Retrimming my roof lining, any advice/help?

[Vincefox]

My e36 M3 roof lining (solid card) has let go of the fabric trim that's bonded to it. Item is discontinued by BMW and local trimmer wants over 400 quid.

It's a solid card, no sunroof, 2 door so I fancy having a go myself. Has anyone here done this? I understand the glue has to be the right one and the fabric needs replacing as the foam degrades behind it but not sure who to order from/how to get best results.

Any advice greatfully received, cheers!

[mwstewart]

Yes, I have. It's not difficult just time consuming. Glue choice is important: don't use the spray on carpet adhesive as it doesn't have any real longevity - contact adhesive is best but tricky to work with. Also, surface prep is important: get rid of anything that has degraded.

I used 'Nu Suede' from Dunelm Mill - it was cheap and reasonably flexible. It's a kind of faux-Alcantara.






I tracked down a genuine black headlining in the end, but I wasn't unhappy with my effort.

[TooMany2cvs]

One of the best sources for proper trimming materials is Woolies.

No, really.
http://www.woolies-trim.co.uk/

[Vincefox]

Brilliant stuff, many thanks.

Question now is, do I keep is very dark grey or go for Priest's sock black?

[foxoles]

These people are very good:

http://www.martrim.co.uk/

[Vincefox]

foxoles said:

These people are very good:

http://www.martrim.co.uk/

Brilliant, many thanks.

[loafer123]

Not quite the same situation, but on my old Range Rover Classic, the headlining let go, and I re-pinned it using upholstery pins with pig-tail pins.



Cost me about a quid.

[GCH]

foxoles said:

These people are very good:

http://www.martrim.co.uk/

Agree with this

[Vincefox]

loafer123 said:

Not quite the same situation, but on my old Range Rover Classic, the headlining let go, and I re-pinned it using upholstery pins with pig-tail pins.



Cost me about a quid.

yeah I'm not going to do that.

[paintman]

TooMany2cvs said:

One of the best sources for proper trimming materials is Woolies.

No, really.
http://www.woolies-trim.co.uk/

Seconded.
Very common issue on the RRC.
Be sure to remove any remaining foamy stuff from the backers & use the high temperature adhesive.
Wear nitrile gloves & change frequently to avoid dirt on the new material.

[markymarkthree]

These are very helpful folk.

http://www.car-hood.co.uk/

You defo should use high temp adhesive the same stuff for a vinyl roof.

I have never done a glue in headlining, done a few steam in ones with a wallpaper stripper, now they are a challenge.

[Nick NE]

Vincefox said:

loafer123 said:

Not quite the same situation, but on my old Range Rover Classic, the headlining let go, and I re-pinned it using upholstery pins with pig-tail pins.



Cost me about a quid.

yeah I'm not going to do that.

Woah there, don't dismiss it so quickly. Reckon they'd look great in your BM!

[Vincefox]

Mini update, just ordered 2 meteres off a 1.4 metre roll of brushed black lining and 3 cans of 500ml roof contact adhesive (heat resistant). If anyone's interested I'll document the process as I go.

Whole lot from Martrim including delivery was 54 quid. Hopefully a bargain.

[TooLateForAName]

This is a really common issue on the old saab 900 - so there are a couple of very good write ups if you do a search. Technique/materials will be the same

[Cold]

Looking forward to pictures of various small bits of offcut trim stuck to fingers, eyebrows and elbows. Not to mention gluey fingers, hair and nostrils.

Top tip, don't run with scissors.

[TooMany2cvs]

TooLateForAName said:

This is a really common issue on the old saab 900 - so there are a couple of very good write ups if you do a search. Technique/materials will be the same

I ran my c900 for about a year with the headlining shell out, propped up in the hall at home. It's basically papier mache, and needed a few bits of repair.

Then, when I finally got round to doing it, I spread the glue... SWMBO came into the room - "You need more ventilation" - tried to get past, and stood right in the middle of it, breaking it in half.

Oh.

[Vincefox]

Oh i'm not allowed scissors.

Also, 2M2CVs missus isn't allowed near while I'm doing it.