Alan_uk
A2OC Donor
How-to: Removing & Reinstalling the Headliner [Headlining]
This how-to describes how I removed and reinstalled my headlining. It includes part removal of some of the boot trims. It covers the removal of the fabric and glue but not recovering.
The headlining tends to fall down when the A2 is about 20 years old but can be earlier after very hot summers. The fabric comes away from its foam backing. It’s the foam backing that has been glued to the headliner biscuit by the OEM. To complicate matters, there is an outer and inner panel and the two fabrics meet in a deep groove.
No doubt in the factory they were covered as two pieces and then glued together with what looks like hot stick glue. The outer panel uses a thinner foam and seems more susceptible. Attempting to glue the fabric back is likely to lead to staining. The sun visors can aslo be affected and there is a A2OC posting showing how one owner recovered his visors.
Limited tools are required: Torx screwdriver, T20 & T25 bits, 8mm size socket and ideally plastic trim removal levers though these are not always successful. Skill level is basic. From memory, as a first timer doing this, allow about 4 hours to remove and about the same to replace, and a day to clean off all the foam and glue. As usual, follow this at your own risk.

This how-to describes how I removed and reinstalled my headlining. It includes part removal of some of the boot trims. It covers the removal of the fabric and glue but not recovering.
The headlining tends to fall down when the A2 is about 20 years old but can be earlier after very hot summers. The fabric comes away from its foam backing. It’s the foam backing that has been glued to the headliner biscuit by the OEM. To complicate matters, there is an outer and inner panel and the two fabrics meet in a deep groove.
No doubt in the factory they were covered as two pieces and then glued together with what looks like hot stick glue. The outer panel uses a thinner foam and seems more susceptible. Attempting to glue the fabric back is likely to lead to staining. The sun visors can aslo be affected and there is a A2OC posting showing how one owner recovered his visors.
Limited tools are required: Torx screwdriver, T20 & T25 bits, 8mm size socket and ideally plastic trim removal levers though these are not always successful. Skill level is basic. From memory, as a first timer doing this, allow about 4 hours to remove and about the same to replace, and a day to clean off all the foam and glue. As usual, follow this at your own risk.

Last edited: