My roof cloth has begun to sag, starting at the rear end. Pls, I need advice on how to fix this. Thanks.

 

Probably a hundred threads on this issue:

my simple answer, a staple gun with 1/8 or 1/4 staples at a variety of points. Hardly noticeable and will keep the headliner in place.

There are also many ways to remove the header board and reglue or replace the cloth. It is much easier, so I have been told, on a VDP or XJ8L, because the long wheelbase provides enough space to remove the board without bending.

The fat plastic Dorman devices are ugly and don't work. But, staples are quick easy and hardly seen. Just be careful and don't stretch the fabric -- the stretch shows.

 

My advice is to do it long term. Find a shop that specializes in car audio, I paid $225 for new headliner & sunroof re-tracking, which was half the price quoted by automotive upholstery shops. They did the job in maybe 2 hours.

 

King Charles, thanks for the info, I had no idea that a car audio shop would do headliners. That was a good price.

 

Try finding a car audio place ... even the ones in the city are gone.

 

We have several lol. Any place around here that does automotive AV & window tinting is usually well versed in headliner services.

 

Found these recently which are an interesting option, apparently they come rolled up so its easy to ship and get into the car. Jaguar XJ8 / XJR / X308 V8. - Jag Headlinings

 

Another short term solution that I'm a fan of, is to get some upholstery twisty pins. Depending on how bad the sag is and where you install them, they would look cleaner than the staples, although staples may hold better in some cases.

 

"...apparently they come rolled up so its easy to ship..." Just wondering how this can be rolled and unrolled without being damaged.

 

Don't do this, it looks naff. This was how my headliner was when I bought the car, luckily I already had the headliner out of my previous X308 sitting with new material on ready to be installed.




Nope! Makes it look tacky.

Also try to find material the same or as close as possible match to the material used oem, it needs to match the roof console. I've seen some XJ's with all sorts of crazy materials up there and the majority look wrong. Use OEM or if you really want to go upmarket use some alcantara.

 

watch this

 

I did replace mine myself you need to remove the cant rails at the side the map light/ sunglasses holder Centre roof console, also pull down the alarm sensors and disconnect them then the 2 square plastic lugs in the rear by the back window, now be brave and fold the headboard in half ( it will bounce back retain its shape) and pull the bloody thing straight out the back door. ( position your seats according) the exact material was available here in the U.K. Online at a company call martrim. Use spray contact glue that is HEAT RESISTANT ( very important! ) it sounds a nightmare job but it is actually ok and a cheap fix if you have a spare day and some basic tools ...........GOOD LUCK MATE.

 

Neil, thanks for your response. I have heard of this Spray contact glue in another forum. Can you point me to a brand and shop where I can get it. Remember I'm resident in Nigeria so likely to buy online.


Second, my cloth seems to be in good reusable condition. Will you advice reusing it or to replace with a new one. Thanks again.