How do I re-glue the headliner in a wagon (back half fell down)

[bmdubya1198]

I think I only used one can. If the $250 quote includes materials, I would go for it. As someone who doesn't like to do interior work, I say let him do it!

[FireFox31]

How can the sunroof trim be removed without shattering it?

At a junkyard, I tried removing the sunroof trim but shattered it into ten pieces. I found that the trim has built in clips in the middle and top which hold firmly to protrusions on the upper side of the sheet metal rim. The clips/protrusions are in the left/mid/right of the front and rear and one or two on each side. On the trim, for each clip on its top holding the metal protrusion, there is a center ledge on either side holding the underside of the metal.

The problem is, we only easily have access to the underside the trim where there are no clips. I tried sliding a flat screwdriver into that gap and tapping it with a hammer, but that shattered the clips built into the trim (though not the visible underside). Next, I might try using a spackle knife so tapping it with a hammer spreads that force over a wide area.

The trim clips may be more accessible from above with the sunroof open. From above, you could slide a wide blade like a spackle knife between the sheet metal protrusion and the trim's upper clip. From above, this might be possible with a spackle knife bent at a ~120 degree angle letting you sneak it in the small gap. From inside, you would need a spackle knife carefully bent with two 90 degree angles letting you drop down into that groove from above. To bend the knife, put it in a wide table vice and fold it.

Other tips when removing the headliner:
I removed this junkyard headliner without fully removing the D pillar trim. I simply loosened it from behind the rear doors. I didn't remove the trim around the trunk light (by the tailgate) at all. If you do remove the light trim, the base of its two screws may get stuck to the roof metal so even a gentle pull snaps them off. Consider separating them with a spackle knife from the front.

The four grab bars will feel really well attached to the car after removing their bolts. Give them a good, straight pull and they'll come off.

The rear grab bar plastic surrounding their lights will likely be super brittle and crumble to dust. All those years of incandescent bulb head just cooks them. Consider buying new ones (if available), reinforce them with JB Weld Plastic, or be ultra careful when removing and reinstalling them.

There are wires attached to the top side of the headliner which run to the grab bar lights. I think they attach at the front driver's side or between the front and rear left doors. There's a large bundle which runs to the rear view mirror. Be sure these are all free before removing.

I have no idea where the sun visor light wires get disconnected. According to an earlier post, they're "way down on the A pillar."

[bmdubya1198]

It's nearly impossible to remove the sunroof trim without breaking it. I went with Chuck's method using the rubber edge trim to replace mine and it looks WAY better than the broken trim I had.

[Chuck W]

There is evidently a "trick" to removing it. (I think it's a twist-ish action from the top to break it free.) I tried it a couple times in the JY on cars there, and they broke at some point every time.
It's a combination of a pretty secure retention method and degraded plastic that's very brittle to begin with.

[bmdubya1198]

Figures that the one piece on these interiors that is secured really well can't be removed without breaking the brittle plastic.

[850forum]

Well, the guy decided that he no longer wants to do the job, citing risk of breakage of the trim. Told him he would do better than me, but he just doesn't want to do it suddenly. Maybe I'll try him again when the weather warms up, that might be part of his reasons.

So I need to make time to digest the best methods for each piece of trim. The sunroof is already redone with flexible rubber molding, but I need to find out how to remove the sun visors & their wiring. Won't happen until late spring when I can work outside.

Which is the D pillar - between the doors? I know A is between front door & windscreen.

[bmdubya1198]

The D pillars are the farthest rear, at the taillights.
It's not a hard process, it's just tedious having to remove all the trim. If you take your time, you'll be alright.

[Chuck W]

So I need to make time to digest the best methods for each piece of trim. The sunroof is already redone with flexible rubber molding, but I need to find out how to remove the sun visors & their wiring.

The sun visor plugs are down the A-pilars next to the dash, basically. If you remove the a-pilar trim, you can trace the wires down to unplug them.
The trim over the doors is connected in the middle, behind the b-pilar trim. They come off pretty easy after you remove the grab handles. The rear top trim at the liftgate is just screwed in place. The c-pilar trim and around the rear window is a bit more fuzzy in my memory. It's not that hard to figure out, though. There are also two push-in clips over the rear side windows.

[850forum]

Anyone point me to photos/instructions for removing each piece of trim- do they snap in so you have to pry a certain place or direction? Hidden screws?

How many types of trim?
Switch module over rear view mirror
grab handles over front doors
lights & grab handles over rear doors
light over 5th door (station wagon)

[bmdubya1198]

Here's a video from Robert on headliner removal. He should outline the removal of all the trim fairly well.