how do i remove my headliner without desroying it ?
 

I'm trying to remove the headliner on my touring FD (with sunroof) and im having no luck. the headliner is flexing, bending, and making cracking sounds, but still will not release. if i pull any harder i will definitely break it... so i need you lovely folks to save my butt before there is one less FD headliner in existence :hahano: -heath

Are you following the procedure lined out on page S-61 of the green shop manual ?? If so, and you have the A-pillars and 1/4 panels off, sunvisors, etc then you ( at first ) gently start prying downward by sticking your hand up under the headliner in the rear and pushing downward at each metal clip point. Page S-62 shows you each clip location. They can be stubborn, but will give and pop out eventually. DO NOT just start pulling it downward from the side. If it's a touring model ( sunroof ) then the seaming welt will need to be removed.

Just make double sure all pop in fasteners are out and the welt is off, then start from the rear by sliding your hand up under it and pry down.


I've seen some guys totally screw up a headliner due to impatience and no manual to guide you. I've removed three of them unharmed, so go slow and you'll be ok.


Report back

LAter

i finally got around to removing it... what a nerve racking process. thanks for the advice. i finally got it down, added some sound deadener to the sunroof frame and added some sound insulating foam mat under the headliner.

the process was remove A pillars, remove rear quarter panels, remove visors, remove dome light, remove bolt under dome light, remove sunroof felt surround, bend back and slide down metal bendable clips that hold the black sunroof pan to the headliner, and then finally pop out the rear push clips toward the back of the car (very gingerly). anyway im glad to say it worked out and thank you very much for the help. everything is reassembled and now i can continue working my way down with sound insulation for the rest of the car :) -heath

just to

Apart from the headliner, I've removed most of the interior panels. Changing the fuel filter is less stressful. As mentioned, the trick is to use the FSM to locate the clips and pry off the panel as close to the clips as possible. If the panels are yanked in random locations, many of the clips will break. And even if you are super careful, there is still a good chance that some clips will be destroyed.