waltmail Posted May 7, 2015 Share Posted May 7, 2015 My headliner base in the '89 is cracking, crumbling and deteriorating. It seems to be , originally very fragile construction, as in cheap. I have the sun roof to deal with. Anyone have any ideas for something, epoxy like, I can spray it with to firm it up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KDirk Posted May 7, 2015 Share Posted May 7, 2015 The headliner shell is pressed fiberglass (not the hard kind like used on boats, the soft kind like attic insulation) and yes, it is a poor design from a durability standpoint. Best reccomendation would be to get a fiberglass repair kit (resin and fiberglass mat that can be cut to cover badly damaged areas) at an auto parts store and use that to make repairs. It is messy but will be the strongest repair. I will say that you will want to let it outgas for a few days at least before putting it in the car, or the smell will get to be a bit much. Made this mistake myself. Hopefully you aren't rushed to reinstall it.KDirk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waltmail Posted May 7, 2015 Author Share Posted May 7, 2015 The headliner shell is pressed fiberglass (not the hard kind like used on boats, the soft kind like attic insulation) and yes, it is a poor design from a durability standpoint. Best reccomendation would be to get a fiberglass repair kit (resin and fiberglass mat that can be cut to cover badly damaged areas) at an auto parts store and use that to make repairs. It is messy but will be the strongest repair. I will say that you will want to let it outgas for a few days at least before putting it in the car, or the smell will get to be a bit much. Made this mistake myself. Hopefully you aren't rushed to reinstall it.KDirkThat was one of my thoughts and what I will probably go with. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barney Eaton Posted May 7, 2015 Share Posted May 7, 2015 I have repaired at least two using a fiberglass kit. You will probably need both the resin and some mat. The area around the sunvisors is often damaged, so you can lay some fresh glass there. Before recovering, drill the holes for the sunvisor screws, that makes it easier when you do the reinstall. If there are weak areas along the edges or around the sunroof opening, just a coating of resin may be enough to make it work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waltmail Posted May 8, 2015 Author Share Posted May 8, 2015 (edited) Off to the marine store.Whoa. Sticker shock. $ 70.00 for a quart + activator + mat at BOW. Went to Finishmaster Auto Paint Supply and got a whole gallon (which I will never use) activator, 8 sq ft of mat, mixing sticks and brushes = $47.00. Edited May 8, 2015 by waltmail (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vincent Vega Posted May 8, 2015 Share Posted May 8, 2015 When I did mine I reinforced the edges above the doors as well as the front corners. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manikmekanik Posted May 9, 2015 Share Posted May 9, 2015 I Have a few good ones! Bare and covered. Shipping is the main problem, due to size and packaging requirements.The sunroof hole can be cut into a coupe headliner shell, use yours as the hole pattern and cut it smaller, increase as needed to fit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NCReatta Posted May 9, 2015 Share Posted May 9, 2015 I Have a few good ones! Bare and covered. Shipping is the main problem' date=' due to size and packaging requirements. The sunroof hole can be cut into a coupe headliner shell, use yours as the hole pattern and cut it smaller, increase as needed to fit.[/quote']On factory sunroof headliners there is an extra hump for the motor assembly. I don't think they will work interchangeably. With an aftermarket roof perhaps, but not with factory. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Machiner 55 Posted May 9, 2015 Share Posted May 9, 2015 Manic!!!!,So good to see you posting again! Heard of your health issues. Sorry to hear that but, your clever insights to problems (issues) and humorous anecdotal stories have been missed. How are "Panic", "Nota" and the rest doing?John F. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waltmail Posted May 10, 2015 Author Share Posted May 10, 2015 So finished with the fiberglass/resin repair. This is the side that will not be seen.Structural integrity is back. Hard to believe they used the cheapest fibreboard possible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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