Custom Headliner!!Complete Directions
CF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2,097
Likes: 12
From: Tarpon Springs, FL / Denver, CO
Year: '98
Engine: 4.0 I6
Anyone know where to get foam-backed Desert Tan Marpat headliner material (if they even make it)?
I found this stuff, but I like the plush look of the stock headliner material. I guess I could just use some dynamat sound/heat deadening behind it anyway.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MARPAT-DESER...cAAOSwbYZXTzqo
Would it be possible to lay down 2 layers of fabric and still have it look good?
Something like this behind the Marpat fabric;
http://www.joann.com/headliner-tan-u...l/9198672.html
I have literally no clue about fabrics, lol
EDIT:
Found specific headliner material for the Desert Marpat pattern!!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/120-DESERT-M...RXYciD&vxp=mtr
Last edited by investinwaffles; Jun 27, 2016 at 10:47 AM.
The Jo-Ann's headliner fabric has a nice feel to it; soft like a Polarfleece jacket. It comes in three colors: Black, tan and light grey. All have a foam backing about 1/8" thick. Not every Jo-Ann's store carries it, so you might call around or buy on-line.
http://www.joann.com/headliner-tan-u...FZY1aQodAv4E7Q
http://www.joann.com/headliner-tan-u...FZY1aQodAv4E7Q
By FAR, the Best selection, and Great customer service has been ThreadDirect [Seller] on eBay. Just search in Advanced [By Seller]. For you hunters, military-enthusiast, etc. folks, they have a fantastic selection of patterns. Were VERY helpful, with prompt, courteous responses.
I've never done a headliner, and they answered a lot of questions about foams, weights, durability, etc. I was looking for simple Black with a suede like feel. Score ! Prices DELIVERED were competitive with most local places. Of course, places like JoAnn Fabric, or sometimes Walmart might have a sale or promo; but, to me, Customer Service matters too.
Just sharing. I have NO affiliation with them, other than being a satisfied customer.
Oh, and while expensive, 3M or Permatex are the ONLY adhesives that you should bother with. Any cheaper stuff will likely fail, even if in spots, which will mean doing the WHOLE thing over again. My .02
I've never done a headliner, and they answered a lot of questions about foams, weights, durability, etc. I was looking for simple Black with a suede like feel. Score ! Prices DELIVERED were competitive with most local places. Of course, places like JoAnn Fabric, or sometimes Walmart might have a sale or promo; but, to me, Customer Service matters too.
Just sharing. I have NO affiliation with them, other than being a satisfied customer.
Oh, and while expensive, 3M or Permatex are the ONLY adhesives that you should bother with. Any cheaper stuff will likely fail, even if in spots, which will mean doing the WHOLE thing over again. My .02
Seasoned Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 356
Likes: 2
From: Long Island, NY
Year: 1999 Limited
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0L I6 Power Tech
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Lenhartsville, PA
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Just put a headliner in mine. I always use vinyl, this time a piece bought from E-Bay for a tick over 20.00. I only use 3M 90 adhesive and that has never failed me. You will need two cans to do the job. That black looks real sharp, Road
Out of curiosity, did you add a thin layer of foam UNDER the vinyl, before applying ? I'm contemplating getting the fiberglass steel REALLY Clean, and putting vinyl type material on WITHOUT the added foam. Reason being, it's one less layer to bond together, risking imperfections. For sound insulation, I might put foam on UPPER side of shell [⅛"], which will mitigate some noise, and alleviate the risk of wrinkles, etc.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Lenhartsville, PA
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I never use foam. I just glue the vinyl directly to the headliner after wirebrushing the remnants of the old headliner and adhesive off. I then shop-vac' it for good adhesion for the adhesive. Always looks fine to my eye.
CF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2,097
Likes: 12
From: Tarpon Springs, FL / Denver, CO
Year: '98
Engine: 4.0 I6
What do you guys think of using some bubble-cell type metallic insulation ABOVE the headliner board (between the actual roof and headliner board)? Is there enough space for ~8mm of this type insulation?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/28SqFt-Therm...-/281676736552
I did the inside of the firewall, trans tunnel, and floors on my XJ and the interior temp dropped like 40*F it seems. Floors barely get warm unless the car gets heated from the interior (parked in the sun for example). I figure roof insulation would be pretty easy if there is enough space behind the headliner board
http://www.ebay.com/itm/28SqFt-Therm...-/281676736552
I did the inside of the firewall, trans tunnel, and floors on my XJ and the interior temp dropped like 40*F it seems. Floors barely get warm unless the car gets heated from the interior (parked in the sun for example). I figure roof insulation would be pretty easy if there is enough space behind the headliner board
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: November Charlie
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I did something very similar when I redid the headliner of my pre-XJ truck. I used the 3m 90 everyone here mentions.
I installed a layer of non-fiberglass insulation directly to the roof, then applied the bubble insulation between that and the headliner(glued bubble to roof insulation). The type of bubble I used had foil on both sides, so I wanted an insulating layer to separate the foil from direct contact to the metal roof.
Very effective. The original OEM headliner had about zero insulating effectiveness. With the insulation, big improvement. Huge. With no AC, the extra insulation made a lot of difference for comfort.
There should be plenty of room between the XJ roof ribs for the extra insulation. Maybe less so on the roof's ribs themselves. My XJ headliner is in pretty good shape, but if I decide to pull it I will try to add the foil insulation to the roof.
I installed a layer of non-fiberglass insulation directly to the roof, then applied the bubble insulation between that and the headliner(glued bubble to roof insulation). The type of bubble I used had foil on both sides, so I wanted an insulating layer to separate the foil from direct contact to the metal roof.
Very effective. The original OEM headliner had about zero insulating effectiveness. With the insulation, big improvement. Huge. With no AC, the extra insulation made a lot of difference for comfort.
There should be plenty of room between the XJ roof ribs for the extra insulation. Maybe less so on the roof's ribs themselves. My XJ headliner is in pretty good shape, but if I decide to pull it I will try to add the foil insulation to the roof.
What do you guys think of using some bubble-cell type metallic insulation ABOVE the headliner board (between the actual roof and headliner board)? Is there enough space for ~8mm of this type insulation?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/28SqFt-Therm...-/281676736552
I did the inside of the firewall, trans tunnel, and floors on my XJ and the interior temp dropped like 40*F it seems. Floors barely get warm unless the car gets heated from the interior (parked in the sun for example). I figure roof insulation would be pretty easy if there is enough space behind the headliner board
http://www.ebay.com/itm/28SqFt-Therm...-/281676736552
I did the inside of the firewall, trans tunnel, and floors on my XJ and the interior temp dropped like 40*F it seems. Floors barely get warm unless the car gets heated from the interior (parked in the sun for example). I figure roof insulation would be pretty easy if there is enough space behind the headliner board
CF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2,097
Likes: 12
From: Tarpon Springs, FL / Denver, CO
Year: '98
Engine: 4.0 I6
I did something very similar when I redid the headliner of my pre-XJ truck. I used the 3m 90 everyone here mentions.
I installed a layer of non-fiberglass insulation directly to the roof, then applied the bubble insulation between that and the headliner(glued bubble to roof insulation). The type of bubble I used had foil on both sides, so I wanted an insulating layer to separate the foil from direct contact to the metal roof.
Very effective. The original OEM headliner had about zero insulating effectiveness. With the insulation, big improvement. Huge. With no AC, the extra insulation made a lot of difference for comfort.
There should be plenty of room between the XJ roof ribs for the extra insulation. Maybe less so on the roof's ribs themselves. My XJ headliner is in pretty good shape, but if I decide to pull it I will try to add the foil insulation to the roof.
I installed a layer of non-fiberglass insulation directly to the roof, then applied the bubble insulation between that and the headliner(glued bubble to roof insulation). The type of bubble I used had foil on both sides, so I wanted an insulating layer to separate the foil from direct contact to the metal roof.
Very effective. The original OEM headliner had about zero insulating effectiveness. With the insulation, big improvement. Huge. With no AC, the extra insulation made a lot of difference for comfort.
There should be plenty of room between the XJ roof ribs for the extra insulation. Maybe less so on the roof's ribs themselves. My XJ headliner is in pretty good shape, but if I decide to pull it I will try to add the foil insulation to the roof.
It is cheap enough that I might go for it if I ever get around to re-doing my headliner.
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