Hey Everyone,

I have a 01 XKR silverstone with 6k miles on it. I recently took it in for service and they left it outside for half a day or so(it is almost never outside, must not have liked the cold in the morning and heat in the afternoon). When I started to drive it on my way home, my headliner on the passenger side fell down almost as far as it could. What should I do now? With the low mileage I think I was to stick with OEM, but at $1,200, that is pretty expensive.

What should I do??

Thanks

 

Jaguar XKR, I sure am surprised at that price, is that with labor too? Here is an idea for you if no one is able to suggest something more specific. I own a 1986 XJ-6 as well. Falling headliners is all too common with these cars, to the point that there must be dozens and dozens of posts on how to do the job, but more importantly for you - Where to get authentic looking headliner material. My memory says it would be much less thahn $500 for the material alone, it is the job of figuring out how to get the headliner out that is daunting. As I recall, folks who followed the step by step procedures were happily surprised at the fact that they could do a professional looking job, in a much shorter time than expected. I am suggesting that if you need some more ideas check the XJ-6 sites for resources. I used the "jaguar lovers forum" extensively back then, when that was my primary car. I have a convertible XK8 so I never looked for XK-8/R instructions on headliner replacements. Hope it helps you get a good answer. John

 

this can be a DIY job - Alcantara fabric can be obtained locally at most fabric stores - here is a link to one member's efforts:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...e-what-112611/

 

Are you saying that the entire headliner - including the stiff, formed backing - is falling down? Or is just the headliner fabric separating from the formed backing and drooping (while the formed backing stays in place)?



.

 

Jaguar XKR, every story I've ever heard about a proper headliner replacement involves removing the headliner, discarding the old fabric, prepping and gluing down the new fabric, reinstalling headliner, reinstalling trim. It sound impossible but when you figure out the sequence for your or any particular model, it can be done from what I've heard. John

 

JaguarXKR,
The velour headliner in our Jaguars is very inexpensive acrylic or polyester velour that is available in any fabric store for under $10.00/yd. I have seen it at stores like Jo Ann's with the foam rubber already fused to the velour for automotive use. In my 2010 XKR, Alcantara suede was used for the headliner and A pillars. Alcantara is a brand name for a synthetic suede that can be purchased in most dowtown textile districts for well under $10.00 under many different names, the most common of which is Passion Suede. It is much nicer looking and infinitely more durable than the cheap velour that is in your car (and my 2002 XKR) If you're replacing the whole headliner, I would highly recommend this upgrade. It comes in at least 75 colors. If you're going to try and reglue the portion of the headliner that has come down, obviously, you're going to have to go to the edge above the door to peel it back and then use an upholstery grade spray or brush on adhesive to reset it. Don't use the stuff you find at Home Depot or your local hardware store. Find a professional upholstery supplies store, and they can give you a professional product that will be much stronger.

I have worked in the textile and upholstery industries for over 40 years, so I actually do know what I'm talking about.

 

Here is a forum link that should help if you want to DIY.

http://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/xk...learned-70845/

My son-in-law did the headliner in his Saturn fairly easily and it looks like a professional job. Been in place almost a year with no problems. He had no previous experience and is not that handy of a guy. So you should give it a shot.

Tons of videos on YouTube for doing this. No XKR's, but the basic principle is the same for all coupes.

 

This is really not a big deal. When I bought my 2002 XKR the headliner was falling down. I had it replaced at a place near where I live for $300. It looks perfect; I believe they used the exact same material. At least it looks indistinguishable from the original. The owner of the shop that did the work says he does lots of Jags. This may be a more common problem in the south than in the north.


Mark