As a follow-up to my last post, 40th anniversary rust, it was suggested that I remove the headliner. Seems pretty straightforward with everyone’s help on the farm, remove pins grab handles speakers etc. but my question is concerning the sunroof. How much does this complicate matters and is there a known way to deal? Thanks again for any further advice on dropping the headliner.
1997 headliner with sunroof
- Thread starter bubba5320
- Start date
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No complication. The molding around the sunroof opening pulls right off.
I found it helpful to extend the headrests to the highest position if you're doing it solo.
I found it helpful to extend the headrests to the highest position if you're doing it solo.
Like Jon said - its just the rectangular trim piece around the sunroof opening that needs to be pulled off (same as the upper door opening trim pieces). Everything else related to sunroof will stay attached to the roof.
Dont forget that you also have to remove the A/B/C/D pillar trim pieces (which requires removing the seat belts).
Dont forget that you also have to remove the A/B/C/D pillar trim pieces (which requires removing the seat belts).
-Plastic clips that hold the headliner to roof (3 in the rear, 2 in the middle and 2 where the driver's grab handle should be, i believe) are prone to breaking if you dont pull them PERFECTLY even.
-Dont break the front seatbelt adjusters when removing the belts. That's another common newbie mistake.
-I usually like to remove EVERYTHING that holds the headliner except the sunroof rectangular trim discussed earlier and the trim piece at the top of the hatch opening. Then get someone to seat in the front seat while you sit in cargo area, and support the headliner while removing both trim pieces. It's not VERY brittle, but will break if you're not careful. It usually breaks on the sides of the sunroof opening, so it's best to hold it just in front of the opening.
-Dont break the front seatbelt adjusters when removing the belts. That's another common newbie mistake.
-I usually like to remove EVERYTHING that holds the headliner except the sunroof rectangular trim discussed earlier and the trim piece at the top of the hatch opening. Then get someone to seat in the front seat while you sit in cargo area, and support the headliner while removing both trim pieces. It's not VERY brittle, but will break if you're not careful. It usually breaks on the sides of the sunroof opening, so it's best to hold it just in front of the opening.
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- Thread starter
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Great details and process. You mention pulling the clips evenly. A tool or just a couple of drivers? I have a trim tool from harbor freight. Also you mention don’t break the seatbelt adjusters, newbie error. Well here I am. Special technique not to mess the adjusters up?
There is a tool for this, but you should be OK as long as you apply pressure on them evenly with a basic trim tool straight down (and not at an angle). Not a big deal regardless - i cant imagine them costing more than a couple of bucks if you do break them.
As for seatbelt adjusters, the key is to squeeze the adjuster buttons while you're prying the cover (from the bottom) that hides the bolt. It also helps to try and push up on it as you're prying. If you dont squeeze the buttons, you're most likely going to break the adjuster mechanism.
Fj80oregon
GOLD Star
I just pulled my headliner last weekend and I skipped a couple steps. Not sure if it’s the right way but I left the seat belts in the front on, me and a helper just slid the liner out the back. I also had to pull the sunroof cassette to get to the front nut serts.