OK, so I have been searching for a source for a replacement headliner for my 1988 XJ-S and have not been having any luck. The original is long gone so I have nothing to repair/recover. I found sources in the UK but shipping would kill me. I did find a source in California called German Auto Tops but have not found any reference to them on this forum, anyone have any dealings with them?



Marty....................

 

Marty,

I'm guessing that you are referring to that flimsy fiber backer board for your headliner material. I too have the same problem with my 88 coupe. The headliner was falling, so I decided to simply recover the board, as I had done on my 84 coupe several years ago. The board absolutely crumbled when I began removing it, even though I already knew to use great care. It turns out that a previous owner had already removed the shell for whatever reason, and did not handle it so gingerly. Broken sections had been pieced back together using duct tape, which had long since given up the ghost.

I would love to find one of these bonded fiberglass shells that I have seen advertised in the UK, but, as you stated, the cost of shipping from the UK is the deal breaker. When I originally researched this, I found an online article from someone who had the same problem, and decided to make his own out of (if I remember correctly) 1/8" masonite. I believe he chose to cover his with suede, and the article included a complete materials list for anyone who wanted to follow in his footsteps. Although different from the original headliner shape, it looked quite nice, and had an "OEM" quality about it.. Sadly, I was not wise enough to bookmark the site, and now I can't find it to save my life.

On a side note, I also desperately need the trim pieces which cover the the A & B pillars, and run above the side windows. A P.O. had also monkeyed with those, and apparently broke them in his frustration to reinstall them. The 88 pieces are unique, because of the US-mandated "racetrack" shoulder belts. I'm not sure if the 89 coupes also had them. I believe they were only installed that single year. Like those of many other owners, mine don't function properly (and Jaguar won't fix them because of their infamous "unavailable parts"), so I have been considering buying the parts needed to retrofit the standard seat belts used on all other models.

 

Well, got an email back from the folks at German Auto Tops, seems the headliners they were advertising were for convertibles only. Since they did not have any images on their site there was no way to tell that, certainly was not mentioned in the text of the description. Oh well, the search continues.


Marty....................