bomber44

Hi all. I know that the sinking headliner problem has been addressed in here before, but I've had mine cave in four times now (three failed fixes by two different dealerships) and I'm feeling hopeless.

Has anyone ever successfully fixed a headliner that is this problematic and, if so, how was the fix done? I want to provide this information to the dealer when I go in next to help encourage them to get it right.

Ron A

From the 3G Garage

F-049: DIY: Fallen Headliner
https://acurazine.com/forums/car-parts-sale-361/f-s-racing-seats-w-adjustable-rails-83756/
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=79379

There is also a TSB (Tech Service Bulletin)

TSB 04-039: Headliner Sags at Moonroof Opening.

I gather yours is a 2004 TL, probably early model, which had the most problems.

As you will see by the linked threads, many of us, myself included, did it ourselves with epoxy and a couple of clips, and we had very few failures reported. But with the TSB's and new materials, they should be able to fix it for you.

bomber44

Thanks Ron.

The dealerships have actually done this TSB repair, I believe, three times now. I'd really rather not have to resort to DIY, but am not opposed to it. I'd heard reports of some dealerships ordering new headliners that might fit better. But I think the real problem must be that the glue on those fasteners is simply not sufficient to hold the headliner to the metal roof of the car.

Thanks to anyone with additional thoughts/comments.

pps

I got mine done 3 times, and then pleasanton acura finally did it 1 more time and it seems to stay good.

bomber44

Hi PPS - do you know what they did differently such that it held on the last try?

TBone2004

23,000 miles later - my Magnets are still in place - Headliner has never drooped again

Ron A

Of course you know that only you and I know what you are talking about when you say magnets.

Good to hear it's still working, though. If Acura hadn't pretty well fixed the problem, except for a few exceptions, we would probably hear more from you about magnets.

And my self-administered epoxy is still working great too.

TBone2004

I was planning on opening a side business of purchasing and installing them for people...oh well.

I imagine a day when I sell the TL and a future owner stumbles across them and is like "What the F are these???" LOL!

bomber44

Are you guys being cryptic to tease me? I saw your post TBone but wasn't sure exactly how the magnets are affixed to the headliner. I also feel like Acura should fix the thing for me rather than my having to waste time on it. Can you tell me again about how the magnets attach to the headliner? Nothing is needed on the roof side of the car, correct? Once the magnet is on the headliner it will just slap onto the roof of the car, right? Thanks for an update.

Ron A

Here's the magnet thread by TBone2004.

Note to TBone2004-your pictures died in this thread.

bomber44

The pictures would probably help - I do like the magnet idea but am not sure how to get them on the headliner. Ron, what type of epoxy did you have success with?

Ron A

It's in this thread, which is also in the 3G Garage with another thread, which leads you to other threads, etc.

F-049: DIY: Fallen Headliner
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=83756
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=79379

TBone2004

Dug up the pics I think I originally used....


Before fix.



Bottom clip which I put metal in where velcro used to slide in.



Metal piece with Magnet on it. Just push headliner up to top braket which is conveniently made of metal and ...... Presto!....





It has been almost 1 year exactly - never a problem - has not budged.
Good luck.
-TB

Ron A

Good work TBone. Remember where this thread is when the 06's come out.

bomber44

[QUOTE=TBone2004]Dug up the pics I think I originally used....

You've convinced me. I really can't afford to let those idiots at the dealership smudge up the headliner any more anyway.

One quick question: do the velcro pieces held by the clips on the headliner side slide out of the clips easily or did you have to tug on them to remove them?

It sounds like we've agreed that the 18 gauge sheet metal is the way to go? Have you guys measured specific dimensions for those three pieces of metal that I can have Home Depot cut to?

Thanks guys!

pps

I think they used some other kind of resin from a TSB. This is for my 2004 TL.

TBone2004

Should slide out without too much effort if I recall - maybe if necessary gently push/pull them out with flat blade screw driver/pliers.

I just bought metal snips to cut myself - I would imagine it was like 1" by 1" (Maybe 3/4 x 3/4 7/8 by 7/8). I just traced the velcro piece onto the metal

[QUOTE=bomber44]

bomber44

Just thought I'd give an update. Acura Client Services has actually come through for me on the drooping headliner problem and has asked my dealership to install a new headliner. According to my service rep, who seems reasonably trustworthy, the headliner has been redesigned with a stiffer "spine" so that it doesn't have the tendency to sag. Apparently they are using a different adhesive too, although it wasn't enough to save my sagging headliner after the latest repair attempt. I'm hoping this does the trick. It does make sense that a headliner that has been sagging off and on for over a year might be too dilapidated to repair - even if that is a pathetic situation to have in a luxury car!

Hopefully I'll have to use TBone's magnets on my refrigerator when they show up! I'll keep you posted.