I am the new owner of a 1997 XK8. It stopped running in 2017 and the previous owner let it sit for the past 5 years. It had numerous electrical issues that I worked through and got it running again (thanks to all the great information on this forum) but now I am dealing with the aftermath of it sitting with windows partially down. The interior has been host to water for some time before a cover was finally placed on it. There is an abundance of mold and mildew on all surfaces. I have been able to clean all the surfaces but the headliner is horrible with the inability to properly clean it. I am faced with either replacing the top and headliner which I will have to do someday (the top is in OK shape) or remove the headliner and live without it until the day arrives when all is replaced.

My question is: has anyone simply removed (cut out) the headliner and moved on? I understand the interior won't be as beautiful and more old school in appearance but is there anything I should be concerned with if I go this route?

Thanks all for your thoughts.

 

P, FYI you can clean the headliner with brake cleaner in case you want to try. I remember when someone posted this years ago. I thought they were crazy, but it works, no damage.

John

 

Thanks John, That is interesting and worth a try. The sad truth is that mold is all over the headliner....not just where visible. This is a health related issue more than an appearance issue. It has to be removed and there are parts of the headliner I can see but can't reach to properly clean. I am fine with taking it off and washing it but then again it is 25 years old and a replacement would be more advisable. I am just considering my options until such time as I have the funds to replace it properly.

 

My headliner is infiltrated with a dark brown powder that remains from deteriorated foam that I assume was originally a backing on the fabric. It looks like mold but it's not.

 

Interesting. Mine looks more like black splotches. I actually had to use a Tilex type of spray to get any results. This worked well on those areas I could reach to apply, scrub, vacuum and repeat. The Clorox works but will ultimately damage the fabric. I will see if I can post a few pictures of the issue when I get back home. Thanks!

 

Try using brake cleaner spray as previously suggested. You have nothing to lose....

 

You are right about nothing to lose. I will be giving the break cleaner a try. Plan B will be to purchase a replacement assembly. Does anyone know if any replacement assembly from 97 to 2006 will work or were some changes made to the mechanism I should be aware of?

Thank you all again for the sage advice.

 

If you manage to find a new assembly you can bet that it will cost a small fortune. Much better to fix what you already have....

 

Have you thought of going to your local fabric store and get a close matching fabric? I did that when I had the green shower which ruined the headliner material....went to Calico corners fabric store and they had a really really close match to color and nap size to the original.....bought enuf to redo the A&B pillars and headliner...can't tell the difference. More than likely, if doing the entire convertible headliner, I would take off the old one carefully and in one piece if possible and have a professional seamstress make a new one. Just a thought.

 

fourkegdave, That is an excellent idea! I will have to replace the top someday but will kick that can down the road. I can re-use the headliner when that day comes. Thank you (and everyone) for your thoughts.

 

Does anyone know what's in volved in removing just the headliner? Mine is good but very dirty from the deteriorated foam. If I could remove it and wash it, I'd be happy with that.

 

Someone posted this on a different thread in the forum. This gives the step by step to remove and reinstall the convertible headliner.

 

That doesn't look like a job for the faint of heart! Maybe I'll practice first on something that's less complicated like brain surgery.

 

IF you can remove your current headliner in one piece you can take it to a place that cleans rugs and have them professionally clean it. Then reinstall. Just a thought.