Hello,

There is a few things I'm looking to do to my 87 sovereign and I am looking for some advice on how to go abouts that!

First off the varnish on my dash is cracked, raised and peeling off, the wood underneath is fine. I would like to re-do the dash but I don't really want to go through the hassle of removing it completely. Has anyone removed the varnish and put a new coat on without removing the dash? Not sure if anyone has done that or if it would be possible.

The headliner is also sagging pretty much everywhere, I've seen YouTube tutorials on DIY repairing. But since my car has a sunroof how tricky is it to remove the headliner and do it yourself?

Lastly how or is it possible to remove the backseat head rests?? I can't seem to get it!

Of course I do have the option paying to get the work done but I'd really like to do it myself and keep the costs down!

Thank you!

Blaine

 

To get that varnish off, you can use a stripper. Works pretty well. I would say, however, that attempting to do that while still installed will be a disaster. Between the mess of the varnish removal, sanding, prep, multiple coats, and final wet sand buff, you'll curse not taking out the dash. Check the forum, while I have not removed the dash, it didn't seem too painful.

I re-did one headliner myself, but it was in a Range Rover. Was finicky, but relatively easy. Also, ask around at some local upholstery shops in your area. I think you'll be surprised how reasonable that work can be. The guys that do them for a living are quite quick.

 

I saw this video highlighted in another thread. Thanks to the original member who posted it


Based on that I would definitely take the dash out

Headliner....... I did it on my 90 XJ40. It took me the whole weekend, mainly because I had to take half the car apart to get it out. The finished job was good, but the reality is the actual cutting and sticking of the headliner was 10% of my time........I have seen professional body shops get the same results in record time by doing it inside the car. Based on that and my previous adventure, I would find a good body shop that can do it without taking it out of the car.

Not sure about rear headrests.... never had them in my earlier 84 VDP

 

If setup is the same as a non vdp model, seat back has to come out and there will be two bolts holding each headrest on
I added them.to my car but forgot to switch them to new seats when i got them!!