Are sagging headliners common? I have a 2015 XKR and the whole headliner has sagged. Is there a board that has to be removed or is it just phone back?

 

Very Common Problem. The headliner has a foam backing that degrades over time and one day it just fails and the whole headliner sags. There are several posts of DIY, Professional replacement, and Upgraded materials on this forum. Here is a quick synopsis.

1. Identify the Cause of the Sagging

• Heat and Age: Adhesive breakdown due to prolonged exposure to heat.
  
• Moisture: Water leakage from the sunroof or seals.
  
• Wear and Tear: Over time, the fabric and foam backing deteriorate.
  

2. Choose a Repair Method

Depending on the severity of the sagging and your budget, select an appropriate solution:

• Quick Fixes (Temporary):
  
  • Thumbtacks or Pins: Secure the fabric temporarily but may not look professional.
    
  • Spray Adhesive: Use a high-strength adhesive designed for headliners to reattach the fabric. Apply sparingly to avoid oversaturation.
    
• Comprehensive Repair (Permanent):
  
  • Replace the Headliner Material: Remove the headliner board, strip the old material, and apply new foam-backed fabric using a high-quality adhesive.
    
  • Professional Reupholstery: Seek a skilled auto upholsterer for a factory-finish look.
    

3. Tools and Materials Needed

• Quick Fix: Spray adhesive, thumbtacks, or a steamer.
  
• DIY Replacement: Foam-backed fabric (color matched), headliner adhesive, scissors, plastic pry tools, and a screwdriver.
  

4. Steps for DIY Replacement

1. Remove Components:
   
   • Carefully detach the headliner board by removing screws, handles, and trim.
     
   • Disconnect electronics, such as dome lights and sensors.
     
2. Strip the Old Material:
   
   • Gently peel off the sagging fabric and scrape off the degraded foam with a brush or vacuum.
     
3. Cut and Attach New Fabric:
   
   • Cut the new foam-backed fabric to size.
     
   • Apply adhesive evenly across the headliner board, avoiding lumps or uneven application.
     
   • Smooth the fabric onto the board from the center outward.
     
4. Reinstall the Headliner:
   
   • Reattach the headliner board and reinstall all components.
     

5. Preventative Maintenance

• Park in shaded areas or use sunshades to reduce heat exposure.
  
• Ensure the car’s seals and sunroof drains are functioning correctly to avoid moisture buildup.
  

6. When to Seek Professional Help

If the sagging is severe, or you're not confident with DIY repairs, consult a professional for a seamless, factory-quality finish.

 

I bought new headliner and installed it myself - took a couple of hours.

This member did the job:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...urbish-220369/

This is a good write up:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ration-258282/

 

would this be the same instructions for a 2015?

Was it Tberg? the one in the forum who has close to the correct material/color? Does does he still have it or how do I get in touch with him? (and I don’t remember his name? sorry.)
I know the foam being used today is much better than the foam that was used 10 years ago, and I believe gluing a headliner to the foam is a little bit more forgiving than directly to the headliner board… ?
My interior is the warm charcoal. Is that going to be the jet black color suede type?

so to recap, can I follow the same directions as posted above for the 2007XK?

Does the fourum member here still have access to the correct material and color or does someone have a link to where to get that from now? — and how much material sq. Yrds?(Not meters as you Brits have a tendency to make measurements way too easy)
See below 👇 copy and paste this link into your browser for a great self-deprecating skit about us Americans!

Washington’s dream:


Once you’re there, scroll down or search for Washington’s dream Part 2.


And the color that would be correct? I’m assuming my warm charcoal interior would be the jet black color for the headliner?

Any other tips things to look out for or make sure to do? And thanks to everyone in advance because this form has been extremely helpful already!

 

If you want a quick temporary solution which can look quite reasonable if done neatly, look for transparent headed spiral twist pins.


Richard

 

I just had the headliner replaced in my 07 XKR for $205.25. Not worth trying yourself, IMO. Just ask around for a reputable trim shop near you. Original material is NLA, but they used a material I can only describe as a fine oxford, like a pinpoint oxford shirt and anyone would have to know and be looking for it to tell it isn't factory.

 

thanks. Where can I buy the material that would be a close match? There was a thread where someone (Tberg?) had access to something close. 2015 xkr warm chocolate leather interior. What color would headliner be?
thanks all.

 

I did the job on my 2011 last fall... see my posts near the end of this thread :
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...-204416/page7/

The hardest part is getting the pillar trim off without breaking the clips (which i had to jb weld back together). I rushed a bit with the gluing and did it in 2 steps. If I were to do it over again, I would go a little slower to have some time to work the more complex curves in the front corners. The Fabric Empire Jet Black Synergy liner was an almost perfect match. If you have the time, it is possible to DIY if you take your time and watch some videos on how to apply the glue and work the fabric.

 

I just "tagged' @tberg (Forum member's screen name preceded by the @ symbol), which will automatically send an email alert to him that he's been mentioned in this thread. Hopefully, he will reply to @Obtuse1 soon.

 

One of the hardest parts to cover correctly are the sunvisors. Especially if you want them to match everything else. They are very delicate and you don't want to have to replace them. If I still have my car, the next headliner replacement will be all black.

 

This is another approach to repair, hold it on with screws (Not my car thankfully!)

 

thanks @stuarts he actually sent me a message and we have talked extensively. I just really don’t care for the guy because he knows way too much about these cars, and in turn it made me feel pretty dumb. (Ofc I am so everyone makes me feel like that haha)🤣 in all seriousness he’s a great guy and was/is/has been a tremendous help and a wealth of knowledge!

 

After a hard couple days of rain here in Phoenix a few weeks ago, I guess the moisture did my headliner in on my '08 XKR, like 80% droop! I found a guy on FB Marketplace who came to my house and did the job, including the visors for $375 with matching suede, it came out beautiful.

 

 

. $375 is a deal!!! And with Visors!!

 

Well did it all except the visors!

Jet black from fabric empire

 

When mine sagged we decided to have a bit of fun…