Foam backing on the headliner board breaks down and the cloth droops. DIY fix: pull headliner board, peel old fabric, reglue with new automotive headliner fabric and 3M 38808 spray adhesive.
Universal failure on every aged XJ. The headliner is a molded fiberboard panel with foam-backed cloth glued to its underside; the foam disintegrates after 15-20 years and the cloth droops. Quick fixes (push pins, twin-stick tape) look bad. Proper fix: drop the headliner board by removing the sun visors, dome light lens, A-B-C pillar trim, and rear hatch trim. The board slides out the rear hatch. Strip the old fabric and crumbly foam down to bare fiberboard - a wire brush helps. Buy automotive headliner fabric (1.5-2 yards depending on roof option) from JoAnn, SAS, or eBay - the standard XJ color is gray. Apply 3M Super 77 or 3M 38808 specifically labeled for headliner work (regular contact cement bleeds through). Work from the center outward, smoothing as you go. Trim with a fresh razor and reinstall. Total project takes 4-6 hours for a careful first-timer.
| Part | Vendor | Est. price |
|---|---|---|
| Headliner fabric (2 yd) | JoAnn/SAS | ~$35 |
| 3M Headliner Adhesive 38808 | auto parts | ~$18 |
Written and maintained by an AZ wheeler and driveway wrencher. Always cross-reference your factory service manual — modifications affect vehicle safety and warranty. Work at your own risk.