A
convertible headliner is the fabric along the inside of the convertible top.
This is an extra layer of protection from outside elements including falling
debris, as well as temperature changes. The convertible headliner is a vital part of
your convertible’s ability to keep moisture from damaging the interior of the
car while reducing road and wind noise, as well. Over the years, convertible headliners can
take quite a beating and will inevitably need to be replaced. Convertible tops
and headliners are parts that must be replaced in order to prevent additional
damage to the interior and mechanics of the convertible system. So, when is the right time to
replace your headliner? We’ve put together some tips for identifying when your
convertible headliner needs to be replaced.
Sagging Headliner
Headliners
sag due to the adhesive losing its strength after years of extreme hot and cold
weather, as well as moisture. A sagging headliner can be temporarily repaired
with supplemental spray glue to re-attach the fabric. This will only work if
the headliner is slightly sagging. You may find that if the headliner is
sagging too much, the fabric will be difficult to lay flat and may not stick
properly, causing additional tearing when the convertible top is engaged. It’s
important to keep in mind that this is a temporary fix and will not sufficiently
keep moisture out of the car. The best option is to completely remove the
sagging headliner and replace it with a new, matching headliner.
Headliner Tears
Tears in
your headliner are a sign of things to come. As you raise and lower your convertible
top, any tears will inevitably grow and cause the headliner to begin to
sag. Temporary fixes including pins or staples (which we don’t recommend
using) will not last long and will eventually cause more holes in the headliner
fabric. It’s best to remove your headliner and replace it to avoid causing
additional damage to your car’s interior and convertible top.
Excessive Road Noise
It may be
difficult to notice increasingly louder road noise, since it can happen over
months or even years. However, if your interior is louder than normal, it may
be due to a compromised headliner. If you hear even the smallest wind gust
while driving, you will need to investigate the source of the leak and see if
you can seal it until the headliner can be replaced. Without replacing the
headliner, the road noise will not only increase, moisture will begin to seep
in ruining your car’s interior.
New Convertible Top
Whenever
you replace your convertible’s top, the headliner should be replaced, as well.
Even if the headliner looks barely used, there’s no sense in risking damage to
your new convertible top or interior with an old headliner. Give your convertible the
attention and protection it needs to stay in perfect shape for years to come.
These are
just a few of the signs that you should replace your headliner. A new headliner
from Auto Tops Direct will fit perfectly, withstand years of use and keep your
convertible looking great on even the smallest budget. Share your headliner
stories with us in the comments. We’d love to hear from you!
