Cutting XJ Headliner to fit MJ?

[1987Comanche]

Has anyone tried cutting down an XJ headliner to fit their Comanche? The headliner on the '90 is in pretty bad shape and it seems like the XJ headliner should work (I've cut the chrome drip rail trim down to fit). The only question is the curvature on the back of the headliner. Perhaps using the rear portion (cargo area) of the XJ headliner would work best. Thoughts?

[MJ is dead]

It has been done. But take it from me, just because you have the parts doesn't necessarily mean it will be easier/cheaper. I tried to make a set of free bucket seats work, only to hack 6" off the frames, build new brackets, lost enough skin on my middle finger to warrant a trip to the clinic, and the next day? The bench went back in. I threw the free seats away.

[JeepcoMJ]

I've tried.

 

I lost 1" of head room. cherokee roof lines are 1" lower than comanches, thus the headliner doesn't go up as high in the "dome" of the cab.

 

 

not worth the wasted time. I took it out, threw it away, and spent $40 on enough material to cover two headliners.

[comanche09]

I've got a spare headliner you can have for cheap. But I don't think shipping it would be easy/cost effective... Where are you located?

[rnobles]

How bad is bad shape?

Mine looked pretty rough, rats had decided to make a nest up there so there are 2 holes @ the visor area that you could stick a softball through in addition to a tear or two in the corners from removal and the general weakness of the materials.

I removed all of the old foam and cloth with a wire brush and coated the back with resin and patched the holes and tears with fiberglass. seems as though it will work out ok. still need to get the material to recover it.

 

May be an option to look at if you are feeling crafty...

[64 Cheyenne]

How bad is bad shape?

Mine looked pretty rough, rats had decided to make a nest up there so there are 2 holes @ the visor area that you could stick a softball through in addition to a tear or two in the corners from removal and the general weakness of the materials.

I removed all of the old foam and cloth with a wire brush and coated the back with resin and patched the holes and tears with fiberglass. seems as though it will work out ok. still need to get the material to recover it.

 

May be an option to look at if you are feeling crafty...

 

Got pics?

[wannabeMJ]

How bad is bad shape?

Mine looked pretty rough, rats had decided to make a nest up there so there are 2 holes @ the visor area that you could stick a softball through in addition to a tear or two in the corners from removal and the general weakness of the materials.

I removed all of the old foam and cloth with a wire brush and coated the back with resin and patched the holes and tears with fiberglass. seems as though it will work out ok. still need to get the material to recover it.

 

May be an option to look at if you are feeling crafty...

 

Got pics?

X2

[Eagle]

still need to get the material to recover it.

JoAnn Fabrics ( a chain of sewing, fabric and crafts stores, at least regional if not national) has both headliner material and the correct adhesive. I've also seen headliner kits at Pep Boys, but the fabric from JoAnn Fabrics is at least 50% heavier.

[1987Comanche]

All the fabric came unglued and the PO used about 100 staples to hold it up. The fabric itself is filthy and has resisted all attempts to glue it back in place. I've tried peeling the fabric from the edges and sticking the headliner adhesive nozzle between headliner and backing but it won't hold. I guess the backing itself is in ok shape but I'm not sure.

It sounds like the XJ headliner is a waste of time so I won't pursue it.

Is there a writeup on posting pics? I should put a few pics of the old and new MJs one of these days.

[rnobles]

Got pics?

 

don't mean to hijack.........

 

 

You get the idea...

 

Thanks Eagle, I have never heard of that place before but i will be on the lookout.