Tips on reinstalling headliner?

[05CherryM3]

I removed my headliner myself a few months back and finally got around to dropping it off to have it redone as it was sagging. I pick it up this week and can really use some tips on how to reinstall it. Specifically where to start and what order of adding back the pillars etc.

I remember the last step of removing it was pushing back towards the rear of the car and it came off. I'm assuming I have to lock it into place by pushing forward now and locking it into place?

Any info at all would be appreciated.

[tcp]

I reinstalled my headliner recently, and I don't remember there being any specific, non-obvious order for pillars and such. You do need to slide the headliner forward over that rear bracket. After that is done, secure the headliner by screwing in the visors, hand hold, and clips. You should be able to tell when the headliner is in the "right" spot as all of the screw holes will line up and you won't have to force anything into place. It may take some trial and error to get the alignment just right. It's not necessary, but it would probably be easier if you could find a 2nd person to hold the front of the headliner up while you jiggle the rear of the headliner into place. Holding up the front while jiggling the back can get frustrating.

After that, install the pillars in whatever order you want. They rest up against the headliner, so you do have to install them after the headliner is in place.

Also, you don't mention anything about the front seats... I'd definitely take those out if you haven't so that you have plenty of room to work and move inside the cabin while installing everything.

[TexaZ3]

No specific order or anything. Just a reverse of taking it off. It only fits one way.

[05CherryM3]

I reinstalled my headliner recently, and I don't remember there being any specific, non-obvious order for pillars and such. You do need to slide the headliner forward over that rear bracket. After that is done, secure the headliner by screwing in the visors, hand hold, and clips. You should be able to tell when the headliner is in the "right" spot as all of the screw holes will line up and you won't have to force anything into place. It may take some trial and error to get the alignment just right. It's not necessary, but it would probably be easier if you could find a 2nd person to hold the front of the headliner up while you jiggle the rear of the headliner into place. Holding up the front while jiggling the back can get frustrating.

After that, install the pillars in whatever order you want. They rest up against the headliner, so you do have to install them after the headliner is in place.

Also, you don't mention anything about the front seats... I'd definitely take those out if you haven't so that you have plenty of room to work and move inside the cabin while installing everything.

Thanks for all the info. I definitely figured a second person would be helpful here. I worked around the front seats for the removal and I'm going to try to do the same for the install. I don't feel like adding work. Lol

[Casa de Mesa]

I started in the rear, hung the rear edge over the lip near the top of the rear window and used the plastic rivet that mount dead center of the rearward edge of the headliner. I did that just to hold it in place. Then I moved to the front, routed the wiring through the holes and put 1 screw about 50% of the way into the visor clip (the part that's inward near the overhead lights/sunroof switch/etc ). That allows you to check the wiring on the opposing side. Then put 1 screw in on that side, move back to the other side and remove the 1st screw you put in. Check the wiring. Then it's just buttoning everything back up. Remember to tuck the headliner under the door and quarter window seals - which also help to hold the headliner in place.

Completely doable, but just takes some creativity and patience. If you feel like you're forcing something, stop and double check alignment.