Headliner falling. How to repair? Need step by step. 850

volvoheader79295 · Post by **volvoheader79295** » 26 Sep 2009, 20:17

Does anyone have a step by step method of repairing/glueing the headliner. The 850 wagon has a big piece from front to back with no sunroof. How is the best way to do this? I know I need the 3M spray glue, but that is all I know. ~ vvhdr

Post by **findude** » 26 Sep 2009, 20:32

How big a repair are you talking about? Is it just little bits around the edges, or a big sag all the way along the middle of the car?

I fixed the edges above the back window (sedan) using flexible fabric glue which you can get at a fabric store or a crafts shop for about three dollars. I then ate a popsicle and used the stick to dab the glue.

--Put an old towel below the work area to protect the seats or whatever from drops of glue.
--Work slowly, putting just a bit on at a time, using the stick to get as far in as possible. Then use a fingertip to get the edges where it curves a bit. Then, using a different finger.
--Using a different finger (one with no glue on it), bend your hand and use the back side of the finger between the last and next-to-last joints to slowly apply slight pressure to the fabric as you slide the finger moving toward the edge of the headliner.

This worked really well and did not take all that long. It took me longer to swing by the fabric store and find the glue.

Of course, if the whole thing is sagging from front to back, you'll need a different solution. Good luck.

Post by **fiore67** » 27 Sep 2009, 19:32

Try a google search "Volvo 850 headliner removal". You should get a result on the first page that says "interior trim and panels". Its from Volvoclub.org.uk. I used it as a guide when i recently did my 850.
Went to JoAnn fabrics and purchased my headliner for about $30.00 and $20.00 for 3m adhesive from Autozone. Wasn't that hard of a job.. Just the lighted visors had to be cut and spliced as i had no visible connector to unplug. Just be sure the battery is disconnected if u have to cut. Have fun and good luck.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 27 Sep 2009, 21:21

This was for a 740 but there was an episode of Weekend Mechanic on DIY Network where they went through the process. The match was excellent but they didn't identify the source of the fabric.

http://www.diynetwork.com/weekend-mecha ... index.html

If you can document the repair with some pictures along the way it would make a terrific addition to the repair datatbase.

...Lee

Post by **Brucebo** » 28 Sep 2009, 13:09

A quick temporary ("temporary" is relative), dirt cheap, non-destructive and completely reversible fix is to go down to Home Depot and get some sections of 1/2" (or the thinnest you can find) floor molding (I used the plastic or synthetic type, but the wood ones would work too), cut it to the proper length (about 5 feet) and bow them up and snap them into place using the car's side molding to hold them in place. No glue or fasteners are involved. Three or more sections give your ceiling a "ribbed" support look. By the way, I think headliners should be STITCHED to the backer in addition to being glued to the foam, but don't get me started!

-Bruce

Post by **fiore67** » 28 Sep 2009, 18:43

FYI. I tried DIY's site for Weekend Mechanic but after requesting episode info was informed it wasn't available to view at this time. I used the 740 info as a guide and it worked out great......with some help from some of the guys here.

volvoheader79295 · Post by **volvoheader79295** » 01 Oct 2009, 19:07

Hey guys, great posts. My wife said this is definitely a Saturday job. I may bring my camera to document. Ya know, if it goes badly and gets all messy and wrinkly we can show it as a "How NOT to fix a headliner." Getting the trim pieces off will be important I think. Anyway, keep em coming if anyone thinks of anything else.

tblindt · Post by **tblindt** » 02 Oct 2009, 14:34

So how did that headliner repair go? I really want to tackle my 850 WAGON liner cause its really falling down now and looks a bit ghetto. I was quoted 375 dollars for someone else to do... so I'm for sure not paying that. Any pictures or steps or recommendation before I start or attempt would be greatly appreciated... I not even really sure where to start with all this trim.

Post by **matthew1** » 02 Oct 2009, 14:37

Headliner repair <- just posted by member findude, and pinned in the Volvo Repair Database yesterday.

Post by **fiore67** » 02 Oct 2009, 19:07

I like that repair by findude but mine was sagging so bad i figured i'd just replace everything.