RE: 2003 XK8 Couple
I need to replace the fabric cover that fits over the inside of the drivers side A-pillar (vertical roof support column). Any advice on how this piece comes off would be appreciated. I have not tried pulling/wiggling the piece as I don't want to damage it by loosening the connectors.

Also, any advice or how to's on re-covering the piece with a new fabric would be appreciated. I'm assuming it's basically a staple gun and spray adhesive.

thanks Tim

 

It is held on by spring clips and the rubber molding on the door edge. Just pull it off. Removing it will ruin the years old foam material backing as many convertible owners have found out but yours is shot anyway. The piece is steel so it's spray adhesive only. Simple job.

 

Test Point - thanks for the reply. When removing the piece, do I just pull from all 4 corners simultaneously straight away? or do I start on one of the longitudinal edges a pull that off first, do I squeeze or pinch the part anywhere to release it?
I could tell the foam backing was shot. The surface is somewhat dimpled after touching and does not seem to rebound.
Any ideas on where to go to find both the replacement foam and the fabric cover? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
thanks Tim

 

Ours were in bad shape and the piece, I found, is easiest to remove by pulling straight out at the top corners and working down. There are three, reasonably sturdy, plastic posts down the center of the piece that hold it in, on our '00 anyway. I was able to take off the cloth, clean it with an upholstery cleaner, clean off all the deteriorated foam then glue the cloth back on. I didn't bother with replacing the foam.

Easy job.

 

I had to start under the top of the door molding to find a finger hold. The material is sold online by auto upholstery suppliers and comes with the foam backing. Problem is matching the old top material from online selections. You are going to have to buy a yard or two and use an 1/8 yard. Also the 3M spray adhesive is very expensive and you are going to use 1/4th can. I would suggest that you find a local shop that stocks the stuff. What I am getting at is taking the pieces off and having a local shop do the work is probably a good deal.

 

If you want to do it yourself inexpensively, http://www.wlsheadliners.com/ sells foam backed nylon fabric by the yard which is used for both the A-pillars and headliner. If you send them a small sample of the material they can get you a close color match. They also sell the adhesive. Their site also has some how-tos.

 

Hardmat, I changed mine a couple of years ago. I used a vinyl with a slightly "pillowed" backing (purchased at a Joanne Fabrics store). The color of the vinyl is dead-on with my interior. I simply removed the pillars, cleaned off the factory foam (pretty simple as it was dried out) cut the vinyl pattern, sprayed contact adhesive on both surfaces, and formed the new vinyl to fit. I also covered the header that sits above the windshield. The cost was minimal. No more sagging fabric to deal with. Good luck......

 

To Testpoint, Max, whiteXKR and Micksjag:
thanks guys for the tips...I do appreciate it.
Tim Hardman