Step 6: Refit Your Car Headlining and Trim

 

 

This is the final step in re-covering a car headlining with suede. The board is trimmed and the suede has been fitted, so now it is time to get everything back into the car. The rule here is simple. You are working in reverse of how you took it all out.

Refit the board first

Carefully lift the headlining board back into position, taking the same care you did when you took it out. It is covered in fresh suede now, so you do not want to crease it or catch an edge on the way in.

Once the board is seated, refit the trim that runs around the edge. On most cars this just pushes back on and helps hold the lining up against the roof.

Sort the pillars and seat belts

If you had to remove the seat belts to get the pillar trims out, feed the belts back through and bolt them up securely.

Seat belt bolts are a safety fixing, so make sure they are done up properly. This is not a place to rush.

Refit the smaller fittings

With the board and pillars in place, go back over the smaller fittings. The grab handles, the sun visors and the interior lights all go back on now.

Remember to reconnect any wiring you unplugged, such as the interior light switch, before you fix everything down. It is easy to fit a light back and then realise the wiring is still hanging loose.

Check everything over

Take your time on this last stage and check everything is secure and sitting flush. Any trim pieces you re-covered should line up neatly with the headlining for a consistent finish.

Once it is all back together, that is the job done.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Creasing or marking the new suede while lifting the board back in.
• Not tightening the seat belt bolts fully, which is a safety risk.
• Refitting a light or handle before reconnecting its wiring.
• Rushing the final checks and leaving trim sitting proud instead of flush.

FAQ

How do I refit a headlining without creasing the suede?
Lift the board in gently and support it as you go, keeping the covered face clear of edges and fixings. Take the same care you did removing it.

Do I need to remove the seat belts to refit the pillars?
On many cars the pillar trims sit over the seat belts, so the belts have to be fed back through as you refit them. Always bolt seat belt fixings back up securely.

What order should I refit everything in?
Work in reverse of how you took it apart. The board goes back first, then the edge trim, then the pillars, and finally the smaller fittings like handles, visors and lights.

Finishing up

That is the full process, from a stained or sagging lining to a fresh suede finish fitted back in the car. It is a time-consuming job, but it is well within reach if you take it steady, and the difference it makes inside the car is worth it. Browse the Auto Suede range of suede fabric and headlining adhesive spray to get started on yours.