Alcantara headliner or stock?

[old///MFanatic]

Funny coming across this thread, Headliner, A+B+C pillars, sunroof and parcel shelf all in 9002 anthracite alcantara.
- *Allegedly* Relicate is the only supplier that you can get genuine alcantara from in the US.
- A Pillars and the A pillar insert part is a trouble spot and will be a challenge for anyone doing this. the tolerance for the space the insert goes into is miniscule. Wrapping around the edges is off the table so you need very very precise cuts. Like surgically precise. Plan accordingly.
*if anyone has insight on this, would love to hear. The way I understand it, Alcantara isn't the name for the style of fabric, its a brand name (think Kleenex/tissues). So if you're getting it outside of the proper distribution channel, you're getting an imitation fabric.

Yes Alcantara is a brand name. Just looking at the Alcantara site they have a couple of distributors listed. Keyston Bros in GA is another for “Automotive” Alcantara. There’s also Marine, Aviation, Residential/Contract distributors. Like Shelley Antecol LLC in NY.

As for the A-pillar center strip I shaved off material from the perimeter before covering and that made a huge difference in a flush factory fit and appearance.

[SQ13]

Paid $1,300 to have a pro do it. Alcantara doesn’t stretch much, which makes the job more difficult and expensive, and I wasn’t going to risk DIYing and potentially ruining the expensive fabric. Took my guy a whole day to do it, and it came out perfect, aside from the A pillar strips which is understandable. I’m still on the fence about dyeing the sun visors in grey to match the Alcantara.

[beyondm3]

Got the stuff from ASC fabrics and did this job over the weekend. First time doing this and first time really hands in with alcantara. Prices were better than relicate ($120 per yard) however not foam backed. This didn't seem to be an issue for me however the only thing I struggled with was stretch. It had some stretch but maybe not enough to make the job a bit easier in some of the difficult areas. But maybe I am just no good at this kinda work anyways, I'm no Martha Stewart.

All in all, pretty happy how it turned out. Hopefully it holds up.

[///Marecki]

Funny coming across this thread, I actually completed this project on my car last week. Headliner, A+B+C pillars, sunroof and parcel shelf all in 9002 anthracite alcantara.

I still have to iron out a few rough edges in spots but the effect is definitely pretty awesome. Notes/advice for anyone interested:

- *Allegedly* Relicate is the only supplier that you can get genuine alcantara from in the US. It's expensive. You'll be in about 8-900 for fabric alone if you do all the stuff I did.
- A Pillars and the A pillar insert part is a trouble spot and will be a challenge for anyone doing this. the tolerance for the space the insert goes into is miniscule. Wrapping around the edges is off the table so you need very very precise cuts. Like surgically precise. Plan accordingly.
- Sun Visors - another trouble spot. You have options here, but basically if you can't deal with anything less than absolute perfection, DO NOT WRAP THEM. They are impossible to get right - ask me how I know 😅 If you opt against doing them, you can keep your OEM fabric sun visors provided they are in good condition. You can also get yourself vert sun visors in the vinyl material to match the finish on the dash (they're slightly smaller from my research).

*if anyone has insight on this, would love to hear. The way I understand it, Alcantara isn't the name for the style of fabric, its a brand name (think Kleenex/tissues). So if you're getting it outside of the proper distribution channel, you're getting an imitation fabric.

[oceansize]

It looks really nice, how much are you planning on ordering to do the whole thing (was thinking 3 yards) and are you going to go with non foamed back for everything?

I went with their foam backed (2mm). This is for the hard top on my convertible so I went with the 56x72 inches which cost me $365 (incudes shipping).

[old///MFanatic]

I used microsuede from Michaels. $20 per yard and feels about the same as alcantara. You do have to pull the backing off and then be very careful with the glue. It was not intended for automotive use so the backing is too thick.

Just a heads up that many of these inexpensive microsuedes aren’t fade resistant, fire resistant or anti-bacterial like real Alcantara. Which are a big plus for car interiors.

[dustyice]

Where were you getting those prices for OEM parts? That's fairly tempting.

ECS sells all the pillars for $660. Looking closer at what I thought was a coupe headliner is actually a sedan so still would need to get that redone.

[beyondm3]

Glad I'm not the only one. I was quoted 550 for everything then when I got there it was 1300 ... The thing that got me is that I can order all new OEM pillars for $650 and a new headliner for $650 so feels dumb to rewrap my 25 year old pieces for a similar price.

Figured no harm in taking the time and giving it a shot. After going though this thread I'm thinking foam backed suede for the headliner and Non foam backed for everything else. Buddy of mine mentioned I should roll the glue on too instead of using the sprays which makes sense to me.

Where were you getting those prices for OEM parts? That's fairly tempting.

[beyondm3]

I bought really nice Alcantara from Relicate and I'm doing it myself. Just waiting for temperatures to be nice and warm so I don't have issues with the glue. Relicate is expensive, but its really good and since I'm doing it myself I spent the money on materials.

Interested to know how much material you're getting too. I'm starting to think down that path. My shop has my stuff and already stripped everything so I'm sure he's already got me for an hour or two of labor.

[dustyice]

I bought really nice Alcantara from Relicate and I'm doing it myself. Just waiting for temperatures to be nice and warm so I don't have issues with the glue. Relicate is expensive, but its really good and since I'm doing it myself I spent the money on materials.

It looks really nice, how much are you planning on ordering to do the whole thing (was thinking 3 yards) and are you going to go with non foamed back for everything?

[oceansize]

I bought really nice Alcantara from Relicate and I'm doing it myself. Just waiting for temperatures to be nice and warm so I don't have issues with the glue. Relicate is expensive, but its really good and since I'm doing it myself I spent the money on materials.

[dustyice]

Likewise, I'm looking at about $800 in just labor (original quote was $500 with fabric and labor) for already removed headliner and pillars. The shop told me they had fabric or suede to use but it's all foam backed and I don't want to use foam backed on the pillars so now I have to source my own fabric which of course in itself is $700+ for alcantara. Dude wants me to get 5.5 yards for headliner, sunroof, pillars, and brake light cover.

Cost is increasing quickly and was hoping ACS fabrics would be a good alternative but the shop warned me that no foam backed fabric will have glue seep through and he won't warranty his work bc it's not his fabric.

Maybe I should just do it myself as well.

Glad I'm not the only one. I was quoted 550 for everything then when I got there it was 1300 ... The thing that got me is that I can order all new OEM pillars for $650 and a new headliner for $650 so feels dumb to rewrap my 25 year old pieces for a similar price.

Figured no harm in taking the time and giving it a shot. After going though this thread I'm thinking foam backed suede for the headliner and Non foam backed for everything else. Buddy of mine mentioned I should roll the glue on too instead of using the sprays which makes sense to me.

[bigjae46]

I used microsuede from Michaels. $20 per yard and feels about the same as alcantara. You do have to pull the backing off and then be very careful with the glue. It was not intended for automotive use so the backing is too thick.

[beyondm3]

I have not but the fabric looks really nice. Would be interested in hearing if anyone has used it before.

I was quoted $1300 to wrap my already removed headliner today so looks like ill be tackling this project soon.

Likewise, I'm looking at about $800 in just labor (original quote was $500 with fabric and labor) for already removed headliner and pillars. The shop told me they had fabric or suede to use but it's all foam backed and I don't want to use foam backed on the pillars so now I have to source my own fabric which of course in itself is $700+ for alcantara. Dude wants me to get 5.5 yards for headliner, sunroof, pillars, and brake light cover.

Cost is increasing quickly and was hoping ACS fabrics would be a good alternative but the shop warned me that no foam backed fabric will have glue seep through and he won't warranty his work bc it's not his fabric.

Maybe I should just do it myself as well.

[Nate047]

I have not but the fabric looks really nice. Would be interested in hearing if anyone has used it before.

I was quoted $1300 to wrap my already removed headliner today so looks like ill be tackling this project soon.

I have a place in Anaheim that does it for $400. (labor cost only)