Headliner installation

Blaise · Post by **Blaise** » Mon Jun 19, 2017 1:03 pm

My car is undergoing some new improvements, including a new headliner.

I am trying to find some information/tips on how to install it.

I just found this, and recall most recommending that it be done by a professional.

http://firstfives.org/faq/headliner/hea ... ir_faq.htm

But it can't be rocket science, has any of you successfully installed a new headliner? Luckily, I do not have a sunroof.

Cheers,

Blaise

PS-I will share photos once my car is back on the road.

Mike W. · Post by **Mike W.** » Mon Jun 19, 2017 1:57 pm

I don't think I've done a full one, but I've been in there. It's not technically complicated, just a lot of work.

First, remove the front and rear windshields.
Next peel the headliner off at the windshields and doors after you have removed the door weatherstripping.
At that point you should be able to roll the bows out and reduce tension on it. From there slide the bows IIRC. The bows are kind of neat the way they snap into place and hold tension on it. Of course you will have to reglue it at the windshields and over the doors, I don't recall if that's before or after tensioning it, probably after.

Blaise · Post by **Blaise** » Mon Jun 19, 2017 2:26 pm

Thanks Mike, that's what I figured. I have the rear glass and all door seals removed, but am hoping to leave the windshield in place. Time will tell if it's possible:)

Mike W. · Post by **Mike W.** » Mon Jun 19, 2017 6:32 pm

Blaise wrote:Thanks Mike, that's what I figured. I have the rear glass and all door seals removed, but am hoping to leave the windshield in place. Time will tell if it's possible:)

If you want to do it right, you have to pull it. The headliner wraps over the flange just a bit and is glued on. I wouldn't go to all that work and risk screwing it up by trying to slide it in under the rubber and glue it.

Blaise · Post by **Blaise** » Mon Jun 19, 2017 6:38 pm

Mike W. wrote:
Blaise wrote:Thanks Mike, that's what I figured. I have the rear glass and all door seals removed, but am hoping to leave the windshield in place. Time will tell if it's possible:)
If you want to do it right, you have to pull it. The headliner wraps over the flange just a bit and is glued on. I wouldn't go to all that work and risk screwing it up by trying to slide it in under the rubber and glue it.

Thanks.

Note to self...do the headliner when you are replacing the windshield and rear glass seals....not 5 years later:(

RonDwyer · Post by **RonDwyer** » Tue Jun 20, 2017 9:00 pm

With all the door seals and windows removed, hang the headliner with the bows and begin stretching it into position and gluing. Bring it to Pinky in San Leandro if you don't want to ruin a few getting it right. Wrinkles are tough to get out. Think of it as a membrane that likes to be pulled evenly in all directions.

Blaise · Post by **Blaise** » Tue Jun 20, 2017 9:21 pm

Thanks Ron.

I have four estimates from reputable shops ranging from $400-$550, with one at $850.

Do any of you have tips or information on the insulation that goes above the headliner? I want to be ready if it needs refreshing.

RonDwyer · Post by **RonDwyer** » Thu Jun 22, 2017 9:17 pm

Cant remember what it looks like. I'd plan to replace it, old foam just crumbles to the touch. Shops have the right glue pot that they can spray the correct adhesive with. Most adhesives will melt the foam. You might be able to clean it up on your own, but chances are they will want to see the old one in place. I'd tackle seat covers, headliners and convertible tops probably not.

Blaise · Post by **Blaise** » Mon Aug 14, 2017 2:00 pm

I am having it installed professionally.

As they removed the existing headliner, they discovered that some of the hoop grommets were cracked. It seems the BMW doesn't supply these anymore.

Would any of you have some good used ones to sell? Thank you in advance.

Mike W. · Post by **Mike W.** » Tue Aug 15, 2017 11:08 pm

I've seen those grommets in place, but probably not in 15 years. Would a regular grommet work or is there something special about it?

Blaise · Post by **Blaise** » Wed Aug 16, 2017 9:38 am

Yes, calling them grommets is a bit misleading. They look more like elongated top hats.

I was able to get some used ones at double 02 salvage.

https://goo.gl/photos/itX2E8RmRJXd4qy37

Blaise · Post by **Blaise** » Wed Aug 16, 2017 8:59 pm

I stand corrected! I took those grommets to the upholster to find out that they are not the same.

The correct one should look like this:

https://goo.gl/photos/dHcyFzkLBPiaqRv37

And, I cannot seem to find one used, or new:(

Any help appreciated.

Mike W. · Post by **Mike W.** » Thu Aug 17, 2017 2:41 pm

Looks like they were used on E12, 21, 23 and 24. E28 appears to have used something similar, but from Realoem I can't tell how similar. Check again with 002 salvage, they might still have something. Realoem suggests they are still available, but it's a perfect database. Schmiedmann shows them available in 5 days. http://old.schmiedmann.com/displayprodu ... 34&pty=new

51441815634
Grommet

From:
06/01/1972
To:
-
Weight:
0.006 kg
Price:
$1.37

Superseded by:

51441913099
(09/01/1982 — ), nonexchangeable retrospectively

Part 51441815634 was found on the following vehicles:

3' E21   (02/1975 — 12/1983)
5' E12   (02/1972 — 07/1981)
6' E24   (10/1975 — 04/1989)
7' E23   (10/1976 — 06/1986)

Blaise · Post by **Blaise** » Fri Aug 18, 2017 3:57 pm

Thanks a million Mike. You have and continue to be quite helpful on this forum, I am want to share my appreciation.

I have now reached out to three sources for these grommets, all of which have confirmed that BMW no longer supplies them.

So, I am going to try to make some. This will be my first attempt at making a rubber (urethane) part. My fingers are crossed that it will work.

Cheers,

Blaise