I recently bought a beautiful black "Sport" V8 and have been busily detailing it inside and out. One problem that perplexed me was on the inside of the windshield posts. The napped fabric that covers the posts had bubbled up and loosened from the underlying plastic that covers the post. It looked pretty ugly and I spent a long time studying on how to permanently smooth out the bubbles without messing up the napped fabric. I saw this same problem on two or three other S Types I looked at before buying this one, so it appears it may be a problem for more of us than just me.

I thought about injecting liquid glue through the fabric but rejected the idea because I was afraid of permanently staining the fabric. What I finally decided to try was a combination of regular water and my wife's hand iron from the laundry room. I sprayed the water on the bubbles until they were completely wet. Then having set the iron on medium high I gently ironed the bubbles and guess what? They disappeared completely! I used the iron very gently and did not push down on it at all. On the drivers side the bubbles disappeared and the napped fabric wasn't disturbed. However, on the passenger side I apparently used too much pressure because the bubbles disappeared but he nap of the fabric was matted down. Yuck! Another problem to solve. The solution was a small semi stiff brush with nylon bristles ( a clean toothbrush should do it). I gently brushed the nap, experimenting with the best direction, up from the dash or down from the headliner and the napped fabric came back as new! The secret is be gentle and patient. Gently using the iron will prevent packing the nap down, but a good brushing will bring it back if necessary. It appears to me that the combination of water and heat has reactivated the original glue and erased the bubbles. Good luck!

Steve

 

Great tip, thanks!

 

The glue has failed so I don't think your repair will last.

Much easier and better to fix them off the car. Pop off the covers and peel the fabric all the way off, clean both sides up and then use spray glue to reapply.
.
.
.

 

A 2002 V8 is likely a 4.0 so be SURE to worry mainly about (i.e. change) its chain tensioners - use Search to find how vital this is.