I have a 1987 GTI 16V. The other day I noticed that the dark grey/black
cloth lining is becoming detached from whatever is underneath (some
sort of foam).
It started to come away just above the windshield, but now it seems to
have spread to other areas. Over the front passenger seat there is a
big "bag" of cloth hanging down.
Anyone get an idea about:
1. What caused this to happen, and
2. How to fix this.
TIA,
Nigel –
—
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Nigel Standing Vox: +1 408 764 7542
Platforms Group Fax: +1 408 988 6653
Bay Networks (SynOptics) Inc. E-m: nig…@BayNetworks.com
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In article <4ov3o0$…@inn.corpwest.baynetworks.com> nig…@synoptics.com (Nigel Standing) writes:
>From: nig…@synoptics.com (Nigel Standing)
>Subject: ’87 GTI 16V roof lining problem
>Date: 3 Jun 1996 16:26:40 GMT
>I have a 1987 GTI 16V. The other day I noticed that the dark grey/black
>cloth lining is becoming detached from whatever is underneath (some
>sort of foam).
>It started to come away just above the windshield, but now it seems to
>have spread to other areas. Over the front passenger seat there is a
>big "bag" of cloth hanging down.
>Anyone get an idea about:
>1. What caused this to happen, and
>2. How to fix this.
>TIA,
>Nigel –
>–
>****************************************************************************
>Nigel Standing Vox: +1 408 764 7542
>Platforms Group Fax: +1 408 988 6653
>Bay Networks (SynOptics) Inc. E-m: nig…@BayNetworks.com
Nige,
There have been many posts about this problem. Applying 3M Spray adhesive to
the old liner does NOT seem to work well. My guess is that the foam layer
dries out and new adhesive does not bond properly. Most success has been
achieved by getting a new headliner, from a dealer ($$$) if you must maintain
the original material, or a nice piece of cloth from the fabric store if you
want to save a lot of money and be creative. One poster installed something
with cows on it. I was offended by the thought until he said "The chicks
love it" and then my opinion changed 180 degrees. Also, I think someone used
something like contact or rubber cement on the original liner and it
supposedly worked. I will see if I have any of the old posts archived and
email a copy to you. (I have to do this job also. Let me know your results.)
Chris
Nigel Standing wrote:
> I have a 1987 GTI 16V. The other day I noticed that the dark grey/black
> cloth lining is becoming detached from whatever is underneath (some
> sort of foam).
> It started to come away just above the windshield, but now it seems to
> have spread to other areas. Over the front passenger seat there is a
> big "bag" of cloth hanging down.
> Anyone get an idea about:
> 1. What caused this to happen, and
> 2. How to fix this.
Nigel…
A common idea as to what causes the headliner adhesive to fail is
cigarette smoke. If you do not smoke, perhaps a previous owner did.
Intense heat, or simply poor workmanship/faulty adhesive is another
possibility.
In order to fix, you need to remove the entire headliner from
the vehicle. Use care in removing all of the plastic bits as they
sometimes become brittle over time. You noticed the foam under
the fabric material, that’ll allow you some flexibility in removing
the headliner through the hatch opening, but be careful with that
as well, you would be upset with yourself if you destroyed it.
Now that you’ve got the inside of the roof exposed, this would be a
good time to add some sound insulation, if that’s your thing, I’ve got a
mini-FAQ I’ve assembled on the subject, if you’re interested.
Once you’ve got the headliner out of the car carefully remove
the sagging fabric from the foam, you can decide to remove all
of it or only lift the sagging parts, I would choose to remove the
entire piece of fabric, to ensure that it will not sag again. You should
find some spray adhesive like 3M Super77 spray or something like the
same, 3M makes many different types of spray adhesive, it seems
as though I have even seen "Headliner Adhesive". Most Automotive
finisher stores will be able to help you. Start from one end and work
towards the other, not stretching the fabric too much. A simple but
time consuming task, you should be able to complete in a Saturday.
regards
Marc Stress
88 GTi
This is common problem with foam backed headliners. I think the
only real fix is to replace the headliner. See your local trim
shop and be prepared to spend some money ($150 or more depending
on material and local labor rates.
Chris Picot wrote:
> There have been many posts about this problem. Applying 3M Spray adhesive to
> the old liner does NOT seem to work well. ..<<snip>>. Also, I think someone used
> something like contact or rubber cement on the original liner and it
> supposedly worked.
The problem with the adhesive, is probably not the adhesive, but the
user. The 3M adhesive I spoke of (Super77) has worked well for me,
but you have to know more than the tools. For this job, it would be best
to use it as a contact cement (applying adhesive to both parts to be joined,
allowing tack to increase [by waiting 15-30sec], and then encourage the
bond through use of pressure and time. Super 77 is not the only adhesive
that will work but be advised that there are _many_ of these different types
of spray adhesives that will not be suitable for this job… see your local auto
finishers supply house for others that will.
The other thing to be aware of… Rubber Cement is very acidic, and
will loose it’s adhesive qualities over time, this amount of time shortened
by the heat generated of a car sitting in the sun. Rubber cement is fine
for children bonding construction paper, not for most high endurance
applications. The Super 77 spray is "archival quality" and is meant not
only to last a long time, but to not damage the materials you are trying
to bond. Rubber cement will attack the foam core backing.
>Most success has been achieved by getting a new headliner, from a dealer.
Certainly, replacing the headliner will give you the best factory finish
results, but there is more than one way to skin a cat.
regards
Marc Stress