Ok. I've been sick of my stained, soiled failing headliner since I bought my car. I've had quotes from 500 to 1400.00 to replace with factory or custom, and I had to provide the factory headliner!! The labor to replace factory is CRAZY!!
I decided to take a chance and do it myself.
I recovered my a pillars with alcantara suede and the bit over the sun visors. Well, that left the visors gray, and the light cluster as well.
I took everything out and recovered, not a big deal. I then taped up the lights, mesh and led light in the cluster and painted with trim paint. Perfect!
That left the visors. So I tried the duplicolor fabric/vinyl flat black paint and after three coats, perfect!
Once I re installed all of that, my headliner looked even worse!!
So, I decided to be fearless and use the same fabric paint and spray the entire headliner!!
I'll post each pic with a description. It took 3 hours, 40.00 in paint, and all I can say is DAMN!! STUNNING!!
It looks like suede, opens and closes perfectly, and I'm soooo happy!
I think I've finally done something that may be of service to many members!!
Again, be fearless and give it a go!
Here's the before look!

 

Before

 

Slid paper between the window and headliner

 

Used Duplicolor vinyl fabric flat black spray, four cans.
I covered the entire interior with sheets, and wore a mask, then started in the back. I removed the carpet from the back area and sprayed everything. Long even strokes, let it dry for about 15 mins and re sprayed three times. It looks uneven until it dries. Don't remove any protection coverings until done just in case you need to re spray. I did the back half first.

 

I then sprayed the front half, stopping short of the latch area.
Once I had the entire headliner sprayed with three coats, I opened the top and finished the front edge. I didn't even tape up the retaining strip for the top. The black paint blends perfectly with the metal strip!
I unsnapped the two tabs holding the headliner to the frame, nearest the windshield, and holding back with rubber gloves, I sprayed the inside of the headliner. Now, the inside is black, and the exposed edges as well!

 

I did recover the a pillars and permanent headliner with alcantara black suede. Really easy, just some spray glue, and a hot glue gun. I used the same spray paint and painted the visors, and the center light cluster. Taped up the mesh, lights and led bulb in center.
Once installed, it all matches up perfectly.
Top closes great, fabric flexes with no problem. It does change texture to a linen feel but who touches the headliner anyway!!
Now I don't mind leaving top down without the leatherette cover!!
Seriously, be fearless , mask everything and paint away!!
It looks like a full suede headliner for 40.00!!

 

Close up of a pillar suede

 

Waaay bitchin!

 

Maybe a moderator will flip my pics!!!
This is probably the best thing I've ever done to improve my car. I can't tell you how amazing this looks in person!! It's so hard to photograph, but the real trick is 3-4 even coats, recheck every edge, wear gloves and stretch the seams and spray the, first, then layer, layer layer!!
You could even simply spray the a pillars and permanent headliner as well, I just wanted suede when the top was down!!

 

Sorry so many of the same pics. My iPad is freaking me out!!

 

I've read several threads wondering if this would work! So guys, it does!! Go for it!!
And if you see a bit not painted, just keep an extra can in the boot and hit it when you see something!
Oh, that damn hand hold in the front, I pulled the liner down, sprayed and pushed back in!!
FEARLESS!!

 

 

And, may I add, it makes the interior feel like a cocooned Maserati interior!! My dads biturbo had a black suede headliner and it made such a difference!! People think the black will close it in when in fact, it's just the opposite!! It disappears!!
Oh, be prepared to leave the windows down over night for a bit. It does smell but seems to go away in a couple days.
H, I did the floor mats too!! Brand new!!!

 

Wow. Nice job.

 

Nice going Phil...Count me as one of the former skeptics, but it looks great!!

I hope you can come up to VA for a remote top installation....I am dying to see your car in person.

 

Great job!

Hmm. Maybe it's time to rethink how I correct my headliner stains?

 

Here they are:







Graham

 

I may consider this, thanks for the idea and some confidence. I don't know if I'd go black though...maybe a charcoal, or darker gray?

 

The fabric paint comes in several colors. I'm going to try out the light gray on another project. My brothers light gray top on his mustang needs the same refinish.
I think it may solve the failing foam issue between the headliner and the backing. It really seems to seal the fabric. BUT, I really saturated it. 4 FOUR heavy coats.
I finally put the top down today and it folded beautifully, and looked like black suede. I didn't even use the leatherette cover. It was so nice to look in the rear view mirror and not see flapping stained gray fabric!! It even acted like suede. Much stiffer but not stiff??
I did see a couple gray spots that I didn't notice while painting, but I pulled out the black spray and touched up those spots. Perfect!!
Also did the floor mats. This stuff is magic!!

 

Looks totally awesome!Thanks for taking the plunge