R4 roof headliner

[NickoJ]

I have to remove the one piece headlining from my 1985 gtl. Is there any special knack in getting the unit to release .
I'm wondering if there are hidden clips or is it just sprung into place.
I've removed the visors and the rear clips but it is proving reluctant.Any help appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Steve Kerr]

Hi Nicko,
It is just a case of tugging it a lot more than you think is safe and it'll move. Mine also had plastic plugs front and rear, which I had to break, but I got replacements from Halfords. They sometimes have spot glueing which you maybe able to break with a wallpaper scraper or anything similar.
Good luck
Steve

 

[JdeW]

Once everything is loose remove the headlining lengtwise down on just one side, so from the left- or right length, not from the front or back

 

[JonathanT]

Agree with JdeW
it’s not easy I’m afraid - don’t over do it it can split
I used a wallpaper steamer in the end which helped make it more pliable

 

[edwin]

With mine, a one piece hard plastic panel, I undid the front visors etc, and the clips at the back, and drew it out of the back. It takes more effort than expected. I had to repair a hole. All the bits were inside the roof void, so I found them. I carefully glued them back in place and then fibreglassed the rear. I filled the gaps and resprayed the ceiling, and it looks perfect. Cannot see the blemish at all.

 

[NickoJ]

Thankyou one and all it was a struggle but after a bit of prizing and pulling it came out undamaged so now I can get at the rusty rear roof corners.

 

[Johnny]

What type of paint did you use on the headliner respray Edwin?

Johnny

 

[edwin]

Do you know, i think it was just one of Wilco's spray cans, a white, and it matched perfectly, not being super dazzle white. I chose an ordinary paint type so it was just white, not over white. Its been on three years now, and despite being 2/3rds the way down France, it is still perfect. I did, by the way, insert some multi ply hi tech mirror blanket building insulation, above the ceiling panel to try reduce heat build up in the car. I think it works because though I did not have the car in a previous summer to compare, the car has never been too hot in France.

 

[Johnny]

Thanks very much for the info Edwin. I shall try that when the time comes......mine looks a bit shabby!

Johnny