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<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nAfter more than a decade, the original adhesive that holds the fabric to the backer that lines the roof of the car was failing. The headliner was detaching from the backer almost to the middle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is a common problem in aging cars. What\u2019s going on? And how can we fix it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/a>This photo of the edges by the windows show how the fabric was originally attached to the backer with a thin layer of foam adhesive. The adhesive bond with the fabric breaks down. At this point I can easily rub the foam off the white backer board with my finger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The backer itself serves the useful purpose of insulation against both noise and temperature. It also protects wiring that runs under the roof to interior lighting and exterior antennas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since the fabric is only a decorative finish it could be torn off and the adhesive rubbed off to leave the backer exposed. That process alone would be a project. A complete repair would then involve removing the entire backer, spraying on new adhesive, and rolling the fabric back against it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I wasn\u2019t up for such a laborious repair and wanted to just reattach the headliner where it was sagging excessively. I decided not to use spray or liquid adhesives after reading too many anecdotes of them failing quickly. They\u2019re very tricky to apply correctly and evenly: without completely removing the headliner and backer they seem likely to flash through the fabric in spots as shown here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nSo here\u2019s what I did<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
For edges I rubbed off the original adhesive and applied double-sided 3M Super Strength Molding Tape right to the edge of the backer. Then I pulled the headliner tight over it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>For the sagging bulk of the headliner I these upholstery tacks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n