Headliner Conditioners?

[stevensolds]

has anyone ever tried a headliner cleaning product or know of one that would be useful for reconditioning it? My headliner is a complete mess, black spots all over and theres food or some stuff just caked on there and it looks bad.

[scottydl]

How in the world did you headliner get stained with food?! Either way, I'm not sure of a specific cleaner just for headliners, but you should be able to use any kind of cleaner/conditioner that is appropriate for that kind of material.

[Custom88]

I'd say leave it alone. Anytime I've seen people try to clean things off of the headliner, the headliner started to fall down/sag shortly thereafter. This includes even using a vacuum on it. The foam material that is between the fabric and board beind the foam is very delicate. The foam derteriorates very easily.

[bld]

Don't know about the Aurora, but I've had nice headliner replacements done for as little as $125 in a Caddy.

[BuccaneersFan]

I agree with Custom88 in the fact that headliners are usually very delicate and most of the time its better to leave them alone, but I cleaned the headliner in my Aurora shortly after I bought it and had no problems at all. I think I just used something like 409 but I would definitely test a small area before you do the whole thing. I guess if it's bad enough you mine as well try to clean it and if you destroy the headliner, just have it replaced. ;D

[Aurora40]

The fact that it's 10 years old would give me some pause. But you might be able to carefully clean it alright. Don't vacuum it, don't use hot water, and don't spray the cleaner onto the headliner. But if you gently towel or sponge it with a little bit of mild cleaner, you might do ok. I kinda think if it's gonna fail, it's gonna fail sooner rather than later anyway. But it's your car and you can see what condition it's in, so you can make the best judgement call.

[stevensolds]

I was quoted $200 to replace it after having it looked at by the detailer over here. And that is with the good material. I will just forget about it for now and prolly forever.

[oldsauroraman1]

custom88 said:

I'd say leave it alone. Anytime I've seen people try to clean things off of the headliner, the headliner started to fall down/sag shortly thereafter. This includes even using a vacuum on it. The foam material that is between the fabric and board beind the foam is very delicate. The foam derteriorates very easily.

Exactly right. $200 is a deal to have it replaced Steven

[Custom88]

Or, if you feel ambitious, it's possible to replace a headliner yourself for less than $50. They sell kits online (can't remember any specific sites) that come with the glue, and headliner. It's high quality material. It's just tough to remove a headliner unless it's already starting to sag. If it's not definately leave it alone if it's a cosmetic problem only. If you are interested in that headliner kit let me know. I can maybe dig something up for you.

[TJM]

i did the kit on my daughters toyota and it came out great - be sure to use enough spray glue.

[95mushroom]

custom88 said:

Or, if you feel ambitious, it's possible to replace a headliner yourself for less than $50. They sell kits online (can't remember any specific sites) that come with the glue, and headliner. It's high quality material. It's just tough to remove a headliner unless it's already starting to sag. If it's not definately leave it alone if it's a cosmetic problem only. If you are interested in that headliner kit let me know. I can maybe dig something up for you.

Actually, please do. My headliner is in decent shape, but I would like to replace the coverings on the a, b, and c pillars too. The sunroof panel has some mild sag. And it would be great to get all matching colors too.

[Custom88]

this is where I bought my headliner from several years ago:
headlinerkit.com/index.shtml
You'll need the full size kit if memory serves me correctly. If you do tackle this project, make sure you read the how-to sections on that site, and you'll need atleast 2 cans of the aerosal glue to put the headliner up.

[oldsauroraman1]

Shazam, two cans of glue! Make sure you get plenty of fresh air when you do this too or you'll be floating! One thing is for sure, seriously, keep away from sparks or flame when you do spray that stuff, it'll go up fast.

[Custom88]

oldsauroraman1 said:

Shazam, two cans of glue! Make sure you get plenty of fresh air when you do this too or you'll be floating!

But I thought that was the best part. lol.

all kidding aside, Aman brought up a point I forgot, don't forget to wear a mask if you replace a headliner! The board is made of fiberglass in most cases. inhaling fiberglass dust/particles is very BAD for you.

[stevensolds]

yep thats like smoking menthol cigs, lots of fiberglass particles in those. Its more of a curiousity thing, i didnt wanna just go puti n my cc and buy something right away when i probably wouldnt get around to it for 4 months anyway. Its been 2 months and i am just now getting around to my compass mirror install.

[oldsauroraman1]

custom88 said:

oldsauroraman1 said:

Shazam, two cans of glue! Make sure you get plenty of fresh air when you do this too or you'll be floating!

But I thought that was the best part. lol.

all kidding aside, Aman brought up a point I forgot, don't forget to wear a mask if you replace a headliner! The board is made of fiberglass in most cases. inhaling fiberglass dust/particles is very BAD for you.

Ha! I figured someone would pic up on that one.

Good point about the fiberglass to Dan.