Jaguar XJ-S Headlining products and removal

This job and is within the ability of most owners

If you want to do-it-yourself, we supply headlining panels, the correct fabric for recovering the headlining, the correct type of adhesive and replacement clips. Headlining material is available in beige and gray and we recommend the use of our hi temperature headlining adhesive together with these instructions. If you would like to purchase any part of this project check out our range of headlining repair and re trim products in our featured parts section to get what you need.

The roof-headlining panel is easy enough to remove once you have removed various ancillaries such as the visors, front and rear interior lights and rear view mirror. Removal of the rear deck and rear seat belts is not essential for access to the rear side pads (bits down the side) but does help.

Sun Visors are held in place by two screws at the outer end, the visor clips by one through its middle. Three screws hold rear view mirror.

Remove the rear seat squab - lower cushion is held by two screws or bolts along its forward edge the rear seat back then comes out after removal of the two screws/bolts in its lower edge and then lifting toward the roof to disengage the clips.

Pull the covers from the rear seat belt reels and remove the single bold that secures these to the rear deck.

The rear deck should now slide forward and can be removed.

Rear side pads are held by Snap Sacs (pin and receptor) and can be pressed free as are the two side cant rails and depending on how they have been fitted may require the removal of the 'A' and 'B-C' post upper finishers (two screws on the A post and one screw under the coat hook cover and the seat anchor on the B-C post).

You will now have and interior free of trim parts and just the headlining biscuit left in place.

Positioning the front seats with the drivers fully forward and tilted for access to rear compartment and the passenger seat fully back with the rear fully reclined

With the help of an assistant to support the biscuit. Bend down the fixing tags that hold the panel in position. Carefully lower the panel and rotate it through 90 degrees and pass it to your waiting assistant through the opened passenger door.

Unfortunately it is not just a case of re-sticking the old stuff. If you do it will fail again in a short matter of time. The failure is not the headliner glue but the bonding between the headliner material and it’s backing, a foam like substance. Once you rip the cloth off you then need to remove all traces of the foam (carefully) from the Fibre board headliner.

Wear gloves, a mask and eye protection as most are made from fiberglass.

Using a glue that is right for the job is essential. Our own Hi temperature spray adhesive or 3M headlining adhesive are both purposed designed for this application. It is easier to lay the biscuit on a flat surface and then roll the new fabric on to it checking that it fits with some spare at the edges.

Now fold back one end to about the halfway mark and spread/spray glue onto this revealed half. Now lay the fabric back onto the glued surface starting at the half way fold to avoid bubbles. Being smooth, concentrated and calm is essential to the finish. Once this half has been attached fold back the other half and repeat.

Covering the side cant rails and rear pads is self-evident - but it is important, unlike the main panel, NOT to remove the foam padding. Carefully peal the old material from the formers noting how it was fitted. Cut out an oversize piece for each panel taking care not to cut the side rail covering too short as they curve and can be mis leading. Using the spray glue coat the formers and carefully smooth the new material into place and allow to cure. Fold back the edges and glue into place with a good quality impact adhesive but avoid the pound shop versions as these seem to fail quickly. Replace any clips that were removed or broken.

Once complete and dry; refitting is the reverse of the removal process We think you will be very impressed with just what a difference this will make to your car.