side

I was looking at one of biggie's write ups and noticed his headliner trim looks like mine too.

Here's what I did to rebuild the trim. I used aluminum foil and plastic welder to fill the gap, patch the cracks and used Dremel to shape it and clean up. You can buy Plastic Welder from Walmart.

This small Dremel tip worked well.

It looks good now.

Below pictures show how the trim was poorly designed and molded. I've seen 3-4 headliner trims and all of them look exactly like this.

I did the reaserch on the finish, there were several options available .1. Carbon fiber wrappingOne of the members provides this service and found out he's local.zerothread?id=355575

2. Water transfer dippingThis shop is also in TX 2-3 hours drive from my house.http://www.dip-tech.net

3. Spray paintBroadfield did this to his modified steering column cover.zerothread?id=264243

4. Sticker sheetThis GTR is not painted. It's covered with flat black sticker sheet.

I saw one Lamborghini with same job in person at one of the local car meets and it looked good.

5. PVCI went to Coffee & Cars meet two weeks ago, and saw this VW covered with PVC. This material is from 3M and it's supposed to last more than 15 years outdoor. It should also give some stuructural reinforcement. This car was there to promote the local shop called Speed Shield USA.http://speedshieldusa.com

Among those 5 options, I picked #5 becasue I don't like the shiny finish on #1 and #2 and want to have some texture on it rather than smooth surface. I also saw this Alfa Romeo in Coffee & Cars meet and like the interior. It's not exactly the same, but very similar to #5.

I dropped it off and came back 2 days later looking like this. The did pretty good job on it.

Attached the foam to the back of the trim.

Installed it back and it looks really good. I'm glad that finally I took care of cracked headliner trim that's been bugging me.

Here's more. I replaced front windshield when I got my car back in 98 and installation guy put the rear view mirror like an inch off from the center, so I decided to fix that one too while I'm at it.

You can tap the flat head screw driver with a hammer to remove the mounting button.

Find out center spot and used glue from AUtozone to mount the button.

I was curious, so I had to disassemble rear view mirror, and it looks like this.

There are three wires for the interior lights and found out this is the best way to install the plastic trim.

Make sure to put some tape on the plug to prevent rattle.

This is the last thing I did. One of the top receivers had a small crack and color on both of them was faded, so I reinforced the back side with plastic welder and spray painted black. That's all!!!!
Modified by 94_240sx at 7:54 PM 6/14/2009

[1SickSilvia]

Nice work, I'm also in the process of redoing my headliner in real carbon fiber.

[wmdavis007]

Wow man...looks great!! If you don't mind me asking...how much did it cost to have it done?

[RBvipVert]

Wow thats really nice!

[jamesblonde82]

I was wondering when you were going to fix that piece. Im surprised you let it go this long....

[cole d]

Wow, just found this thread I might have my whole dash done.

[onosqv]

that looks neat, congrats!

for the pvc thingy, did you have them cut you a special size? or did you just order a section & used a heat gun & some 3m adhesive?

mind telling us how much that cost?

[94_240sx]

that looks neat, congrats!

for the pvc thingy, did you have them cut you a special size? or did you just order a section & used a heat gun & some 3m adhesive?

mind telling us how much that cost?

Here you go.http://www.carbonfiberfilm.com

I have some update on my headliner. I'll post it later with pics.

[94_240sx]

Wow, just found this thread I might have my whole dash done.

Do it!

[cmkelly]

94_240sx, how much did the headliner wrap cost?

[cole d]

Bringing this back from the dead. Did headliner panel just pop off? I removed the visor, clip, and interior light and mine does not bulge. Is there any other tips? My panel is cracked up pretty bad and needs repair.

[94_240sx]

Bringing this back from the dead. Did headliner panel just pop off? I removed the visor, clip, and interior light and mine does not bulge. Is there any other tips? My panel is cracked up pretty bad and needs repair.

Your PM is disabled, so I couldn't reply. It's good you posted here. 'Tape Foam'(K8604) is holding the trim. Basically, it's a double sided tape. It's easier to remove in summer, but not in cold temperature. You have to be patient and pull it very slowly or maybe use a blow dryer(?). It's tucked in to other trim(K2314), so you have to manuver it to get it out of there as you pull it. It's bit tricky, but you can remove it without damaging it if you do it slowly. Good luck!

[cole d]

Wow, I pulled on it a little yesterday and no luck. At this point I'm not sure if mine is even worth pulling since it completely cracked in half so I doubt I could get it out without breaking it. Someone should manufacture this part aftermarket since its pretty much trashed on every 240. I may take a blow dryer to it tomorrow.