Fitelite240!!
04-10-2020, 12:33 AM
I recently re-did my headliner in my S14 and posted it up on my Instagram story as highlights to remember how I did it. This is for in the future when those clips and pictures are erased.
This takes place after you've removed your headliner from the car. Follow this YouTube video if you don't know how to do it -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTv4E5qmK7M
- Mind you, that you have to remove the interior panels as well.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Difficulty Level: 5/10
Execution Level: Beginner
Time Needed: At most 8-10 hours with removal
Things needed:
Cloth of choice for headliner - 51x51 inches
Buffer layer of materal - 45x51 or 51x51 inches
1 Small pair of scissors that are very very sharp
1 Medium pair of scissors that are very very sharp
2 Cans of Pro Grade Headliner Spray Adhesive
A razor blade or Exacto knife
1 Qt of Bondo Resin
1 pack of fiberglass cloth
10 Large popsicle sticks to mix resin
6 Resin mixing cup
4 .99 cent paint brushes
Dremel
Sander
180 and 220 grit sandpaper
Dremel Cut-off wheel
Eye protection
Mask
Box of Latex Gloves
Lint Roller
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Before - https://ibb.co/7VRkFxs
After and installed -
https://ibb.co/7zWkM2c
https://ibb.co/tzr2hrT
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Step 1: My headliner was damaged in a few spots so I figured I would go ahead and fix those.
Reference Photo -
https://ibb.co/3RKRKkT
https://ibb.co/0r0t7SK
https://ibb.co/hHrdrhj
https://ibb.co/HNsN5ZQ
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Step 2: Peel off the headliner fabric - It's beyond me why Nissan in the 90's put bristol board in their cars. BE GENTLE! don't bend it more than it already is. You'll notice that there will be a rough side and a smooth side. The rough side will have the headliner cloth adhered to it.
Reference Photo - https://ibb.co/h2mTqWC
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Step 3: Lightly sand the cracked areas with 220 grit sand paper to see how big the spots are and how big your Fiberglass cloth will need to be cut.
Reference Photo - https://ibb.co/dBvtNHv
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Step 4: Make sure to press the damaged pieces together to get a flush OEM contour.
Reference Photo -
https://ibb.co/kx9dqV0
https://ibb.co/ZBXfGsV
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Step 5: Break out your Bondo resin and fiberglass cloth. The good part about this is that this isn't visible and doesn't need to be pretty. We are going to start on the smooth side.
Reference Photo - https://ibb.co/N6nGmTj - Pic is upside down lol
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Step 6: Cut 2-3 inch rectangle sheets to be able to lay the fiberglass in 45 x 45 degree angles. This is unnecessary but any extra rigidity in this will help later on as it ages. Stack the sheets on each damaged part and see how you're going to lay it down.
Reference Photo - https://ibb.co/zR8FtKP
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Step 7: Mix about 4 ounces of resin with about 6 drops of hardener. THIS PART NEEDS TO BE DONE FAST. You're going to lay the fiberglass over the damaged piece and dab it until the fiberglass is completely saturated. Then repeat the process with two more layers. Be sure to turn the material 45 degrees as you lay and dab. Once done, let it dry for about an hour before you flip it over.
Reference Photo - https://ibb.co/8Ps3sMz
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Step 8: After an hour flip it over onto the rough side and repeat steps 3-7 on this side with a new brush.
Reference Photo -
https://ibb.co/7JtbdCh
https://ibb.co/cg8x2VZ
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Step 9: Use a pair of scissors and cut of all the loose thread of fiberglass. Using a Dremel with a cut off wheel cut all the boarders with any fiberglass that maybe hanging over. (I had rips on the edges of my headliner board). Then use a Sander with 180 grit to get each area down to a smooth-ish kinda shape. AGAIN this doesn't need to be pretty. This has to be done in a well ventilated area.
Reference Photo -
https://ibb.co/wSMhBcm
https://ibb.co/5Ymt9TV
https://ibb.co/5r2vtHR
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Step 10: After an hour we are ready to put on the buffer layer. This is optional but highly suggested. IF you choose not to use this you will be able to see all the imperfections of the fiberglassed mat you've resined onto the board. I wasn't about to source another headliner so this worked well for me. It looked great when installed as well. This stuff was called "Polyester Nufoam" I think? and I got it at Joann's Fabric. 45x51 inches was enough to cover the surface area. Ideally there's a green 1mm sheet foam they sell that would have been the better bet, but they were out of it, this stuff was about 3-4 mm thick.
Reference Photo -
https://ibb.co/5GSnsXf
https://ibb.co/z2CRDwW
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Step 11: Get yourself 2 cans of professional headliner spray adhesive. Make sure it's heat-resistant. DO NOT GET REGULAR CONTACT CEMENT SPRAY. THEY ARE DIFFERENT. Take the polyester sheet that's draped over the entire thing and fold it back on itself. Spray the headliner board and the polyester foam (THE SIDE THAT WILL FOLD BACK OVER ONTO THE EXPOSED HEADLINER BOARD) with the adhesive BE VERY GENEROUS WITH THIS STUFF - LIKE HALF A CAN WORTH. Let the adhesive tack up and then from the middle slowly press in the material to the board with your hand. Be sure use long smooth swipes to avoid wrinkling you only get one chance at this. The repeat with the other side with the other half a can.
Reference Photo -
https://ibb.co/ThDFBz6
https://ibb.co/ysxWrkq
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Step 12: Now you cut the holes for all the accessories that get mounted to the roof through the headliner. You need a small pair of scissors that are very shape.
Reference Photo - https://ibb.co/vPfPXjt
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Step 13: Next I used a Faux Black micro-suede (This stuff is literally like Alcantara. Between the my girlfrend's OEM ultimate Brz seats with the Alcantara side bolsters and this material there was no difference in feel at all) this was 51x51 inches to have enough material to pull over the edges. Again got it from Joann's Fabric. And repeat the same spray adhesive process GENEROUSLY, this time on top of the polyester Nufoam. I had my girlfriend help grab the edges and hold them up and I pressed down from the middle in a sweeping motion outward as she gradually came down and laid it. This layer is even more important, ANY MESS UPS and they will be seen. If you're doing this part with someone; communication is key. Once complete. Let the glue cure for about an hour.
Reference Photo -
https://ibb.co/PYDPjHS
https://ibb.co/WFBMChS
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Step 14: Now time for the edges. Flip the headliner over so the smooth side is facing you. Cut the fabric so a 2 inch border of fabric is exposed for tacking the edges. Make relief cuts along the edges. The front and back can be cut into 4 pieces and easily stuck. The sides need more care with the weird shaping. For the side indents cut inline with the shape so it's easier to pull and shape.
Reference Photo - https://ibb.co/cC62TxZ
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Step 15: Once cut, spray the adhesive onto the board and fabric (make sure you have like old newspaper under or something because this will go everywhere). I then pushed about 1/4 of the entire headliner off the table and laid with my back on the floor. I had my girlfriend help by pressing and pushing the excess material over the edge from the top, as I,from the bottom, grabbed the slack and pulled taught to stick to the back of the headliner board. DO NOT DO THE EDGES YET. Repeat for all sides.
Reference Photo - https://ibb.co/gw5RDf5
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Step 16: Now cut the excess material from the edges. Spray, wait, and stick. Try not to have the fabric overlap. If it does you'll have to go back and cut it out.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Step 17: Once that's finally done we are in the home stretch. Now all the holes in the headliner board need to be cut into and "X" shape this will allow you to pull the fabric taught from those hole to the back and tack it.
Reference Photo -
https://ibb.co/cgdznSK
https://ibb.co/RDvvhk5
https://ibb.co/TYhxbW0
https://ibb.co/BztjZhw
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Step 18: Turn it over and lint roll it. BOOM! Your done and only spent a day and maybe 100-120$. AN OPTIONAL STEP/Suggested Step. Let the final produce cure in a room for about 15 hours to fully cure. Then let the fabric bake in the sun for about 5-6 hours before re-install (I didn't do this but I should have). AND FOR THE LOVE OF GOD DO NOT FORGET TO PUT THE OEM ROOF MATTING BACK ON THE HEADLINER board. otherwise you'll have to uninstall everything and re-do it.
Reference Photo -
https://ibb.co/Bjvyqn5
https://ibb.co/T432wZq
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you wanna see the same pictures with this same explanation. DM me about my instagram.
This takes place after you've removed your headliner from the car. Follow this YouTube video if you don't know how to do it -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTv4E5qmK7M
- Mind you, that you have to remove the interior panels as well.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Difficulty Level: 5/10
Execution Level: Beginner
Time Needed: At most 8-10 hours with removal
Things needed:
Cloth of choice for headliner - 51x51 inches
Buffer layer of materal - 45x51 or 51x51 inches
1 Small pair of scissors that are very very sharp
1 Medium pair of scissors that are very very sharp
2 Cans of Pro Grade Headliner Spray Adhesive
A razor blade or Exacto knife
1 Qt of Bondo Resin
1 pack of fiberglass cloth
10 Large popsicle sticks to mix resin
6 Resin mixing cup
4 .99 cent paint brushes
Dremel
Sander
180 and 220 grit sandpaper
Dremel Cut-off wheel
Eye protection
Mask
Box of Latex Gloves
Lint Roller
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Before - https://ibb.co/7VRkFxs
After and installed -
https://ibb.co/7zWkM2c
https://ibb.co/tzr2hrT
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Step 1: My headliner was damaged in a few spots so I figured I would go ahead and fix those.
Reference Photo -
https://ibb.co/3RKRKkT
https://ibb.co/0r0t7SK
https://ibb.co/hHrdrhj
https://ibb.co/HNsN5ZQ
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Step 2: Peel off the headliner fabric - It's beyond me why Nissan in the 90's put bristol board in their cars. BE GENTLE! don't bend it more than it already is. You'll notice that there will be a rough side and a smooth side. The rough side will have the headliner cloth adhered to it.
Reference Photo - https://ibb.co/h2mTqWC
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Step 3: Lightly sand the cracked areas with 220 grit sand paper to see how big the spots are and how big your Fiberglass cloth will need to be cut.
Reference Photo - https://ibb.co/dBvtNHv
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Step 4: Make sure to press the damaged pieces together to get a flush OEM contour.
Reference Photo -
https://ibb.co/kx9dqV0
https://ibb.co/ZBXfGsV
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Step 5: Break out your Bondo resin and fiberglass cloth. The good part about this is that this isn't visible and doesn't need to be pretty. We are going to start on the smooth side.
Reference Photo - https://ibb.co/N6nGmTj - Pic is upside down lol
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Step 6: Cut 2-3 inch rectangle sheets to be able to lay the fiberglass in 45 x 45 degree angles. This is unnecessary but any extra rigidity in this will help later on as it ages. Stack the sheets on each damaged part and see how you're going to lay it down.
Reference Photo - https://ibb.co/zR8FtKP
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Step 7: Mix about 4 ounces of resin with about 6 drops of hardener. THIS PART NEEDS TO BE DONE FAST. You're going to lay the fiberglass over the damaged piece and dab it until the fiberglass is completely saturated. Then repeat the process with two more layers. Be sure to turn the material 45 degrees as you lay and dab. Once done, let it dry for about an hour before you flip it over.
Reference Photo - https://ibb.co/8Ps3sMz
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Step 8: After an hour flip it over onto the rough side and repeat steps 3-7 on this side with a new brush.
Reference Photo -
https://ibb.co/7JtbdCh
https://ibb.co/cg8x2VZ
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Step 9: Use a pair of scissors and cut of all the loose thread of fiberglass. Using a Dremel with a cut off wheel cut all the boarders with any fiberglass that maybe hanging over. (I had rips on the edges of my headliner board). Then use a Sander with 180 grit to get each area down to a smooth-ish kinda shape. AGAIN this doesn't need to be pretty. This has to be done in a well ventilated area.
Reference Photo -
https://ibb.co/wSMhBcm
https://ibb.co/5Ymt9TV
https://ibb.co/5r2vtHR
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Step 10: After an hour we are ready to put on the buffer layer. This is optional but highly suggested. IF you choose not to use this you will be able to see all the imperfections of the fiberglassed mat you've resined onto the board. I wasn't about to source another headliner so this worked well for me. It looked great when installed as well. This stuff was called "Polyester Nufoam" I think? and I got it at Joann's Fabric. 45x51 inches was enough to cover the surface area. Ideally there's a green 1mm sheet foam they sell that would have been the better bet, but they were out of it, this stuff was about 3-4 mm thick.
Reference Photo -
https://ibb.co/5GSnsXf
https://ibb.co/z2CRDwW
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Step 11: Get yourself 2 cans of professional headliner spray adhesive. Make sure it's heat-resistant. DO NOT GET REGULAR CONTACT CEMENT SPRAY. THEY ARE DIFFERENT. Take the polyester sheet that's draped over the entire thing and fold it back on itself. Spray the headliner board and the polyester foam (THE SIDE THAT WILL FOLD BACK OVER ONTO THE EXPOSED HEADLINER BOARD) with the adhesive BE VERY GENEROUS WITH THIS STUFF - LIKE HALF A CAN WORTH. Let the adhesive tack up and then from the middle slowly press in the material to the board with your hand. Be sure use long smooth swipes to avoid wrinkling you only get one chance at this. The repeat with the other side with the other half a can.
Reference Photo -
https://ibb.co/ThDFBz6
https://ibb.co/ysxWrkq
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Step 12: Now you cut the holes for all the accessories that get mounted to the roof through the headliner. You need a small pair of scissors that are very shape.
Reference Photo - https://ibb.co/vPfPXjt
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Step 13: Next I used a Faux Black micro-suede (This stuff is literally like Alcantara. Between the my girlfrend's OEM ultimate Brz seats with the Alcantara side bolsters and this material there was no difference in feel at all) this was 51x51 inches to have enough material to pull over the edges. Again got it from Joann's Fabric. And repeat the same spray adhesive process GENEROUSLY, this time on top of the polyester Nufoam. I had my girlfriend help grab the edges and hold them up and I pressed down from the middle in a sweeping motion outward as she gradually came down and laid it. This layer is even more important, ANY MESS UPS and they will be seen. If you're doing this part with someone; communication is key. Once complete. Let the glue cure for about an hour.
Reference Photo -
https://ibb.co/PYDPjHS
https://ibb.co/WFBMChS
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Step 14: Now time for the edges. Flip the headliner over so the smooth side is facing you. Cut the fabric so a 2 inch border of fabric is exposed for tacking the edges. Make relief cuts along the edges. The front and back can be cut into 4 pieces and easily stuck. The sides need more care with the weird shaping. For the side indents cut inline with the shape so it's easier to pull and shape.
Reference Photo - https://ibb.co/cC62TxZ
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Step 15: Once cut, spray the adhesive onto the board and fabric (make sure you have like old newspaper under or something because this will go everywhere). I then pushed about 1/4 of the entire headliner off the table and laid with my back on the floor. I had my girlfriend help by pressing and pushing the excess material over the edge from the top, as I,from the bottom, grabbed the slack and pulled taught to stick to the back of the headliner board. DO NOT DO THE EDGES YET. Repeat for all sides.
Reference Photo - https://ibb.co/gw5RDf5
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Step 16: Now cut the excess material from the edges. Spray, wait, and stick. Try not to have the fabric overlap. If it does you'll have to go back and cut it out.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Step 17: Once that's finally done we are in the home stretch. Now all the holes in the headliner board need to be cut into and "X" shape this will allow you to pull the fabric taught from those hole to the back and tack it.
Reference Photo -
https://ibb.co/cgdznSK
https://ibb.co/RDvvhk5
https://ibb.co/TYhxbW0
https://ibb.co/BztjZhw
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Step 18: Turn it over and lint roll it. BOOM! Your done and only spent a day and maybe 100-120$. AN OPTIONAL STEP/Suggested Step. Let the final produce cure in a room for about 15 hours to fully cure. Then let the fabric bake in the sun for about 5-6 hours before re-install (I didn't do this but I should have). AND FOR THE LOVE OF GOD DO NOT FORGET TO PUT THE OEM ROOF MATTING BACK ON THE HEADLINER board. otherwise you'll have to uninstall everything and re-do it.
Reference Photo -
https://ibb.co/Bjvyqn5
https://ibb.co/T432wZq
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you wanna see the same pictures with this same explanation. DM me about my instagram.