How to Deal with a Dropped Car Headliner?
4 Answers
If the headliner is coming off near the edges, simply peel back the edge, apply adhesive, let it dry for 3-5 minutes, and then press it back into place. For a sagging middle section that's inconvenient to remove, you can opt for clip repairs by selecting clips that closely match the color. To completely replace the headliner, remove the old one, clean off any deteriorated foam, prepare a new piece of headliner fabric along with specialized adhesive, then reattach and reinstall the headliner.
The other day when I was driving home, I noticed the headliner had completely sagged down, making the interior look messy. As someone who enjoys DIY car repairs, I immediately looked into it - this usually happens due to aged adhesive or excessive moisture. I attempted a DIY fix: first cleaned the headliner surface thoroughly with a cloth to remove old glue residue, then purchased specialized automotive headliner adhesive spray. I applied it evenly on both the fabric and roof panel, waited a few minutes for it to become tacky, then carefully smoothed it out. The key is having two people work together - one to stretch the fabric while the other presses it down to avoid wrinkles. After drying, it held quite firmly and only cost me a few dozen yuan. Remember to regularly check the adhesive condition to prevent recurrence, especially for older vehicles that require more frequent maintenance. Otherwise, it not only affects aesthetics but may also cause unpleasant odors.
Last week I also encountered the issue of the car ceiling fabric coming loose, which really startled me. While driving, that thing was swaying back and forth, easily distracting attention and even obstructing the view—pretty dangerous. I immediately pulled over and used strong adhesive tape to temporarily secure the edges, ensuring I could get home safely. The next day, I drove straight to the repair shop and asked the technician to check it. They said it’s mostly due to adhesive failure or fabric aging, and the solution is either re-gluing or replacing the part. They advised not to delay and recommended professional handling for better safety, even though the cost might range from a few hundred to over a thousand—it’s worth it. To prevent this, pay attention to the humidity inside the car; keeping windows open for ventilation during damp weather helps.
Haha, the headliner in my car has fallen off several times, so I found a money-saving solution. First, I used thumbtacks to temporarily secure the fabric to the edges of the roof—it looks a bit ugly but gets the job done. Then, I bought a bottle of headliner adhesive online for just a few bucks, applied it, pressed for a few minutes, and it stuck firmly after drying. The key is not to delay, as the fabric can warp and worsen over time. When on a tight budget, used parts or simple repairs can also work—that’s how I saved money instead of replacing it. Regularly wiping the roof can prevent the adhesive from aging.
