Can I replace the ceiling of an old Tiida by myself?
4 Answers
You can replace the ceiling of an old Tiida by yourself, but safety precautions should be taken. Here is a detailed introduction about the Tiida car: 1. Overview: The Tiida is a car produced by Dongfeng Nissan Passenger Vehicle Company. The name Tiida implies the meaning of a swift horse, further interpreted as galloping swiftly over a thousand miles. The engine adopts technologies such as variable valve timing and double overhead camshaft, with an all-aluminum inline four-cylinder arrangement. 2. Others: The wheelbase is 2700mm. The vehicle dimensions are 4.250 meters, 1.695 meters, and 1.535 meters. The fuel tank capacity is 52 liters. The engine type is 1.6L. The top speed is 190km/h. The drive method is front-wheel drive. The body weight is 1160 kilograms. The maximum power is 80KW/rpm. The maximum torque is 153Nm/rpm.
As a car enthusiast, I personally experienced the process of replacing the ceiling of a Tiida, and it felt quite feasible as long as you have basic tools and patience. Sagging ceilings in older Tiida models are common due to glue aging and sun exposure. During removal, start by taking off the trim panels on the A-pillar and B-pillar, sun visors, handles, and reading lights—these can be handled with a screwdriver and interior pry tools. For removing the old glue, I used a heat gun to soften it before scraping it off, thoroughly cleaning the roof frame to ensure no dust or grease remained. The new ceiling fabric was purchased online as a vehicle-specific part, and after applying strong adhesive, I smoothed it from the center outward and secured it with clips for an hour. The whole process took about four to five hours, saving several hundred dollars. The interior looked brand new afterward, but there are risks: uneven glue application may cause fabric looseness, noise, or detachment on bumpy roads. I recommend watching some video tutorials to learn techniques before attempting this to avoid rework.
As someone with repair experience, I recommend carefully considering the replacement of the Tiida's headliner. DIY requires preparing a screwdriver kit, a heat gun, and automotive interior adhesive. The steps include removing interior trim, cleaning the roof, evenly applying adhesive, and laying the new fabric. The fastening screws on older Tiida models are prone to rust, so gentle removal is necessary to prevent damage. Disconnecting the battery's negative terminal avoids accidental short circuits. Choosing high-quality headliner material enhances durability; otherwise, adhesive failure leading to fabric detachment could pose driving safety risks, such as obstructing visibility. DIY can save money, but beginners may encounter issues like fabric wrinkling or poor adhesion. I believe assessing one's skills is crucial—if unfamiliar with the process, it's safer to seek a professional shop, as they have the tools and experience to ensure secure and firm installation.
Having driven the Tiida for many years, I replaced the sagging headliner myself, saving a good amount of money by taking it slow. The main cause was aging glue in the old car. I bought specialized fabric and adhesive online, carefully removed the interior trim first, then used a heat gun to soften the old glue before scraping it off. After thorough cleaning, I applied new glue, laid the fabric flat, and pressed it smooth—the whole process took over three hours. Simple household tools were used, keeping costs low with effective results. But remember to align the center line accurately; wrinkled fabric looks unsightly. After installation, let it sit for a day to allow the glue to dry completely. Regular Tiida maintenance, like minimizing sun exposure, can delay such issues. Be cautious during the process to avoid damaging plastic parts.
