Red280zx

Hey everyone, my 1980 zx has the red interior and what seems to be the vinyl headliner (the car is T-top) and it is just a disaster. It falls off constantly, so I tried a basic headliner adhesive that I had picked up, and it looked good for a few days, until it just melted right off again. The car is basically an oven with all of the upward facing glass panels when I drive it, so it gets hot. The car is garaged mostly because it is not my daily driver. Otherwise, it's in solid shape and almost to my liking. Does anyone know of any products or tricks to adhere it? I had talked to an interior shop and they wanted to replace it with a cloth headliner. I like the vinyl.

NismoPick

You need to take out the whole headliner board and work from the center out. Use 3M adhesive spray and fabric pinching staples ("hog rings") to hold the edges tight.

Lots of online tutorials on how to redo your interior and get professional results.

Red280zx

That will probably do it. More work than I had anticipated but hopefully the fsm shows me how to remove the board easily. Thanks for the speedy reply!

biz61

I replaced mine with fabric. Used the 3M super duper spray glue ( I think it is 777 if I remember correctly. Works like a charm. Anything that is good for high heat.

I think the trick to make it stick well is cleanliness. Getting all the old adhesive off the backing board is tough but a necessity. Spray both the cloth or vinyl back and the hardboard. Give it a few minutes to set up and start sticking.

Go carefully as you only get one chance after it makes contact.

Through out more than one piece of cloth getting it right but worth it.

Red280zx

Thanks! Ya I have been trying to get the old adhesive off but it's serious work.

NismoPick

Just a few weeks ago on PowerBlock or Carfix they had a tutorial on panel adhesive removal. I think he used a soft wire brush or scotch-brite pad.

FricFrac

Yup I used a wire brush. As long as the cardboard backing isn't flaking the wire brush seems to just take the old foam and loose adhesive off so you have something to glue back onto. I use the 3M Super77 but I think they have some better ones now. Anyhow the Super 77 worked great for everything except some of the compound curves in the rear panels - fine for the headliner. I used a black microfiber to match the similar feel of the oem material on the sun visor. Works great!