Headliner Repair - Don't do what I did!

I install a new headliner in my Chevy K2500. I made one big error you don't want to make but considering it's a work truck it turned out ok. This is definitely a job you can do at home.

[@firstnamelastnameisallowed7943]

A second set of hands is always ideal if your doing something like this for the first time of course. If that is not available to you when you are doing your project, do exactly what he did in this video except only spray about a foot of the file out instead of the entire half like he did. Still fold it in half just don't do as much glue so you can have a little more room to work with. :) Just a little tip is all!!

[@joeconley1981]

I do this professionally for a living. If I could I'd like to give some advise. For doing it for the first time, you didn't do a really bad job. Don't beat yourself up. A headliner can get away from you. Even for the pro's. Always make sure you clean your headliner board before applying glue. Also make sure you have some Acrasolve handy just in case you run into what you ran into. But for the most part for a first time doer, you did a great job. Keep up the good work.

[@MattsGarage]

Joe Conley wow thanks Joe. So nice! My hat’s off to you, that’s a tough living. The installation part I could see getting the hang of, it’s getting the board out in one piece that would get really old.

[@myalaskalife5837]

Joe Conley what do use for a cleaner

[@davidchapamusicofficial]

Nice to see an encouraging comment. so many times people use it as a way to knock people down. I've never done this before, but think I may have to in my Ford Flex. I learned quite a few things from this video. Great job and thanks for your additional advice, Joe.

[@jimbob6048]

Joe Conley ......what the hell is Acresolve tried looking it up on the Internet no such thing comes up!

[@skids7]

@@jimbob6048 I think he means Acrysol, made by Kent Automotive: www.kent-automotive.com/Kent/Acrysol-SC-Paint-Preparation-and-Auto-Body-Solvent/P20005N01.ka

[@chrisgates9147]

Actually, making a mistake shows us a lot about it. Great video.

[@MattsGarage]

Chris Gates thank you Chris that’s a very good attitude.

[@Z0MBIEMASTA]

Chris Ga

[@hanskinslo326]

You learn more from your mistakes than you do from your successes, usually.

[@Forbiddina]

I do auto upholstery for a living and you didn’t do bad for your first time at all. The best advice I could give is that as you’re flipping the headliner back down after glueing, hold it a over the front of the board without it touching the board or itself. Then ever so gently rub your palm down on the middle from where the fold seam is and while still holding gentle tension on it over the front of the board. Gently push it down from the center of that fold to the front of the board. Now you have two sides to deal with, roll the one side back that you’re going to do second. Grab the corner of the material and hold it up and just repeat the process for the first rub, start from the center and work your way out, from fold to front like mowing a lawn. There’s a finesse to it and learning where to stop. like it’s fold-to-front, but I’m going to stop before the sun visor pockets and lay down the area behind from center to side before so I can more easily lay it in the visor curve and the pronounced lump for most cars front roof console. Also biggest tip, use glue that’s not super grabby. So if you lay it wrong you can lift it back up a little, that’s also why it’s super important to rub it down GENTLE. You’re only setting it initially, once you’re happy go back over and rub firmly to lock it in.

[@MattsGarage]

Great advice! Thanks.

[@charlespartak2435]

the guy used super 77 , i have a can of that however i also have a can of 3M headliner spray adhesive , is one product better than the other. is one better for horizontal vs vertical application? . im covering a white wolf ABS 2 piece headliner(1949-1953 chevy 3100) with 1 layer of headliner material plus a layer of tweed. the ABS comes as a 2 pc ,sand textured on one side and smooth and glossy on the other,(which side would be best to adhere the headliner to?) flat and precut but it will end up curved in both A post corners , has a floating bow to join the 2 pcs and then 2 small tabs that curl down the B pillar . any tips so the headliner material or tweed doesnt wrinkle when i bend it to conform. or should i attempt to sort of curl the ABS as i apply the materials to it . thank you.

[@airyarski6433]

Thanks Matt. Most people not confident enough to show fails.

[@Glide1992]

Very good video. Learned a lot. A good patience on your part answering the same questions in comments over and over. Doesn't anyone read all the comments before asking a question?

[@xavierrobinson6391]

This really helped me out in my woods toy for my son I have rubber ducks on the roof and he loves it thanks buddy

[@MattsGarage]

xavier robinson happy to help!

[@moustachemike7128]

You can keep the old liner in place,,,we use a glue gun for interior work ,,,DIY.s go to your local auto paint /trim supplier they have the right stuff,,, don't forget to let it setup before sticking together .take your time..good vid...thks FYI we use a hard surface floor or work table ,,helps when pressing down the liner....use a paint roller it helps...

[@Anonymous-84_]

Besides the two little bubbles I see it looks great

[@whitt87]

Having done 2 headliners myself I found best way was to spray and only do 12 inches at a time. Some cars have grab handles and lights and these take a bit more care.

[@thehannahlois]

Thanks this was really helpful

[@veganwally]

Great video, I've done 3 headliner restorations with no luck using the spray adhesive, now I'll try my forth one but I think I will try using a brush on adhesive "Dap Weldwood contact cement". The problem was the glue was not strong enough to keep it adhered to the board. Especially where the recesses are for the hand grips. I used this product to install a hood liner on a car and it worked great, where the spray adhesive failed again.

[@MattsGarage]

Thanks for the tip on the Dap product. I will definitely use it when it counts. So far the work truck headliner is holding but time will tell.

[@joeconley1981]

Wally Lindberg I do headliners for a living in an automotive upholstery shop. Did you clean the board good? Also apply glue to both surfaces in order for the headliner material to properly bond to the headliner board.

[@jeffandtona]

Thanks for sharing your fail. It gives us other mere mortals courage to quit procrastinating.

[@MattsGarage]

Go get it!

[@notsofast2325]

Tip.. After you spray. put wood dowels in the area you want to lay your fabric on. Once you have the dowels in place lay your fabric on the dowels so it doesn't touch your glued headliner. then pull out the center dowels ( not all ) push the fabric down that glue area then pull out a couple of more dowels and work your way outward. always work from the center outward.

[@MattsGarage]

That’s great advice!

[@sMusic-ef6sj]

Yes people this man is right u can do it yourself ,cost is about anywhere from 20-50 dollars all depends on the type of material u pick !👍😉

[@briantruck2284]

Good work

[@777goldcoast]

Good lesson. Thank you.

[@xxmlggamerxx2605]

Hi Matt, Was this a 2500 crew cab or extra cab? I have a 2003 Chevy 2500HD Crew Cab and I'm wondering how much material I need to buy. My headliner is currently held up with a lovely assortment of colored thumbtacks. I was quoted $375 here in Houston to have this done(YIKES!) Thanks for the awesome video! I'm not scared about doing it my self now! Thanks- Ty

[@MattsGarage]

Hi sorry for the late reply, I had family in town. It's an extra cab. Good luck. I can't remember now how much I bought but I had enough left over I could have done a crew I think. The hardest part is not destroying the plastic clips trying to get the panels out since they are so brittle.

[@roofermarc1]

I have mine down from a 3rd gen 4Runner. It's some kinda fiber board that one section is heavily damaged from a sunroof leak. And the liner itself doesn't seem like I can remove it from this board? Can I go over the existing liner? I'm gonna attempt to fiberglass the damaged board section, I think that will work. Even on the Toyota forum I've not gotten any information on this.

[@Giorobot]

Great job bud

[@roadstar499]

I ended up doing mine in a 2005 accord..turned out pretty good,but if i could do again i would have laid material down slower maybe also using a small roller...when there are a lot of indentions etc taking it slow will pay off in finished product...

[@gatecitydj]

I got the same issue on my 89 k2500, dammed headliner

[@badkarma2202]

Forgetting to clean the old glue and foam off it looks good. How did it hold up?

[@Rlprime]

Not sure if it’s been mentioned but you were holding your spray can too far from the material surface. If you noticed the first few inches it’s a fan pattern. But when you pull away, the adhesive clumps up in midair and it becomes a stream. It’s a much more even application when you’re about 4-6 inches from the material and nozzle.

[@MattsGarage]

Great tip!

[@yuliagusvita8758]

thanks for sharing your video. what should I do if the foam board itself broken very bad? it cannot be wrapped any more. what material can be used for replacing the original foam. any idea? do they sell the foam?

[@MattsGarage]

Yulia Gusvita I see them online but they are not cheap. See if this link works: www.1aauto.com/headliner-shell/i/zcihl00096?f=979819&y=1988&IHL&gclid=CjwKCAiA4ILSBRA0EiwAsuuBLTNi4fXkxmhD20QA9ZyvN_myFBZ_1t7ubn_gI_bo4sCBbmDzgYt6QRoCwYUQAvD_BwE

[@ichewtoast111]

If it makes you feel any better I used real suede not knowing it needed to stretch. It was very expensive and yes I had to redo it. Hha

[@MattsGarage]

Ouch!

[@risingphoenixbronco5328]

Thanks for the video. Need to do my Dodge work truck too. Maybe this weekend.......

[@MattsGarage]

Keith Kowalski go for it. Order the headliner so you are ready to go. I ordered two yards. If your dodge is a single cab who knows, maybe 1 will do.

[@pressboxpressbox1221]

I

[@peterthePiper777]

I cant believe you did it on a stand without sides and not break the headboard!

[@rileycover1316]

Not bad for your first time Get a bit closer with your spray can next time. As you look at the video, you can see where your pattern opens up and then clings back together. You can also see the difference when you walk to the left side and spray near yourself.

[@usportraits2429]

Was that originally an aerosol mist sprayer that now has a clogged nozzle?

[@Rlprime]

No he just sprayed too far from the material. If you noticed at 1:50 with the proper distance, it was spraying as intended (fan pattern).

[@StMoritzGuitars]

Hey Matt, How well is the headliner holding up ? I need to do this on my 03 Silverado

[@MattsGarage]

So far so good Lou. No noticeable droop or change since I installed it. In all fairness it doesn't get very hot where I live so maybe it's not a good go-by

[@weskirchner8836]

this question is for anyone that has watched this video. I think you did well on the headliner that being said I have a statement and a question . First I took my headliner 1996 impalla ss to an upholstery shop along with the seat to be redone. 4 months later they never touched the seats and recovered the headliner with a second layer of material and almost ruined the board . i had to fiberglass the back to stiffen it up enough so it would not break. what a bad job. The question I have is, is it normal to added more material without taking off the old material first. i must admit the cardboard is old and sort of crumbly. I have started taking off the second layer of material and what a job , any advise ? Thanks

[@Forbiddina]

Dang that sucks, and the whole point of recovering a headliner is to remove the UV rotted foam. Especially on a GM like that, they become a nice powdery yellow snow🤣. My advice is simple, you just gotta peel off the new liner, then gently peel the cloth off the old liner. Shouldn’t damage the board since it should come off like tape that you put lint all over. Then like he said in the video, get a steel wire brush and scrub the foam off, it’s rotten it’ll powder off. As for laying the new material down once it’s prepped, I just made a comment about that like 4 min ago so filter by new in here to find it. My recommendation for glue is “DAP weld wood contact ADHESIVE landau top” adhesive not cement. Apply it, let it dry till It’s barely tacky and follow my other comment. The glue is best sprayed on. On your own for getting it out of the car, other than once it’s unbolted, lay your front seats flat and take it out the passengers door. If it’s a coupe you’re in luck. If it’s a sedan it’s still doable, but you’ll have to probably fold the board down the center just a little to eke out the door frame

[@Dr2009king]

Same happened to me but it wasn't my fault, i don't have a garage so i decided to work on the headliner infront of my door .. out of nowhere the wind folded the glued fabric, it was a huge mess .

[@Davids-fb9ub]

Dude not bad really it came out good

[@MattsGarage]

Dave S. Thanks Dave! Yeah I’m still happy with it one year later. Of course I see all the flaws but hey at least it’s not falling on my head

[@Davids-fb9ub]

Matt's Garage you got that right lol and I must say the adhesive you get at pep boys...doesn't last long. I did my headliner on my 95 saturn s series about 2 years ago...it's starting to sag again...so second time I'm due for a headliner restoration...i might get that adhesive spray you used since they say it lasts longer, back then I used a blue can that said headliner adhesive, same material you used, it comes in a Web blast like substance, but I hope the glue you used has a stronger chemical bond with the board than the one I used last time. If your truck has tints it probably will last much longer.

[@MattsGarage]

Dave S. Good tip. Yeah I was a total rookie going into to it so I just bought whatever the store had I think. BUT I live in the Pacific Northwest so the sun coming out is like an annual event so hopefully it lasts.

[@igiveuponhumanity9238]

THAT'SWHATSHESAIDTHAT'SWHATSHESAIDTHAT'SWHATSHESAIDTHAT'SWHATSHESAIDTHAT'SWHATSHESAIDTHAT'SWHATSHESAIDTHAT'SWHATSHESAIDTHAT'SWHATSHESAIDTHAT'SWHATSHESAIDTHAT'SWHATSHESAIDTHAT'SWHATSHESAIDTHAT'SWHATSHESAID!

[@rhugginsj25]

Great video. Looking to do this myself because the car I bought has burn holes. Hey what's the music in the intro and outro? Nice work

[@MattsGarage]

RJ Huggins thanks! This was originally intend as a bonus episode to my bronco build but it's turned out to be really popular. The music is a KZbin freebie and it's called "off the rebound" if I remember correctly. Thanks for watching!

[@innovativeintelligence4172]

Where do I get Matrial , what is the best Adhesive brand Locktite"? Ive heard using an iron will really help everything

[@MattsGarage]

Ben Covington I used the Permatex orange can. For headliner check amazon Plastex Fabrics Foam Backed Automotive Headliner Camel Yard. Using an iron makes sense. This was my first and only attempt so lots to learn

[@bryanstevens6620]

Hey brotha, what can of glue did you end up using?

[@petersheamorris4852]

Yeah what kind of adhesive glue was actually being used there

[@mattknowshomes]

there is a tick foam. about 1/4 on my truck behind original fabric. that does not come with the new fabric? what do you do about that thick foam? that doesnt come off with old fabric does it?

[@MrRShoaf]

I have done two of these, one unassited and the second one I just watched an upholstery shop do. The fabric comes with the foam attached. The reason the headliners fail is that the foam degrades. What you need to do is to get the old foam and glue off the cardboard. This is a pain as the foam sheds fairly easily the old glue is a bit lumpy Start with a stiff plastic bristle brush, and you should be able to get most of the foam off. Trying to get the old glue off is a big pain because the cardboard is soft and easiky damaged. When attaching the new material one tip is to lay thin sticks or dowel rods on the cardboard every few inchesremoving the center one first and to gently stretch the fabric down and smooth as you go. Once th eglued foam touches the glue covered cardboard, don't plan on moving the fabric.

[@darryllee4883]

having to redo my headliner how much material did you use also was yours extanded cab thanks

[@MattsGarage]

Sorry it's been so long, I can't remember.

[@yvonneaceves6314]

What the name, and where did you purchase the glue spray can?

[@MattsGarage]

Permatex 27828 Body Shop Heavy Duty Headliner and Carpet Adhesive, 16.75 oz Aerosol Can. I got it from O'Reilly I think but I've seen it many places.

[@jefftatham1127]

I need to replace my headliner. What website are ya'll using to order the material??

[@MattsGarage]

Jeff Tatham I’m lazy, I just used amazon

[@empirestatelimo]

Great job whats an adhesive name you used

[@MattsGarage]

Permatex headliner adhesive. Thanks Mohammed!

[@robp9696]

What adhesive did you use? Great video.

[@MattsGarage]

Permatex headliner adhesive, thanks!

[@lordvader7871]

Give yourself a pat on the back and a break.... its hard to do by yourself. If you can, always have 2 people. Good job either way.

[@MattsGarage]

Lord Vader thank you! Tough lesson learned but if I saved a few rookies like me from the same headache it was worth it.

[@calynhutto6424]

Do you happen to remember where you got the folding saw horse you used to set the headliner on? Or what they are called??

[@calynhutto6424]

Found it 30 seconds later, it's officially called a "work stand"

[@MattsGarage]

@@calynhutto6424 harbor freight has the cheapest ones.

[@kiwibean8881]

Where did you purchase the material... I also have a work truck that needs this project .. thanks

[@MattsGarage]

Kiwi Bean it was either amazon or eBay. Google “foam backed headliner fabric” and look for a color that suits. Good luck! The glue was permatex headliner adhesive and people report mixed results with it.

[@offgridtx3043]

u have to use. a good glue I did mine with a rubber cement 1 month later back hanging

[@aadrian7820]

Total neprofesional !

[@joeconley1981]

But I can say, you did an important step far above all the others, you took your headliner out of your vehicle. Doing this professionally for a living, I can tell which vids are a complete joke. You did a good job for it being your first time doing a headliner.

[@thomasomahony3820]

Do you know what the name of the adhesive you used was?

[@MattsGarage]

Thomas OMahony permatex headliner adhesive

[@wendybrown2701]

Where did you order the new material from.and what as cost?, please?

[@timothycoleman8916]

JoAnn Fabrics has headliner.

[@sauljob2396]

What is the name of the adhesive you use and where did you buy it from?

[@MattsGarage]

Saul Job permatex Headliner adhesive. Any auto parts store.

[@sauljob2396]

@@MattsGarage thank you so much

[@ReecesAutoHeadliningRepairs]

👍

[@vickiegorman8363]

I can see when I do my liner, I’ll wait till I have an extra set of hands.

[@kathyruuska7941]

You can buy the material at hobby lobby cheap.

[@myalaskalife5837]

I have a 96 f350 I am doing this to

[@randyhammer7777]

On almost every headliner video one of the most critical steps is left out. Just keep in mind that headliners sit inches away from the occupants head. People naturally have oils in their hair and this oil migrates into the headliner, through the fabric and into the board under the fabric. If you don't PROPERLY remove and neutralize these oils, I dont care what glue you use.....the glue will not stick and the headliner will sag in those places. Also, smoking in a vehicle produces oil laden vapors. If you change a headliner in a car that had smokers in it often, you really have to work to clean those oils out. Acetone and other oil dissolving solvents can help. Be aware...it is NOT easy and unless you get it super clean your headliner will have saggy spots later.

[@danabray945]

Incorrect sir everything you said is a load of horse s$#t

[@johnnoonan5802]

@@g-man7938 hello there G, can you recommend a good type solvent to clean any oils or dirt that would prevent the spray glue form adhesing to the head liner as it would be great to know before the glue is sprayed on , i hear 3M HI Tack 76 is a good bonder glue for headliner work when bonding the material onto the headliner board , many thanks

[@altg5708]

@@danabray945 You are supposed to scrape and brush all the old foam pad of the headliner board. That old foam is what is breaking off making the headliner material sag.He even bought actual headliner material with the foam backing already on. Some people just use material with no foam backing. Either way all the old foam HAS TO BE REMOVED. His headliner repair will not last long. He should only posted this as an example of what not to do.

[@deasttn]

I used a clothes steamer to help remove some wrinkles.

[@kulunimafi4603]

What adeheasive did you buy

[@MattsGarage]

Kuluni Mafi permatex headliner adhesive. Some people swear by it but others don’t care for it. Worked fine for me.

[@octavio136]

What color did u order mine looks like urs ?

[@MattsGarage]

Octavio Lara I don’t remember. Camel? Something like that. It’s a little darker than the normal tan interior.

[@landonmiller856]

Where did you get the headliner at

[@MattsGarage]

Landon Miller Amazon. Just search headliner material. Make sure it’s foam backed

[@boggo58]

Probably better to have two people laying it down.

[@storminmymind6059]

Invest in some better glue and let it set up awhile longer.

[@thedolphinDog]

Upholstery shop I went to quoted me $700 for my pick up......what a RIP off

[@captebrahimy]

How many bottle need for it

[@MattsGarage]

Just one

[@timothycoleman8916]

Getting my 3500 crewcab done for 225$. I have to remove, and install though. Any tricks to installing the new one? -Thanks

[@MattsGarage]

honestly the removal is the hard part. The plastic clips get so brittle with age they just snap instead of giving. Go slow, but ultimately you have to apply force. The hard part is knowing if the tabs behind the plastic trim panels go straight or at an angle. For me the ones straight overhear pulled out straight and the ones by the glass were at an angle. Not sure about your model though.

[@timothycoleman8916]

@@MattsGarage Thank you very much.

[@sabreenamohr330]

Do I have to remove the foam from the car? Can I just apply with it already up there.

[@MattsGarage]

Sabreena Mohr it won’t stick to the old foam. It will stick for a a few days and then drop again. You have to get all of the old foam off

[@sabreenamohr330]

Matt's Garage Thank you very much!!!

[@kysumthin3756]

Sabreena Mohr i work in upholstery. I do headliners all the time. It's best if you just take the headliner out before you scrub off the rotten foam. If you were to scrub off the foam in your car, the foam will stain your seat if you were to smash it and it would be a huge clean up. Basically just do what he did but when its time to stick the headliner on start smoothing it from the middle and work your way out to the edge, so you won't have any wrinkles. Buuuuuuuttttt if you want your headliner to stay smooth do not grab it with your finger tips. Use the palm of your hand when you put the headliner back in. I do headliners for 200 bucks except for expeditions those go for about 350. They're so much more work in those

[@sabreenamohr330]

Ky Sumthin Thank you soooooo much for the info. I appreciate your expertise.

[@joeconley1981]

Sabreena Mohr yes you do. And if the old foam doesn't brush rate off with ease, then that's when you use either a wire brush or a wire brush wheel and put it on a mini side grinder that uses air.

[@johncollier9901]

where did you buy the headliner fabric from and how much was it ?

[@MattsGarage]

Amazon. I don’t remember but I don’t think the prices have changed much

[@darrinsiberia]

OH MY GOD... had you even put a sticker on before? who does that?

[@MattsGarage]

Darrin Nelson Hopefully nobody who watched my video will do it!

[@dest151]

i used gorilla glue in a can .. it sticks very well

[@makeamericagreatagainI776]

Instructions unclear... I used as hairspray now my hair won't move!

[@dest151]

@@makeamericagreatagainI776 damn.

[@roadstar499]

350??? I was told $150...anyone else get prices on replacing headliner? Thanks

[@MattsGarage]

roadstar499 that is a great deal!

[@Andrew.quigley]

I Got two quotes. One 350.00 other 550.00. Going to do it myself this weekend.

[@craigw.scribner6490]

@@Andrew.quigley For 2010 VS GTI: $850.00 Yesterday, 4-15-19

[@darrinsiberia]

table is too small already seeing a bad result...

[@wd1000]

Yeah whenever I have no clue what I'm doing I make an instructional video of trashing the project. That's the code of the YT gen.

[@MattsGarage]

That’s not fair. I have at least 25% of one clue

[@carloms5858]

Then again, "know-it-alls" make it so boring for the rest of us.

[@Glide1992]

That's what we need now, is assholes making rude comments about a good instructional video.

[@danabray945]

@@Glide1992 it's not a good instructional video that's the thing , I have personally done 100s of headliners , it's an amateur video, with amateur techniques leading to an amateur result

[@hutchinscustomsupholstery1950]

Lol

[@unacamper9123]

Where are the hot chicks ?..........Why are those walls in the garage not painted.?? Sad......

[@ivanstaev3519]

stupid job show me video after one month the same job It's not right it's a wrong way to fix headliner And this glue it not works longer

[@panoscash2507]

he's not a pro...

[@MattsGarage]

Definitely not a pro :-)