Roof rack delete/headliner

[Presidio]

I’ve read through the various threads on the roof rack delete and some on the headliner. Am I understanding it right that if I remove the rack and weld it closed up I will need to remove the headliner to do it right? And that my headliner that is in good shape will probably need to be replaced with an expensive OEM replacement? I plan to have a buddy do the welding, can a good auto body shop pull the headliner and replace it easier so I dont go through the expense of buying a new one.

 

[voodu3]

unless you have a pre 95 truck you can remove the headliner pretty easily and put it back without issue. The older trucks have cloth headliner that is done after removing.

 

[Brindleboxer]

IMO read through some of the threads for pulling the headliner. Your vehcile is a 96 so the headliner is easier than the earlier models. I would expect that if you are capable you could pull it yourself.

As for needing to pull to weld the roof rack holes, I would say definitely remove because there is high potential to catch it on fire during the welding process and that wouldn't be optimal. Here is a link to the write up @treerootCO did many years ago. Welding roof rack holes and headliner removal - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/welding-roof-rack-holes-and-headliner-removal.230709/

 

[Presidio]

IMO read through some of the threads for pulling the headliner. Your vehcile is a 96 so the headliner is easier than the earlier models. I would expect that if you are capable you could pull it yourself.

As for needing to pull to weld the roof rack holes, I would say definitely remove because there is high potential to catch it on fire during the welding process and that wouldn't be optimal. Here is a link to the write up @treerootCO did many years ago. Welding roof rack holes and headliner removal - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/welding-roof-rack-holes-and-headliner-removal.230709/

Thank you for that link. I guess I missed that post. I have a ‘96 LC. So hopefully it isn’t that tough.

 

[Brindleboxer]

@gummycarbs also has a post about doing the repair without removing the headliner. He does however have a disclaimer and I will let you enjoy that. Welding up holes in the roof - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/welding-up-holes-in-the-roof.995410/

 

[Presidio]

@gummycarbs also has a post about doing the repair without removing the headliner. He does however have a disclaimer and I will let you enjoy that. Welding up holes in the roof - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/welding-up-holes-in-the-roof.995410/

Good stuff there. I think I will pull the headliner and be safe.

 

[OpossumWrangler]

I did one several years ago, a 1992 I believe. I held a squirt bottle of water, soaked the top of the headliner and tig welded the hole up quick. It worked on all the roof-rack holes and spoiler. Looking back that was probably a pretty good fire hazard

 

[tmxmotorsports]

I've done it on a 94 was a total pain removing and reinstalling the headliner.