Hello all - long time lurker here, really enjoy this forum! I've got a 2002 XK8 hardtop that suddenly has the headliner sagging down, as if all of the glue failed that holds it up to the roof insert. A local upholstery shop quoted $450, because they need to remove and redo the whole thing. Anybody seen this? Anybody tried spraying glue inside, and sticking it back up? Other ideas and input welcome; I'd really prefer spending $450 on something else! :-)

Thanks
George

Submitted by philliphefner@… on Fri, 06/20/2014 - 07:27

honestly, I think this is pretty common on most older jaguars. Every single pre 2006 I've had has had the headliner either fail completely or start. It's the foam layer between the fabric and hard board surface. It fails under the heat. Even the convertible tops used the same fabric and it fails too. On my convertible xk8 2002 it had failed causing orange stains at he seams where the foam dust works its way out of the fabric weave.
If you try it use the old headliner it will be a disaster. It really needs to be removed, totally clean all the old residue off the backer board from the foam and replace with new and headliner spray glue. Not difficult just tedious. The convert tops are a different story. It's either replace ($$$$$) or I used fabric paint and painted mine black and replaced the a pillar and over windshield with black suede. Still looks amazing. Mu interior is black though. The paint comes in many colors. It's duplicolor brand.

Submitted by talburkett@gmail.com on Fri, 06/20/2014 - 05:58

Allow me to jump in late...replace the headliner.
Past experience would suggest that there may have been (or may be) a smoker that has owned the car. The nicotine attacks the substrate that holds the cloth and weakens it to the point that it detaches it from the foam. Extreme heat, I'm told, might have the same effect.
Don't forget to replace the pillar material on the windshield as it will also release and sag eventually.

Submitted by deheagy@yahoo.com on Thu, 06/19/2014 - 22:14

The headliner in my 2003 XK8 coupe is sagging. I tried the spray adhesive for fabric. It held for about a week. It looks like the foam-like layer next to the inside of the roof has deteriorated so the adhesive won;t stick. In addition to an upholsterer, are there other options like a body repair shop that you have used successfully? Do you have to replace all the interior at the door frame so it will match? What type of material is more likely to last?

Submitted by deheagy@yahoo.com on Thu, 06/19/2014 - 20:20

The headliner in my 2003 XK8 coupe is sagging. I tried the spray adhesive for fabric. It held for about a week. It looks like the foam-like layer next to the inside of the roof has deteriorated so the adhesive won;t stick. In addition to an upholsterer, are there other options like a body repair shop that you have used successfully? Do you have to replace all the interior at the door frame so it will match? What type of material is more likely to last?

Submitted by glandreth@sbcg… on Fri, 04/08/2011 - 17:08

I was afraid you were going to say that :-), thanks Steven. It probably is the right answer......
Cheers -
George

Submitted by stevejag@sbcgl… on Thu, 04/07/2011 - 12:30

That is not a bad price for the repair, actually. I have never seen anything that really can get the job done short of doing it right. Anything less makes for poor appearance or won't hold up very long.

Good luck.