Hi, I accidently posted this the oher day on the Wanted/sell forum.
Okay, My question is : how to remove the vinyl headliner and replace it. I know the headliner in under the glass seal of the front window, but what about the back. Can the headliner be removed without removing the back glass?
my bmw is a 528i - 1981 with a electric sliding sunroof.
I have searched but only find info where the work is done by a pro shop.
One answer said I have to remove both front/back glass. Yes I see where the headliner is under the front glass seal, so I removed the glass/seal(window being replaced because of cracks. the liner wraps under a part? that is screwed to the roof just before the seal, so could the back glass/seal stay and just use thee part and glue?(make it look like it goes under the seal). lastly, what is the glue that glues the headliner to the insulation and roof.
Having done some interviewing and research on the subject you may be able to find a factory replacement (somewhere) to avoid the cost of having one custom made.
Otherwise, auto upholstery shops install headliners all the time. They pull glass, or know when it's not necessary. They have the adhesives, stretcher bars, heat guns and the rest of any tools they need. Anything goes wrong they fix it before they call you for pick up.
Both front and back windshield removal is needed to do a headliner right. The only glue is at the windshields, or maybe on the side. It's held in place with bows, metal rods that go thru loops in the headliner on the roof side which are then turned to tension it, that's how they get the puckered look. It's not technically complicated, but you better have lots of patience if you try it yourself.
Mike W.
02 525ita. Wife's, aka grocery getter
02 530i. New to the fleet, 3 pedals.
03 QX4, AKA the Datsun. Finally got the 4WD vacationmoble to stop smoking.
07 Xterra. Still on the DL, a purchase from hell.
thanks for the info.
When I finally got the sunroof out and removed the door seals, you can't miss the glue holding the insulation to the roof and and the headliner to the insulation all around the sunroof opening even with the chrome pieces holding the tracks in place , even on the under part of the sunroof where the vinyl raps around its frame.
The upholstery shop that is rebuilding my seats won't touch headliners. He has been in business 50yrs,and his son next door restores cars. oh well Ill keep looking.
