Ceiling headliner failure

[Phelpo]

I did a search and not much there on this condition.
Has anyone replaced the headliner( looks like leather)
and did you use the same liner to reattach?

We have a 2004 Vectra 40AD, the very rear area
over the bed let go.....reglueing to the old foam
is not an option.

Phelpo

[62Morgan]

Why is re-gluing to the foam not possible? Do you assume the foam substrate merely appears unworkable or do you have serious voids/ holes in the foam material?

I ask this as I've patched many an auto headliner by re-gluing fabric back in-place to the oem foam backing. A "powdering" of the foam surface can be treated. The key is to seal the deteriorated surface of the foam so that adhesive will stay and make a bond.

Additionally, If you witness a shrinkage of the fabric and/or it covers too large an area...then these, too can be overcome with a little diligent DIY'er surface preparation before reattaching the oem fabric.

Can you take a picture or give rough dimensions/description of it? I assume it occurs at a battten strip location. Is it out in the mid-ceiling, or closer to one wall? It might be possible to add a decorative ceiling moulding or cornice treatment in an effort to conceal. Would a ceiling fan excutcheon do the trick?

[Izzyblueye]

Winnebago had a problem with ceiling fabric releasing from the substrate for a few years. I personally had the problem. Winnebago installed ribs at the seams of the substrate on mine. They covered the entire ceiling about every 4 ft front to back. I balked when first advised this was the best fix. However, after they did the job, I really liked it it, everyone that looked at it liked the results and I never had the sag problem again. They offered wood, or steel with plastic color matched caps on the ribs.

[John_N_Terry]

I am having the same issue with my '96 Winnebago. I plan on fixing it this weekend by following the ideas in this link...

Repairing drooping headliner

[Phelpo]

update, called winnie, talked to Al, he has worked
in the shop and done these repairs. Can't
reglue, won't hold for the long term, have to remove
foam (hot putty knife) works well. Could use
old material if I get it real clean. Part of the foam
is off, more coming off.

Phelpo

[PeteB]

What are you going to replace the headliner with once you remove the original? I also have a 04 40AD but have had no issues so far.

Thanks,
Pete

[TailgatinTom]

I've got the same issue with my 95 Itasca and have been going over the repair options suggested here and on other sites. here's one I came up with that I haven't yet run across. Please comment on it's feasability. Remove vents, lights, etc. from the ceiling. Tear down the sagging headliner, trimming it at the cabinet frame. Clean remaining foam and glue from the plywood. Then paint the ceiling as you would in your stick house. You guys (and gals) think this solution would work or am I just expelling liquid waste into the wind?

[62Morgan]

Painting is ill-advised as the plywood layer underneath is not a "finished" surface suitable for painting. It's grainy, has 48" spaced seams, rough edges.. Even if you apply a premium sealer base coat,It will look like a piece of junk and look real crappy in the end. Your eye will automatically be drawn to the different ceiling treatment & it will give anyone the impression that you've had a damaged ceiling. This is not the right approach if you want to camouflage the area. The key idea is subtlety.
The eye needs to perceive that the ceiling is congruous throughout the coach. Any glaring change-of-surface will grab and hold your attention.

If the damaged portion is out in the "field" area; and not necessarily, adjacent to any wall edges....I would attempt to build a decorative wood frame similar to new high-end coaches...that leaves a border area of the original ceiling material, say, 16-20 inches on all sides. The frame could be an open frame or have an inset panel of the same material, a padded foam with very similar fabric, or a mirror surface. It might, then, appear more oem, or decorative accent in-lieu-of "patched repairs" and thereby depreciate your coach.

This is all conjecture, since we have very skimpy info on the area in question and it's overall shape and appearance, lights, a/c, etc. Can the OP post a few pics with some indication of area that has pulled free?

[62Morgan]

Here is a visual of what I mentioned above.

The first is a padded accent with a minimal frame surrounding.

Second is a frame trim only.

For an applied frame only repair:
The separated foam portions could be concealed after they are infilled with new foam. The original fabric stretched taught and re-glued [yes, it can be done, contrary to the earlier post]. The applied trim then "covers" over to detract the eye from seeing any waves in the overall ceiling surface. It allows peeks of the oem fabric to show through the framework and appear as if designed that way originally from the coach-builder.

Third is an infinity mirror treatment of approx. two inches depth. A real high dollar overkill on a conservative coach. But, you get the idea of the mirror.