Scrape & Cover Headliner Installation Instructions

May 14, 2025

Applicable for most vehicles using original headliner boards with replacement foam-backed headliner fabric.

Please read all instructions completely before beginning installation.

Before You Begin

Factory Interiors scrape-and-cover headliner kits are designed to restore your original factory headliner board using new foam-backed headliner material.

This style of installation reuses the original headliner backing board after removing the deteriorated foam and fabric.

For best results:

Work in a clean, dry environment.
Use high-quality automotive spray contact adhesive.
Allow adequate drying and curing time.
Professional installation is recommended for show-quality restorations.

Because many original headliner boards become brittle with age, extra care should be taken during removal and preparation.

Recommended Tools & Supplies

The following tools and materials are recommended:

Phillips screwdriver
Flat-blade screwdriver
Pliers
Stiff bristle brush
Razor knife or utility knife
Wide paint roller (optional)
Automotive spray contact adhesive
Duct tape
Thin cardboard for board repairs (if necessary)
Whisk broom or shop vacuum
Clean workbench or large flat work surface

Important Installation Notes

Use Automotive-Grade Adhesive

Always use spray contact adhesive designed specifically for:

Automotive headliner applications
Foam-backed materials
High-temperature interiors

Standard household adhesives are not recommended and may fail in heat.

Adhesive Must Be Applied to Both Surfaces

For proper bonding:

Apply adhesive to the headliner board.
Apply adhesive to the backside of the new headliner fabric.

Allow both surfaces to become tacky before joining.

Handle Original Headliner Boards Carefully

Factory headliner boards are often weakened by:

Heat exposure
Moisture
Age
Previous sagging

Avoid excessive bending or twisting during removal and installation.

Removing the Original Headliner

1. Remove Interior Components

Remove all components attached to or surrounding the headliner, including:

Sun visors
Dome lights
Coat hooks
Seat belt anchors
Map lights
Overhead consoles (if equipped)

Retain all factory hardware for reuse.

2. Remove Windshield & Rear Moldings

Front Windshield Molding

Carefully rock the molding gently using pliers or trim tools to release retaining clips.

Rear Window Moldings

Use a flat-blade screwdriver to locate and carefully release the clips.

Work slowly to avoid damaging trim pieces.

3. Remove Side & Quarter Trim Panels

Remove:

Door opening moldings
Rear quarter moldings
Front pillar trim panels

Some quarter trim panels may only need to be loosened rather than fully removed.

4. Remove Sunroof Trim (If Equipped)

If the vehicle has a sunroof:

Remove the trim ring assembly.
Remove latch trim and snap-on moldings.
Retain all hardware and clips.

5. Remove the Original Headliner Board

Once all trim and accessories are removed:

Carefully lower the original headliner board.
Remove it from the vehicle slowly.

A clean workbench or large flat surface is highly recommended for the next steps.

Preparing the Original Headliner Board

6. Remove Old Fabric & Foam

Carefully peel away the original headliner fabric.

In many cases:

The original foam backing will have deteriorated.
Fabric may already be separating from the board.

Use a stiff bristle brush in circular motions to remove:

Remaining foam residue
Loose adhesive
Fabric remnants

The board surface must be completely clean before installing new material.

Important:

Avoid damaging or peeling away layers of the original board material during cleaning.

7. Repair Weak or Damaged Areas

If the board is cracked or weakened:

Minor Damage

Apply duct tape to the backside of the board for reinforcement.

For better adhesion:

Spray light contact adhesive before applying tape.

Larger Weak Areas

If additional support is required:

Cut thin cardboard reinforcement pieces.
Layer them onto the backside of the board.
Attach using contact adhesive.
Allow adhesive to dry completely.

The board should feel stable before fabric installation begins.

8. Final Surface Cleaning

Use a whisk broom, vacuum, or clean brush to remove all dust and debris.

Test the surface by gently rubbing your hand across the board.

You should not feel:

Loose foam residue
Dust buildup
Soft deteriorated areas

A clean surface is critical for proper adhesive bonding.

Applying the New Headliner Fabric

9. Prepare the Adhesive

2–3 cans of automotive spray contact adhesive are typically recommended for most applications.

Before spraying:

Shake adhesive thoroughly.
Verify it is safe for foam-backed materials.
Protect surrounding work areas from overspray.

10. Apply Adhesive to Both Surfaces

Apply adhesive evenly to:

The headliner board surface
The backside of the new headliner fabric

Important:

Keep the spray can moving steadily.
Avoid heavy buildup or puddling.
Allow adhesive to become tacky before bonding.

Do not attach the fabric while the adhesive is still wet.

11. Position & Apply the Fabric

For easier handling:

Fold the fabric in half with the glue side facing outward.

Carefully align the fabric with the board.

Starting from the center:

Gradually apply the fabric outward.
Stretch lightly to avoid wrinkles.
Work slowly and evenly.

Do not overstretch the material.

A wide paint roller may help smooth the fabric evenly across the surface.

Important:

Avoid pressing hard on areas where the glue is still wet.

Excessive pressure can:

Crush the foam backing
Leave hand or finger impressions
Create permanent surface marks

12. Trim Excess Material

Once the fabric is bonded:

Trim excess fabric flush with the board edges.

For accessory openings:

Locate all cutouts.
Trim the fabric carefully.
Leave approximately 1/2 inch of excess fabric extending inward.

This allows the edges to wrap cleanly into the openings.

Cutouts may include:

Sun visor mounts
Dome lights
Seat belt anchors
Overhead consoles
Map lights

13. Allow Adhesive to Cure

Allow the completed headliner board to sit for at least 2 hours before installation.

Additional curing time may improve long-term adhesion.

Avoid bending or installing the board before the adhesive has properly set.

Reinstalling the Headliner

14. Reinstall the Headliner Board

Carefully position the completed headliner back into the vehicle.

Reinstall all previously removed components in reverse order, including:

Trim moldings
Dome lights
Sun visors
Seat belt anchors
Pillar trim
Sunroof trim (if equipped)

Verify all components align properly before final tightening.

Installation is now complete.

Helpful Installation Tips

Assistance Recommended for Larger Boards

Larger headliner boards can be difficult to handle alone.

A second person may help:

Prevent cracking
Improve alignment
Avoid damaging fresh adhesive areas

Warm Temperatures Improve Results

Moderate temperatures help:

Adhesive cure properly
Fabric relax naturally
Reduce wrinkles during installation

Avoid Excess Adhesive Saturation

Applying too much adhesive can:

Soak through the foam backing
Create surface imperfections
Cause uneven bonding

Light, even coats work best.

Test Fit Before Final Assembly

Before tightening all trim:

Verify all openings align correctly.
Confirm dome light placement.
Check visor mounting points.

Advantages of Scrape & Cover Headliner Kits

Scrape-and-cover headliner kits provide an economical way to restore:

Sagging headliners
Deteriorated foam backing
Stained or damaged fabric
Original interior appearance

These kits retain the original factory board while refreshing the visible headliner material.

Additional Notes

Original boards may require minor repairs prior to recovering.
Minor trimming may be necessary depending on vehicle variation.
Reusing original hardware and trim clips is common.
Professional installation may be preferred for heavily damaged boards or complex applications.

For questions regarding fitment, materials, or installation assistance, contact Factory Interiors customer support at 1-888-269-6287 (MATS).