FF40 Headliners (1 Viewer)

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overton

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FJ40 Headliners

Probably one of my most UN-favorite things to do is to replace the headliner on a FJ40. I recently had a headliner that came from Specter off-road where the foam backing has de-laminated from the material and the while the foam was stuck to the roof, the material was separated and sagging. This has been a real pain in the butt to correct. I'm not sure why the Specter headliner failed. I've used them before without problems. So I thought I would try the Cruiser Corps headliner and see how that goes. The quality looks very good and I think the color is closer to original. Attached is a picture of the Cruiser Corp headliner versus the Specter off-road headliner.

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Keep us posted
 
In my experience all the headliners you buy from a retailer will start sagging sooner or later. And for what you pay for them???? They should last forever!

The last couple I have installed(40, and 60) I went to Joanne's fabrics and got there headliner specific fabric. They have a couple different colors I think. Also while I was there I got some padding and insulation. One layer of padding and one of insulation. Using the 3M fabric adhesive( the only stuff that lasts) I laminate all the fabric together and let it sit for a couple days. Then make sure your top dosnt leak if it does you'll have a couple more days of work and Drying time for the fiberglass. Once all is well I apply a liberal about of the 3M adhesive to the fiberglass and your laminated headliner. Then lay out your headliner on the top and depress evenly. Then your pretty much done! Just trim the edges and glue the edges as needed.
 
Just make sure that you use a quality adhesive, the cans of 3M from the box stores aren't always the best.

Hmm, I know you guys (Cruiser Corps) sell DAP. I have used the 3M Headliner adhesive in the past and it seems to be holding well. Have you had issues with it and your headliner?
 
.... I thought I would try the Cruiser Corps headliner and see how that goes. The quality looks very good and I think the color is closer to original. Attached is a picture of the Cruiser Corp headliner versus the Specter off-road headliner.

I've had the Cruiser Corps headliner in place for 18 months, spanning a very hot summer with many days in excess of 110 degrees. No sagging at all. IMO it's a high quality product as to material and fit.
 
In my experience all the headliners you buy from a retailer will start sagging sooner or later. And for what you pay for them???? They should last forever!

Just make sure that you use a quality adhesive, the cans of 3M from the box stores aren't always the best.

In my experience, it's not the quality of the headliner or lack thereof, it's the old adhesive that keeps them from sticking well. The combination of old petrified cement gunked up with an inside layer of headliner material stuck to it is not a good substrate for new adhesive and headliner. You have to get all the old stuff off first.

I got tired of sagging headliners and my truck is not a resto candidate, so I just paid an upholstery shop to clean the inside of the top and put gray marine carpet up there. YMMV
 
What did you use for an adhesive? 3M? DAP? Other?

Used DAP. Sorry for the low quality pic. It's the only shot I have on the computer and I'm 500 miles from the truck, but this is how the CC headliner looks installed.
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If you want the stock perforated look your choices are limited. Fabric and upholstery stores have good non stock options. Somewhere on here there is a thread where a guy used a thin, gray outdoor rug, it sounds bad but actually looked really good. I think I like the white or off white look best though. White spray in liner looks good too and can't sag.
 
Head Liners

I have replaced two in the past and getting ready to do another one....all different FJ40s. CCOT is just a little more expensive, but I like their quality. 3M adhesive (spray on) has always worked well for me. The big can will easily complete a top. The key to a smooth finished product is to sand and remove the old glue. The extra time you take to prep is well invested. I agree with other posts that it should be a one-time event.
 
Subscribed..

Keep us posted. This is on my list and have always wondered how it finishes at the edge of the roof. Are the channels still open on top when complete or does the headliner close it off?
 
How does the roof come off? I have the CC replacement roof liner to go on but not sure how to take off the fiberglass roof.

Are there multiple screws/ bolts holding the roof on? Do I just start at the doors and work my way around until they are all removed and it should come right off?

Any tips would be appreciated!
 
We sell DAP and have had very good results from it, 3M sells a quality product but is not always the best choice for headliners. Your local trim should should also sell a good variety of spray adhesives as well.

Preparation is key before the install. Insuring that all old foam is completely removed and no grease is left behind.
 
High end automotive carpet installed without removing the top. Done by a shop here in town. I removed the old liner and the old adhesive. This headliner has been through over 10 years of summer heat here in Southern Arizona and still looks like it did when it was installed.
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All Done - I LIKE the Cruiser Corp Headliner! It's thicker and less prone to wrinkles than the SOR headliner. It's also a couple bucks cheaper. If you buy it - Remove it from the box and lay it out flat for a couple days as it comes folded. I tucked it all in and went around the top with a Sharpie under the lip and then just trimmed it up with the scissors. Turned out great, Miller Time, Have a cigar!

Only bad thing is, I HAVE TO DO THIS AGAIN when my Smurf 78 get's here and that top has not been off for a long time I'm guessing. :-(
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