97 RS fabric headliner.
I have a bubble sagging right behind the drivers window. It starts at the rear window trim, about 4" high by 8" long. Can the trim be easily removed and if so do you know any tricks? I'd hate to punch a hole in the bubble and spray adhesive into it. The headliner is otherwise pristine and I'd like to preserve it. Thanks.

This is the beginning of the end. Even if you get that one spot, expect to find another spot within the span of a week. It all just seems to go at once

I suggest just redoing your headliner. Not that difficult

The trick is removing the headliner without destroying half your trim.

once you've got the headliner out you can just peel it back to where the bubble is and spray it with trim adhesive. Make sure to spray both sides and let the glue dry before pressing it back together.

honestly, if your headliner has bubbled and sagged, the rest of it's probably ready to go as well. I would just pull it out and recover it with fresh material.

Okay, thanks to both of you. Sounds like you saved me a repetative nightmare. I'll find some nice material and redo the whole thing. I'm thinking a light grey vinal type covering instead of the felt type I have now. Be easier to clean since I'm a smoker. (tobacco too lol)

that will look nice. since the vinyl weighs more make sure to use good glue (I prefer the 3M trim adhesive) and follow the directions carefully. I don't know if you have JoAnn fabrics stores in your area but they have a great selection of upholstery grade vinyl for not too expensive.

Thanks again Roni. I have a JoAnn's 1 block from me amd I'll go with the 3M trim glue you suggested. I was thinking my headliner should come out in on piece and if I don't stretch it I might use it as a template? This will be a first for me but luckily I have 3 sisters that are good with this kind of stuff. :-)

Specifically, the 3M FoamFast 74 (orange) adhesive. Comes out like silly string. It has withstood california summer heat for me :)

It has also passed a few hot and humid Louisiana summers. You don't really need a template. When you do the headliner, go to a hardware store and buy a clean pine needle/synthetic hand brush.

When you start pulling the material off the headliner, you will realize that the foam back is what is separating and leaving a nice residue behind. You will use the hand brush to gently scrub all the crud off the headliner. Then, lay your vinyl/headliner (Hancock Fabric stores here sell headliner material with the foam back for a few dollars a yard) over the headliner. Trim the large excess off and start gluing/securing the fabric at one corner and work your way out from there slowly.

You really don't want to pull too hard as it will cause the material to shift. After it dries, trim the rest of the material back. Now you have a nice new headliner for about a $50 investment and maybe three hours labor.

Sounds good, freelance, thanks!

just be careful when you pull out the interior panels that hold the headliner in place. the far back trim piece by the hatch is really prone to breaking, the clips don't want to let go of the car and rip the thing up. the sides around the quarter glass aren't too bad but IIRC I had to take out the lower panels to get to some of the lower clips. don't forget to put some fresh loctite blue on the bolts for the seatbelts before you put everything back together, I'd hate to hear of a tragic accidental death because the bolts backed out.

Thanks, ez. I'm in L.B. too-eastside by Lkwd. I park in direct sun in the summer because thousands of crows invade the elm trees here and you have to peel the shit off the paint first thing every morning. Damn crows.

Good info here. Mine started as well with just a little bubble and I wasn't very concerned. However not even two weeks later I had the whole thing sitting on my head. I just pulled it out and at least the board is in great shape it was just that foam backing that sperated. Did you already do yours? If so do you have any pics to post up as I'm just about to do mine.

Haven't done mine yet. It's been holding out like this for about 2 months already. Whenever whatever I do I will do my best tp ost pics or at least the details. It should be pretty straight forward thoung from what the others have said. Good luck :-)

Originally posted by Nemo
97 RS fabric headliner. I have a bubble sagging right behind the drivers window. It starts at the rear window trim, about 4" high by 8" long. Can the trim be easily removed and if so do you know any tricks? I'd hate to punch a hole in the bubble and spray adhesive into it. The headliner is otherwise pristine and I'd like to preserve it. Thanks.

You can reapply with 3M, or you can go to a junk yard. Ipicked one up in good condition for $25

97 GS Show Car
99 GST Daily Driver
99 Spyder