Fix for fabric coming away from roof/ceiling trim

[Gazbibelots1860]

Hi, one for the owners of older calis. Anyone had the trim fabric peeling away from the ceiling trim, happening above passenger door but also now around the digital control unit in the middle. I imagine some specialist glue is needed to make sure it doesn’t come through the fabric, but not sure how I can tuck it back in neatly!

Will try and take a photo
Thanks

 

[Tycho]

we have an older cali from 2006, had the same problem. You can buy a new headliner and replace the old. Also if the damage is small you can try to glue it back. But if it starts to let go, it often is a sign that the foam layer is old and starts to crumble, it is beyond repair.
We took out the ceiling, cleaned it and replaced the fabric with new. You need good heat resistent spray glue, the roof can get very hot.

 

[flying banana]

I've got fabric ungluing itself from this rear panel. Was thinking of syringe and glue. Does anyone know what glue is vest to go through a syringe? Also where would I get a syringe? Never needed one before. Chemist?

 

[WelshGas]

I've got fabric ungluing itself from this rear panel. Was thinking of syringe and glue. Does anyone know what glue is vest to go through a syringe? Also where would I get a syringe? Never needed one before. Chemist?

View attachment 140084

Syringe Amazon or eBay. Possibly chemist.
Most glues are solvent based so may dissolve a normal syringe.
Normally they use a spray solvent contact glue for fabric covering of body parts.
Possibly use a gel type superglue, inject small amount, massage around and then pressure on fabric. What you don't want is the glue to stain/come through the fabric. But if it's been glued before it shouldn't.

 

[Viktorgeorge]

Syringed Copydex, perhaps?

 

[Gazbibelots1860]

Hi, updating this thread, over the winter this has god a bit worse, have taken a couple of photos, I was thinking about using spray adhesive (spray mount), mask of surrounding area with paper. I want to avoid the effort (and cost) of having to get a new ceiling

Anyone had any experience with this?

 

[Viktorgeorge]

Glue gun. I just bought one, very accurate point and immediate setting (probably a 2 man job, if I am still allowed to say that).

Bosch Cordless Hot Glue Gun... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BG8ZP2JH?tag=unique09f-21

Bosch Professional PKP 18 E Thermoplastic Glue Sticks (25pk) - 2609255800 | eBay UK

Bosch PKP 18 E Thermoplastic Glue Sticks (25pk) - 2609255800. Gluing capacity 20 gram. Helpful Links. --View all--. Workwear & Safety. Tool Storage & Security. Power Tools. Lawn & Garden.

ebay.us

Practice elsewhere first!

Possibly trim with fine edging tape after, again glue gunned.

 

[Gazbibelots1860]

Glue gun. I just bought one, very accurate point and immediate setting (probably a 2 man job, if I am still allowed to say that).

Bosch Cordless Hot Glue Gun... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BG8ZP2JH?tag=unique09f-21

Bosch Professional PKP 18 E Thermoplastic Glue Sticks (25pk) - 2609255800 | eBay UK

Bosch PKP 18 E Thermoplastic Glue Sticks (25pk) - 2609255800. Gluing capacity 20 gram. Helpful Links. --View all--. Workwear & Safety. Tool Storage & Security. Power Tools. Lawn & Garden.

ebay.us

Practice elsewhere first!

Possibly trim with fine edging tape after, again glue gunned.

Great thanks, did the glue not soak in and show through the fabric?

 

[Perfectos]

The original process laminates the fabric to the backing foam , via heat and pressure applied by a rubber roller, , the glue is very very similar to "wonder web" used in clothing repair/ haberdashery etc

Any glue used would need to be non liquid otherwise it will leach through the fabric.

In your photos the foam backing has deteriorated which is why the material has delaminated.

Either try wonder web or "Fabric glue" (google)

 

[Viktorgeorge]

Great thanks, did the glue not soak in and show through the fabric?

@Perfectos may, above, have better suggestions. I have not used a glue gun in the specific condition you face, but it is not a liquid other than for the brief 'melted' moment when you apply it, and its other quality is its very fast set.

Whatever you use, perhaps stating the obvious, you will need first to do some practice with similar materials (perhaps some discarded foam and ladies negligée?).

 

[flying banana]

@Perfectos may, above, have better suggestions. I have not used a glue gun in the specific condition you face, but it is not a liquid other than for the brief 'melted' moment when you apply it, and its other quality is its very fast set.

Whatever you use, perhaps stating the obvious, you will need first to do some practice with similar materials (perhaps some discarded foam and ladies negligée?).

What you been practising? I tried to glue a rear panel back on my ocean. I syringed some glue through it but it was a disaster. Never thought about negligee at the time

 

[Gazbibelots1860]

@Perfectos may, above, have better suggestions. I have not used a glue gun in the specific condition you face, but it is not a liquid other than for the brief 'melted' moment when you apply it, and its other quality is its very fast set.

Whatever you use, perhaps stating the obvious, you will need first to do some practice with similar materials (perhaps some discarded foam and ladies negligée?).

I’d love to say we have some negligée’s lying round the house

 

[Gazbibelots1860]

@Perfectos ah wonder web! I know what you mean now, that sounds like a great idea, I’m going to try that first, ma have to brush away Nagy deteriorated foam first. We had water coming in from a blocked drainage hole on that side and I think that’s what caused this to start happening

 

[Perfectos]

@Perfectos ah wonder web! I know what you mean now, that sounds like a great idea, I’m going to try that first, ma have to brush away Nagy deteriorated foam first. We had water coming in from a blocked drainage hole on that side and I think that’s what caused this to start happening

Photos and a synopsis pls , to help others.
Keep any heat to a minimum, the decor material will not handle lots of heat !


Wishing u luck.

 

[Alexlex85]

Unfortunately the material is coming away from the foam and your only permanent fix is to pull the panel, remove material, brush off foam off the panel and apply new foam backed material.

 

[Gazbibelots1860]

Hi, just an update on this for others reference, i tried hem tape and it didnt work, the glue dissolved but didnt stick the fabric back to the backing board (which has the yellowed, disintegrated foam on it). Not sure what else to try, not sure i trust myself taking out the ceiling panel and doing the re-fabric-ing job, may be a job for an expert

 

[Lambeth Cali]

I have this happening which is easier to access than roof lining, possibly even removable to do fix. But what will glue to the crappy knackered foam??



Determined to fix this. May fix the foam first - try and make solid somehow. Then try and glue cloth to it.
Will let you know how I get on.

 

[Tall Andrew]

If you’re determined to do this I bought the materials and got advice from this company.

Woolies – Trim, upholstery and fittings for Classic Cars

Fast same day despatch of door seals, rubbers, window channel, weatherstrip, edge trims, sound deadening and lots more. Providing excellent customer service for over 40 years.

www.woolies-trim.co.uk

 

[Perfectos]

I have this happening which is easier to access than roof lining, possibly even removable to do fix. But what will glue to the crappy knackered foam??
View attachment 150536
View attachment 150537
View attachment 150538
Determined to fix this. May fix the foam first - try and make solid somehow. Then try and glue cloth to it.
Will let you know how I get on.

Leather or PVC may be a better option, it is more robust and will allow for proper glue to be applied to the base panel
But would require more work and patience to get the edges tucked in properly

 

[Lambeth Cali]

I’ll be copying this.

Rear side panel removal

Our 2006 T5 is in need of some new liner. The roof and side panel in the back have loose fabric. I am planning on doing the repair myself. Is there a way to remove the smaller panel/inlay that cover just the speaker and the bad piece of liner, without removing the complete side panel? That way...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

Ordered spray glue and fabric arrived today.
Having watched YouTube roof liner videos, I’ll brush off all orange foam, practice cutting, fitting and tucking in cloth a few times then spray and stick. Leaving 5 minutes to become tacky seems important.

That’s the plan!

If this works I may attempt the roof lining near the hatch. A much bigger job. I retired in April so may be a winter project.

Yesterday I removed outside seats cloths that had started to give way (again). Asked my fashion student godson to stitch. Today I’ll reassemble.

I fitted magnets to the EHU flap that was flapping around all our summer holiday.

I will eventually order a new c pillar on eBay that I cracked when trying to fix the sliding door 2 years ago!

Then she’ll be good as new !!