lazy man's headiner repair

RenegadeT

RenegadeT

no shirt,no shoes,no dice
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Joined
Mar 24, 2005
Location
Stokesdale-Greensboro
I've watched the headliner in my '98 Ram start to separate, figure its probably time to do something about it, maybe even prevent it from getting worse. I first noticed it right in front of me, about 4" along the edge where the headliner meets the windshield. Driving for months with the windows down hasn't helped, the separation is about 12" long now. I've been thinking about smearing some white elmers glue under it and seeing if that will hold. This may be bootyfab, but I'm alright with that, definitely seen worse (staples, safety pins, duct tape, etc.). Before I try this, is there any other simple and cheap solution I'm overlooking?
 
I've seen thumbtacks done in a pattern that looked like rivets. Actually quite classy looking for booty fab!
 
If you're looking for something that you can buy locally, 3M 90 High temp spray adhesive is pretty popular for DIY headliner repairs and supposedly does a decent job. I haven't used it for that, but I do know that standard adhesives like 3M 77 won't hold because the temperature will be too high. I've only ever used headliner adhesive with a spray gun, and most of those only come in metal 5 gallon drums.

3M makes a specific headliner adhesive in a spray can (38808), but I haven't used it either. The 3M is about $20/can but is likely worth every penny if it works anywhere close to the spray gun products. Order some on Amazon and you'll probably have the best shot at getting a product that will perform properly with the least amount of work. Can't get much easier than a spray can. I'm a firm believer in getting the right product for the job, even if it's not cheap and not available at your local big box store.

I will say that you'll need to remove whatever the failure mode is. If the old adhesive is failing, and you put new adhesive over the old adhesive, the old adhesive will likely cause more problems in the same way. Same with disintegrating foam, etc.
 
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You can get spray 77 and spay 90 at Lowe's.

Get a Wd-40 straw extender.

Poke a few tiny holes and spray it up in there.

FWIW I used 3M super 77 about 5 years ago on the farm truck headliner and its still holding fine. Not sure about he heat issue fabrik8 mentioned, just my experience.

Think it is $6/spray can at lowes.​
 
Start ripping the material and foam out so you are just left with the hard fiberglass mold. Lightly sand to uniform feel the go to Lowes with one of the visers and get a cheap quart of paint mixed to match. Use a small brush and hotdog roller to apply.
 
Ron said:
You can get spray 77 and spay 90 at Lowe's.

Get a Wd-40 straw extender.

Poke a few tiny holes and spray it up in there.

FWIW I used 3M super 77 about 5 years ago on the farm truck headliner and its still holding fine. Not sure about he heat issue fabrik8 mentioned, just my experience.

Think it is $6/spray can at lowes.​
Click to expand...
x2 on 3M Super 77 Instant adhesion and sticky as shit! but I would recomend removing the headliner from the truck. I wouldn't spray that shit inside the cab.
 
GotWood said:
Start ripping the material and foam out so you are just left with the hard fiberglass mold. Lightly sand to uniform feel the go to Lowes with one of the visers and get a cheap quart of paint mixed to match. Use a small brush and hotdog roller to apply.
Click to expand...

OMG this is way more work than I'm willing to put into this. The problem (for now) is pretty local to the one area. I'll see what spray adhesive I can find at Lowes. Plan B, stock up on thumbtacks.

I think of my truck as a street legal farm truck.
 
RenegadeT said:
OMG this is way more work than I'm willing to put into this. The problem (for now) is pretty local to the one area. I'll see what spray adhesive I can find at Lowes. Plan B, stock up on thumbtacks.

I think of my truck as a street legal farm truck.
Click to expand...


My local lowe's at least doenst put the shit where you would think
It like in the paint section tucked down near the paint thinner...

Shop 3M 17.6-oz Spray Adhesive at Lowes.com

or
Shop 3M 16.75-oz Spray Adhesive at Lowes.com
 
I don't like the 77 because it has always eventually failed for me. The 90 has a strong odor that hangs around for a bit. I personally use the 3M trim adhesive. It sprays out lacy like a spider web and it holds like hell. Spray both surfaces, let it sit for about 30 seconds then press it together. Done
 
The front windshield edge, in my Escape was getting loose. I stuck it with some double sided tape. It's made it through the 100 F. days, & held for about 3 months. Now it's starting to let go again. Time to Glue!
 
Fire. Fix it with Fire.

Seriously though, the reason it is falling out is because the foam inbetween the fabric and the backer has deteriorated to the point where it is simply coming apart. If you use a LOT of adhesive it may hold for a good while. I pulled mine out earlier this summer, stripped the backer clean and took it to a shop to have it recovered. I had some sticker shock from it but it was still far cheaper than buying a new one and I was able to get my sun visors recovered to match at the same time.
 
box cutter, safety glasses, face mask, broom & dust pan

cut, cut, cut - rip, pull, pull some more until it's bare metal. sweep up the mess afterward
 
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