Vehicles become more and more evolutionary as the years pass, but car maintenance remains one of the most crucial parts of owning a vehicle.
Some aspects of your car are barely there until they become an issue, and the headliner is one. Headliners seem nonexistent until they’re scratched during a move or fall from the roof of your car from old age.
So how do we fix a headliner and how much does it cost to do so?
Contents
What Is a Car Headliner?
A headliner is a fabric or material layered on the ceiling of a car. Instead of leaving the metal roof exposed within the vehicle, the headliner adds style and duals as a sound and temperature blockage.
Headliners are thin but offer insulation in the winter to keep warm in and the summer to keep cool in. They also function to keep the sound of your speakers from traveling and prevent outside noises from being overly loud.
Can a Headliner Be Repaired?
A headliner can be fixed and replaced. There are a few ways to do so, but it ultimately depends on the damage done.
If it’s starting to droop, glue specialized for the roof of your car is the best way to put it back in place. Headliners can sag for many reasons. Whether it’s just old, or it’s constantly overheating, glue is a fix. However, if it sagged once, it could very well happen again.
Replacing your headliner is a way to repair it as well. This will remove old glue and if it’s maintained properly, fix the problem for a long time. If your headliner is ripped or damaged, a new headliner is the best solution.
How Much Does it Cost To Repair a Car Headliner?
There are several options when it comes to repairing your headliner. You can hire someone to do it, you can find a way to do it yourself, or meet in the middle and pay for a kit to do it yourself. These options have different levels of effectiveness, as well as prices.
It’s ultimately up to you which option is more convenient for you and your car.
Professional Headliner Repair
Having your headliner professionally repaired is the most expensive option on this list. It is also one of the best ways to ensure the repair is done properly and lasts a long time. It ranges between hundreds of dollars to a thousand.
DIY Headliner Repair Cost
This is the cheapest solution and could potentially not work out the way you’re hoping. If you know what you’re doing and have the right materials, then this is a great option. Doing it yourself is worth it if you’re saving up to get it professionally done as well.
There aren’t rules when fixing your headliner unless you’re repairing it with the intention of it looking professionally done.
Headliner Repair Kit Price
Purchasing a headliner repair kit is the medium-pricing option. You’re still doing it by yourself, but you have all the required materials to do it properly.
How Long Does it Take To Replace a Headliner?
Replacing a headliner includes removing the old one, cleaning and prepping the surface, then applying the new headliner.
Professionally, adding a new headliner takes close to two hours. If you are doing it yourself for the first time and have no prior experience, it may take longer as you learn as you go.
Can I Repair My Headliner?
Yes, you can repair your headliner in a Do-It-Yourself style or purchase a headliner repair kit that offers the proper tools to get it done. Either way, whether you DIY your headliner or buy a kit, it’s possible to make it look good without professional help.
It’s also possible to mess the whole thing up, so if you’re considering spending extra to ensure it looks right, there are places all over that offer excellent service.
Where Can I Get My Headliner Fixed?
Where to go to fix your headliner comes down to where you live and what auto repair shops are nearby. Very few well-known auto repair shops do headliner service because they solely focus on the inside of the car. Franchises like Pep Boys and Midas Auto don’t offer headliner service.
There are likely plenty of independent auto repair shops near you that do headliner repairs and other upholstery work on your car. Most of them are independent shops and family-owned, and their prices can vary depending on the material and work you ask them to do.
Here are four headliner service recommendations from all around the United States.
JC’s Auto Body
JC’s Auto Body is a repair shop in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania that offers headliner repair services amongst other interior decals and details. They don’t have any prices listed but can provide you with a quote. This way, you’ll know what you pay beforehand.
Wally’s Auto Upholstery
Wally’s Auto Upholstery is a shop in San Francisco, California. They offer headliner repair and replacement. With custom work and different materials to choose from, including leather, vinyl, and fabric, Wally’s is a great option to make your car even more personable.
Their prices also vary depending on the material you wish to use and how much.
Stetson Auto Shop
Stetson Auto Shop is a Houston, Texas repair shop that provides many detailed services, from headliners to leather interiors. They don’t list prices, but you can receive a quote online to see how much a new headliner and installation would cost.
D&R Auto and Boat Upholstery
D&R Auto and Boat Upholstery are located in Morris County, New Jersey, and offer new material and installation for vehicle headliners. Their services are detailed, and prices vary, so you have to contact them for a quote on how much a headliner service would cost.
Conclusion
Headliner repair costs can vary depending on the method you choose to fix them with. It’s cheap to do it yourself, but professional shops ensure it’s completed right and prevent sagging or damage from happening again.
