Steelcityfan29

Any cleaver ideas on replacing a headliner thats falling down in an 88 Cherokee>? Thanks!

Firestorm500

Either cut the fabric off with a razor blade or take the Jeep to an upholstery shop and have a new one put in.

I'm taking mine (92 Laredo recently bought) to the uphostery shop in about 6 weeks.

COSXJFAN

I took mine out all together, but it is quite a bit noisier now.

jaqattack02

I was going to ask about this too. Is there any alternative to just taking the whole thing out and getting it re-upholstered? Some kind of DIY covering? Something a little more permanent than whatever goes on there stock. Both my WRX and my GTO have a reasonably stiff fabric as a headliner from the factory. Something that doesn't seem like it would ever sag. I'd like something like that in the Jeep.

Steelcityfan29

I agree? Maybe a headliner out of a newer jeep from the JY? even? I have no idea how much that would cost to get done.. but Im guessing its more than the wife will let me use on JEEP FUNDS.. LOL at least for a while.

jaqattack02

My dad looked into getting the headliner in his 88 Caravan redone. I figure it's around the same size as the Jeep. He said the place he talked to would do it for about $100.

Howler_GT

I have redone tons of headliners.
An XJ is by far one of the easiest as the headliner can be removed through the rear and in one piece (if it came from factory as a one-piece)

Remove all the upper interior panels. Remove rear soundbar (if equipped) remove interior lights (usually can let em dangle and feed them through the holes later) Don't forget the sunvisors.

Remove headliner out the rear.
Pull off any of the original headliner material and toss it. It will only be a headache to re-use.

Go to your local fabric store, and look for Double-Fleece. Most times it comes in a width that is more than you need, just make sure you get a long enough length (8-10" extra is ok)

Flip headliner upside down, so you are looking at the interior side.
Brush off ANY leftover adhesive, foam, headliner material.

Lay new material over the headliner and position it in the proper direction.

Now fold one side over in half. Usually straight down the center, so the "interior side" of the material is facing itself. You should be looking at half headliner and half "glue-side" of material.

Use a good spray adhesive I recommend 3M Super 77.
Coat both the exposed headliner and "glue-side" of material with the spray adhesive.

Wait a few minutes until the adhesive gets tacky.
Carefully Grab the outer edge of the material and allow the bend-line to roll until the material has fully covered the headliner.
You have a few seconds to smooth out any creases. Grab edge that is overhanging headliner and give a light tug while smoothing out with your free hand.

When this side is smoothed out nicely, turn your attention to the other side.
Grab the overhanging material and roll this unglued side over the now glued side. Exactly like you had the first side. You should see half headliner and half glue-side of material.

Then just repeat the process for this side. Just make sure you do not leave any un-sprayed areas between the two sides.

Allow it to dry, with the 3m Super 77, 1/2hr-45min.

Use good sharp razor blade and "X" the openings for the interior lights and pull the flaps to the roof-side of the headliner.

Make marks for the sunvisor (and clips) Then make any necessary holes for mounting the soundbar (if equipped)

Re-install headliner back into your XJ. Bolt/screw everything back together.

Climb into driver's seat.
Reach to the left side of the seat back and recline the driver's seat.

No look up and admire your handiwork.

4.3L XJ

A friend of mine does auto apolstery. He will charge me $200

Steelcityfan29

Wow great write up ! Thanks so much! Im going to do that!