I have received my new headlining which I intend to fit this weekend, but before I remove the old one, I was wondering what the little gizmo on the roof with the smiley face is. Is it a microphone for the phone? I can't find any reference to it in the handbook and don't see a way of removing it from the headlining, although all may become apparent when I release the headlining.


It's amazing how flash photography can alter the colour spectrum: Would you believe that my headlining in beige?

 

It's the microphone for the telephone system.

All UK spec have the microphone and steering wheel controls even if a phone is not fitted.

I've never needed to remove one and thought it could be attached directly onto the headlining with velcro but the Parts Catalogue shows it has a baseplate:



Looks like countersunk screw holes in it.

Graham

 

Many thanks for that prompt response. Yes I do have the phone fitted and I'm sure I will find the correct way to remove and refit it.

 

Graham, is it always fitted in the same location as in the photo, as without looking I don't think I have one fitted there.

Andy

 

It's been in that location on my XJ8 and 2 XK8's. I expect for LHD vehicles it would be fitted on the opposite side of the roof console.

In the XK, it's on the windscreen pillar.

Graham

 

Hi renaultvation, I too will have to replace/repair my headliner this year. After standing for almost 4 years it has drooped a bit, I have seen a couple on ebay for around £130 and was going to get one but other matters are more pressing....tensioners, gearbox check, fuel filter,plugs and oil change etc, just the obvious things you would change when you buy a car.
Oh and I bought a flip fob last night, hopefully it will be posted today. I plan on taking him out of hibernation in April, which is his year of manufacture, although he was first purchased in December of 1999.
Could you keep us up to date with how the headliner replacement goes please?
Pics in stages would be a great learning tool for all of us, thanks in anticipation.
Kind regards,
ArtyH

 

I fitted the new headlining today and took a few pictures as I went along.


The first shows the state of the original headlining.





First job is to remove everything holding the headlining in place, which included the sunvisors, overhead console, telephone microphone, light over rear seat, coat hooks at rear, large torx nut holding seatbelt (removing the cover first). Having removed all these items, you need to pull the A pillar covers away and the rear quarter side trims.




















Before you remove the old headlining, undo the blue connector to the microphone and the two yellow connectors to the sunvisors.





It is easier to remove the headlining through the passenger door with the window down, but it is a tight squeeze.





You will see that the microphone is pop riveted in place, so I drilled out the rivets. I copied the original aperture and cut a new one in the new roof using a dremel. As the new board is fibreglass, I used self tapping screws to refit it.





With the headlining removed, you will see that the roof panel is bare, so I attached a couple of sound deadening panels to reduce the noise of rain on the roof.





The new roof lining is mounted on a fibreglass roof which is heavier and less flexible that the original. Although I fitted it alone, it would be easier with two people. Beware, the edges can damage and scuff the leather, so don't try and force anything. This is the most difficult part of the job!




With the new lining in place, you can see a slight difference in the colour compared with the A pillars, but the new lining comes with plenty of additional spare material to cover the pillars as well, but that is a job for another day.

 

Great job and thanks for the pictures.

p.s. I like the way you matched your house's brickwork detail on the left side of picture #2 with the outer dash vents for the XK8/R.

 

Nicely spotted!

 

Unfortunately, picture 2 also demonstrates the problem with a typical English garage: It is too small to fit a car in! Mine dates from 1969 when the average car was a lot smaller, but house builders are still building them to the same dimensions.

 

I was told that mesh in the light pod was connected to the airbag system.

 

Hi renaultvation, great job, and thanks for the pics. How long did it take to complete the task? Where did you get the headlining? For me its a task for a later date as I have just bought a front grill kit and the flip key from an x type, so I have them to sort first.
Again manynthanks for taking the time to explain the procedure and take the pics. This is a super forum with super members.
Cheers,
Arty

 

YES - it's the Occupancy Sensor cover.

Graham

 

Arty, I didn't time it as I was doing other tasks at the same time and went out to buy the sound deadening pads. However, it should be possible in a couple of hours, but don't hurry it as you need to take care not damage anything. I bought the headlining from Myrtle in Kent. They sell on ebay: JAGUAR XKR/XK8 REPLACEMENT HEADLINING BOARD | eBay

While I had the overhead console off, I did reshape the mesh cover as a previous owner had pushed it in. It now looks a lot better.

 

I'd seen Myrtle Production were doing headliners when I was getting some veneer work done.

Myrtle Productions, fine wood car interiors and luxury steering wheels

Good to read a report from someone who has tried their headliners.

Graham

 

Hi all, just seen this thread on replacement headliners.

Mine dropped about 2 months ago on my 2001 Xk8 so I got a replacement from Jaguar headlining, Jaguar interiors, wood dashboard kits.

I didn't have time to fit it myself nor the expertise, so I got them to fit it for me.
For your info they did an excellent job.

They are located near to Dover in Kent and also sell via Ebay.

Rob

 

Wow, great job on that. What a big difference. Wish I could replce just my pillars in the convertible, grr.

 

A pillar replacement is probably not necessary.

A little time,effort and about $15 can restore them to like new.

 

Great job and pix! When mine was only a few years old, I had the same time of drooping/bubbling problem on mine so I called a headliner repair specialist in to have a go at it. Two hours later and it looked like new and is still good 17 years later.

 

Hi, finally found your post. I have a 2008 XKR same issue. Looks similar , I want to do the job myself but didn't want to break any fasteners removing the sun visors etc. Is it possible to reuse the same fabric and just replace or clean the foam? Fabric is suede and would like to keep it so it matches the rest on the interior. Any info would be greatly appreciated. I love the car and it bothers me to look at the liner every time I go for a ride. .