How to Install Car Roof Fasteners?

[OMaggie]

Measure the width of the car and insert positioning pins at the center point. Start fixing from the middle and the surrounding areas. Make temporary fixes row by row with a spacing of approximately 13cm horizontally and vertically. Add more pins until there is no sagging. After initially securing with pins, adjust the alignment for neatness. Replace the pins with fasteners one by one, and use a screwdriver to tighten the screws to secure the base. After installing all the bases with screws, cover them with the lids.

[VanBennett]

Last time I installed roof clips myself, it was actually quite simple. First locate the original mounting holes on the car roof, align the clip base and press it into position - you'll hear a click when it's properly secured. Be careful not to use excessive force as plastic clips can break easily. If the holes don't align properly, it might be because clip legs broke off during previous removal - use needle-nose pliers to remove any remaining plastic fragments. When I modified my audio system, I removed the headliner three times and found OEM clips are more durable than aftermarket ones bought online. It's best to use a towel to cushion your fingers when pushing them in to avoid scratching the headliner fabric. Remember to install from the center outward to prevent misalignment and wrinkling. For older vehicles, check if the mounting holes are deformed first - if needed, use a heat gun to slightly soften the plastic before installation.

[AliceDella]

Installing roof clips depends on the material. The most common type is the cross-shaped plastic clip - just align it with the holes and press vertically. For twist-type metal clips, first position the base then tighten clockwise. Having worked in an auto repair shop for years and handled hundreds of vehicles, I'd highlight three key points: 1) Clip size must match - oversized clips can damage the headliner; 2) Install sunroof edge clips last, securing the roof center first; 3) For fabric headliners, hold the clip edges during installation to prevent fabric from getting caught. Many owners report rattling noises after DIY installation, often caused by improperly seated clips.

[AdrianLynn]

Here's my experience with replacing roof clips for your reference. When purchasing clips online, pay attention to the vehicle model and year, as clip structures vary between different batches. During installation, prepare interior pry tools and needle-nose pliers. Be careful when cleaning the mounting holes, as clips on older cars tend to break easily. Key point: For clips with spring plates, press down on both spring plates before pushing them in. After installation, gently tug the roof lining to test firmness. I recommend using OEM clips, as aftermarket parts tend to loosen easily. Last time I bought cheap aftermarket clips, they rattled on rough roads, and I had to replace them with OEM parts to solve the problem.